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
9
Cedarville State Forest: An Easy Side of Strenuous 13 Miles
Cedarville State Forest, 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD, USCedarville State Forest: An Easy Side of Strenuous 13 Miles
NOTICE: This is a rescheduled event from December 14. Those who were on the "Going" list for this hike will be given priority for this rescheduled hike. If you end up on the waitlist, we will move you to the "going" list, so long as you signed up by Tuesday, December 16.
Cedarville State Forest encompasses the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, an extensive wetland which measures approximately one mile in width and extends southward for twenty miles through Charles County before ultimately discharging into the Wicomico River. This swamp is both a prominent hydrological feature and a critical habitat for regional wildlife. The preserved bottomland forests within the swamp support a wide array of species, thereby enhancing the ecological value of the area. Also notable for its biodiversity, Cedarville State Forest is home to several remarkable insectivorous plant species.
The Piscataway Indian Tribe historically selected this region as a winter encampment site, owing to the temperate climate and the plentiful game. Local tradition suggests the existence of an Indian Burial ground within Cedarville State Forest.
Nevertheless, the swamp has largely retained its wooded bottomland composition. In recognition of the site’s enduring ecological and educational importance, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Park, and Wildlife Service acquired 2,631 acres of land in 1930 to establish a forest demonstration area which shows the effect of clear cutting, replanting, thinning and prescribed burns. The Civilian Conservation Corps under Franklin D. Roosevelt developed roads and trails for fire protection and future use of the Park. There are 19 miles of hiking trails, and we will visit 13 miles on our hike.
The hike will end about 4:00. Please bring lunch and/or a snack.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00.
Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254 and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.647050, -76.830289
The Street address to the park is 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.
Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance:13 miles
Elevation gain: 550 ft
Pace: 2.0-2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable toilet at trailhead
Fees:
Maryland residents $3/vehicle; out-of-state residents $5/vehicle. Bring correct change; no credit cards.
Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
Weather:
The weather for this location 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.11 attendees
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: A Moderate 5.1 Mile Hike
Scott's Run, 800 Swinks Mill Road, McLean, VA, USScott’s Run Nature Preserve: A Moderate 5.1 Mile Hike
Let's find out what's new, what's growing, and what's flowing at the Preserve on Christmas eve. Expect to explore the Potomac shoreline; rocky cliffs and a beautiful view of Scott’s Run Waterfall which feeds into the Potomac River. We hopefully will see hawks and eagles, and other birds. The trails are mostly packed dirt. Some hills. May encounter muddy trails and preening ducks.
Note: There are several stream crossings, most with concrete stepping stones.
Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a little piece of wilderness saved from urban sprawl. Edward D. Burling, a founding partner of Covington & Burling law firm, once owned well over a 100-acre portion of the land that makes up present-day Scott's Run nature preserve. It avoided development in the 1970's and was renamed the Dranesville District Park. Today it is known as the Scott's Run Nature Preserve.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead:
We will meet in the larger of the two parking lots.
The GPS Coordinates are 38.959512, -77.205148
Please read this carefully…..The larger parking lot is on Georgetown Pike about 1 mile outside of the beltway. The best street address to use is 808 Swinks Mill Road, McLean VA. THIS ADDRESS IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCOTT’S RUN PARKING LOT.
Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leader is Tim; 202-744-0289.
Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 584 Feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on this hike
Fees: No entrance fees
Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
Weather:
The weather for this location 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.15 attendees
Blockhouse: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MD
Blockhouse Point Park, 14750 MD-190, Potomac, MD, USBlockhouse: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MD
This hike is in the Blockhouse Point Conservation Park, one of the Best Natural Areas within the Montgomery County Park system. Natural features include mature upland forest, floodplain forest, palustrine wetlands, streams, river-rock outcrops, at least nine species of threatened, endangered, or watchlist plants, a diversity of wildlife and grand views of the Potomac River and C&O Canal. The park covers an area that was once used as a wartime transportation system for supplies, but never saw action.
The hike passes through woodland area down to the C&O Towpath. Along the towpath we may see turtles and Blue Herons as well as enjoy great views of the Potomac River. We will also pass by Violet’s and Pennyfield Locks. We will then climb back into the woodlands for some wonderful views of the Potomac River. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy at the Blockhouse Overlook.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead: The address is 14750 MD-190 · Potomac, MD, which is 6.5 miles north out of Potomac Village, Maryland on River Road
GPS Coordinates: 39.066198, -77.304711
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: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable bathrooms about one mile into the hike
Fees: No entrance fees
Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
Weather: The weather for this location 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.2 attendees
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