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
Patapsco, Avalon Area: 6.5 Mile Hike with an Option for 3.5 More
Patapsco Avalon Parking, 6200 River Rd, elkridge, MD, USPatapsco, Avalon Area: 6.5 Mile Hike with an Option for 3.5 More
Patapsco Valley State Park, located in Maryland, is an expansive natural sanctuary stretching along 32 miles of the Patapsco River. Encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas, this park stands as a testament to the region’s rich ecological diversity and historical significance. The park’s lush forests, winding streams, and remnants of the past converge to create a unique outdoor experience for visitors.
Renowned nationwide for its scenic beauty and extensive trail network, Patapsco Valley State Park offers over 200 miles of trails, with 70 miles designated as maintained. These trails cater to a variety of users, including hiker-only paths and multi-use routes accessible from many areas throughout the park.
This specific hike explores a small yet remarkable section of Patapsco Valley State Park, covering approximately 10 miles of its trails. The journey begins at the Avalon Area Parking Lot, guiding hikers through a diverse selection of trails: Ridge, Captain John Smith, Rock Burn Branch, Nacho, Morning Choice, and Water Bar. The initial segment of the hike spans 6.5 miles, offering a variety of terrains and scenic vistas. There are three significant, but not difficult stream crossings. If you usually use poles for stream crossings, please bring them along.
After completing the first 6.5-mile stretch, hikers have the opportunity to pause for lunch—be sure to bring your own provisions.
For those seeking additional exploration, an optional 3.5-mile extension is available. This segment traverses the Ridge and Valley View trails, presenting further opportunities to experience the park’s natural beauty.
The 6.5 mile hike will end around 1:00 PM. The 10 mile hike will end around 3:00 PM
Please note that you must sign up by 9:00 on August 6, the night before the hike.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 AM for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.22718,-76.72452 .
The Street address to the park entrance is 5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227. After turning into the park, proceed to the end of the road (about 1/2 mile) and turn left over the bridge. Follow the road just to the bend and you will see the parking lot on your right.
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 Leader is Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.
Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of challenging
Distance: 6.5 or 10 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 ft (6.5 miles) 971 ft (10 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Fees: $3 in state, $5 out of state. Free if you have a Maryland Parks State Pass.
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
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.
-To become a PATC member, click here.16 attendees
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
Past events
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