About us
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
5
SNP Elkwallow & Traces 5.6 Mi 750 Ft Moderate Hike
Location not specified yetLet’s enjoy a shady “through the woods” hike in the north district of Shenandoah National Park! This 5.6 mile moderate to moderately strenuous loop hike with about 750 ft of elevation gain utilizes the Elkwallow and Traces trails. We typically hike about 2 mph when moving; however, we leave no one behind and strive to maintain a pace that is comfortable to all.
Optional Rehydration: Join us for a byob picnic lunch and/or purchase something from the Wayside after the hike. Wayside Menu (subject to change): https://www.goshenandoah.com/dining/food-groceries/elkwallow-menu
Hike Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/elkwallow-traces-5-6-750-lollipop-31ff003
Time to Meet: Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.
RSVP: If your plans change, please edit your RSVP 24-48 hrs before the hike if possible to open a spot for another hiker. This request applies to hikers on the Waitlist as well.
Meeting Location/Parking: Elkwallow Wayside parking area, milepost 24 on Skyline Drive. We will meet near the restrooms. NOTE: Follow signs to the Wayside. Do not go to the Picnic Area, which Is a different place.
Facilities: Restrooms are located between parking and the Wayside building.
Park Admission: Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.**
Hike Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates the evening before the hike.**
What to Bring: Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid kit. Trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear.
Please leave pets at home. Thanks!
Notes:
- RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.
- To find out more about PATC, click here.
- Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.
Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
12 attendees
Past events
341
Group links
Members
2,820
