PATC Hikes & Events

Patapsco Valley State Park: Woodstock Driver and River Hike: 6 or 9.5 miles

This hike is in the Patapsco Valley State Park- McKeldin Area, at Woodstock MD. The town of Woodstock was founded as a mining town based around its Granite quarries. The B&O railroad ran through the area with a station built in 1835 for granite deliveries. Woodstock was also an important stop for fuel, when steam locomotives were powered by wood (hence the name Woodstock). Our hike today is in two parts. The first part of this hike (6 miles) has it a lot to take in – It starts off passing by massive boulders before moving into rich forest land with hills, valleys and streams. These create splendid views of the terrain, the Patapsco river and the railroad. Along the way we will pass old stone house foundations and two really old cars, rust and all, that form an interesting "sculpture." The hike then enters meadows and grasslands and passes by a picturesque old barn that harkens back to an earlier time. The second part of the hike, 3.5 miles, takes us along the Patapsco river and up into wooded hills. The trail offers great views of the Patapsco river. Together, the hikes are considered as moderate.

There are a few stream crossings so poles are helpful, but not essential. Some areas can be muddy after rain, so you should wear appropriate boots.

Bring a snack or lunch which we will enjoy after the first hike.

The 6 mile option will finish by around 1:00.
The 9.5 mile option will finish around 3:00.

Directions to Trailhead:
The parking lot is ACROSS THE STREET from The Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Rd · Woodstock, MD. Park in Designated Parking Spots Only Because Some Parking Spaces are Reserved for the Inn and Towing IS Enforced.
The GPS coordinates are 39.331021, -76.870569

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 9.5 miles (6 miles for the first part, 3.5 for the second)
Elevation Gain: 859 feet (577 and 282 feet respectively)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour

Facilities:
There are no toilets 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.

Prince William Forest, A 9.75 Mile Moderate Hike

Nestled in the rolling woodlands of northern Virginia, Prince William Forest Park offers a trove of winding trails, hidden streams, and quiet moments beneath the towering canopy. For those seeking a hike that captures both the tranquility and the diversity of terrain, this hike is a wonderful adventure.

The hike begins at Turkey Run Ridge Campground and follows the High Meadows Trail, with its gentle terrain and sweeping views of meadows. The hike then connects with the South Valley Trail, which plunges into denser woodland, where the foliage thickens with oaks, maples, and beeches. The next segment, Oak Ridge Trail, shifts the scenery to broad trunks, knotted with age, and a forest floor surrounded by oaks. The final leg takes us down the Old Blacktop Trail, a pathway that once served as a main thoroughfare for park access, surfaced with a blend of packed earth and remnants of old pavement. Overall, the hikes are over moderate, sometimes steep hills and valleys with beautiful views.

Please note: There is limited reception in many areas of the park, including the trailhead. You may not be able to reach the hike leaders as it nears hike time.

Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.58261, -77.37392

The Street address is 5475 Turkey Run Rd, Triangle, VA 22172. There are 3 miles from the park entrance to where we meet.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim; 202-744-0289 and Christa: 410-610-6254. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 9.75 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 830 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: $20.00 entrance fee, or free with National Park Pass.

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.

We will hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1000’. The pace for this hike is suitable for beginners and families, at 1.4-1.9 mph, with slower options available as needed.
The hike is referred to as a lollipop. We will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and hike to the Boston Mill Road Trail. We will take the North Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then the Ambassador White House Trail. We will return on the North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING: Physical Address: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144
The park is less than two miles south of Paris, VA via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park’s main entrance is on Rt. 710/Edmonds Lane.
Park in the lot at the visitor center.
Sue's vehicle is a white Toyota Corolla.

RESTROOM: Onsite at the visitor center.

THINGS TO BRING:
You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park.
Dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather. Bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and pack extra socks.