What we’re about
PATC hikes are an opportunity to understand the club and its important trail maintenance work. You do not need to be a PATC member to hike with us, but we hope you will consider joining after getting to know us. Come join us on the trails!
(PATC hikes are conducted by trained hike leaders. The hikes offer various levels of difficulty and distance).
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ABOUT PATC
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 100% Volunteer-Supported 501c3 non-profit formed in 1927 for the purpose of building and maintaining the Appalachian Trail (AT), a 2190-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia, the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
We are the Trail Guardians for over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia & Virginia, including 240 miles of AT. Our territory begins in Central Pennsylvania at Pine Grove Furnace, continues thru Maryland & West Virginia to Harpers Ferry and extends into the mid-point of Virginia, including the Shenandoah National Park. In addition, we maintain other regional trails, for a total of over 1,000 miles of trails, thousands of acres of land and more than 80 shelters and cabins.
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ABOUT THE HIKE PROGRAM
The first stated purpose of PATC is "to support and encourage the ... proper recreational use of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and other trails". This is done partly through the sponsorship of hikes on trails in PATC's area and on other trails.
The club has a wide-ranging hiking program which includes local area hikes and excursions into other geographical areas. Hikes can range from short, close-in day hikes to extended excursions. Hikes can be for physical conditioning, social interaction, nature walks, history lessons, to reach a viewpoint, or any of a number of purposes. The club encourages a wide variety of hikes, and provides training and support to hike leaders.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Jug Bay Natural Area! A Moderate 7.5 Mile HikeJug Bay Natural Area visitors lot, Upper Marlboro, MD
Jug Bay Natural Area in Patuxent River Park! Your Choice of a 7.5 Moderate Mile Hike
The marshes of Jug Bay draw visitors to this Natural Area in all seasons. The marshes provide food for waterfowl, and are a haven for numerous birds, including ospreys. The Jug Bay Natural Area is adjacent to one of the most extensive freshwater tidal wetlands on the East Coast.
This hike follows a boardwalk through the wetlands, which leads to an observation platform over the Patuxent River. The hike continues through the woods on rolling hills, overlooking small streambeds.
We will stop at an overlook for snacks.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.77345, -76.71103The Street address to the park entrance is 1600 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. After turning into the park, proceed 1.5 miles to the visitor’s center parking lot, where we will meet.
Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa: 410.610.6254. Call or text as needed.Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Configuration: Loop
Trail Surface: Mostly dirt; short board walk
Elevation Gain: 270 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.3 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found at the trailhead
Fees: No entrance feesCancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to 9 pm the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.Weather:
The weather for this area can be found here.Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa: 410.610.6254. Call or text as needed.
