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).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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- Rock Creek Western Ridge, Northern Section; 7.3 or 10.2 MilesRock Creek Park Nature Center, Washington, DC
Rock Creek Western Ridge, Northern Section; 7.3 or 10.2 Miles
Enjoy this 7.3-mile loop trail in Rock Creek Park, with an option for 2.9 additional. This hike meanders through gentle hills, historic sites, and lush scenery, making it an ideal outing for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. The hike is generally considered a moderate one and takes an average of 3.5 hours to complete the first part and a total of 5 hours for the longer hike. We will pass by the Milkhouse Ford, the site of a civil war fort, Fort DeRussy, and the cabin of the “Poet of Rock Creek," Joaquin Miller. We also pass by a large community urban garden. There is a fun little stream crossing, so feel free to bring a pole if you wish. So long as we don't get a heavy rain, the stream should be crossable. At the end of the first hike, we will have snack or lunch (bring your own), and for those who wish, we will continue for 2.9 miles more. The hike follows the Western Ridge trail south before traveling through a picturesque downhill to Rock Creek, then follows the creek for a while before heading back up to the trailhead.
Fido is welcome but must be on a leash.
The 7.3 mile hike should end around 12:30. The 10.2 mile hike should end around 2:00
Please note: You must register by 9:00 PM the night before the hike. We also ask that if you sign up and decide not to attend, please sign out. We often have a waiting list and signing out allows others to sign in.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 8:45 AM for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00Directions to Trailhead:
We meet at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015.
The GPS coordinates are 38.96062, -77.05157Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader are Tim; 202-744-0289 and Christa; 410.610.6254. Call or text as needed.Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.3 or 10.2 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 ft (7.3 miles), or 1,000 ft (10.2 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance feesCancellation:
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.
