About us
MEETUP GROUP RULES
1. Be Kind and Courteous
2. No Organizing Trips Outside AMC.
3. No Promotions, Spam, or Politics.
The Potomac Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) was established in 1984. It is the southernmost of the 11 regional AMC chapters and has 3,000 members that live mainly in Maryland, northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, as well as eastern West Virginia.
Chapter activities include day-hiking, backpacking, paddling, biking, and social get-togethers. In addition, the Chapter organizes various conservation initiatives and workdays, engages in non-partisan conservation activism, and offers education and leadership opportunities.
Beginner or expert, the AMC Potomac Chapter has something for everyone. With activities that include hiking, biking, paddling, backpacking, and more. We're sure you will find something you love. Beyond just the trips, training, and conservation advocacy, we are a group that encourages community and camaraderie among its members.
Open and welcoming to anyone with an interest in the outdoors, we hope that the shared knowledge and experiences between all of us will help you to grow within the outdoor community and create connections and friendships for a lifetime.
You can find more information about the Potomac Chapter or AMC.
WHAT SETS US APART THE OTHER MEETUP GROUPS?
• Trained volunteer leaders means our trips are well organized, safe, AND fun!
• Activities are open to anyone, no membership dues are required - but your support is appreciated!
• Your support helps us continue to protect more than 100,000 acres of land and 2,000 miles of trails under the care of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
While our Meetup showcases some of the best activities provided by the Chapter, they don't all make it to this page! If you would like to see the full assortment of upcoming activities offered by the AMC Potomac Chapter, please click here. Also consider following us on Facebook.
Let's get outdoors!!!
Upcoming events
2
Backpack Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Jennerstown, main st, PA, USThis is a vigorous three-night backpacking trip covering 25 miles and 2500 ft of elevation gain along the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a major segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Southwest Pennsylvania. Having begun hiking the trail two years ago, this trip will cover the final north segment between miles 46 and 70. The first two days will traverse the Laurel Mountain Ridge featuring many small ups and downs at elevations between 2300 and 2900 ft. The last day will conclude with a steep descent down to the Conemaugh River, just north of Johnstown, Penna. The route, chosen by trail designers to highlight the many magnificent natural features, takes us through a semi-wilderness hardwood forest, including hemlock groves, thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron, and numerous mountain stream valleys.
With 11 miles to cover on Friday, the first full day of hiking, we’ll meet the night before. After staging vehicles at the finishing location in Seward, we begin Thursday evening by hiking less than a mile to the Rt 30 shelter camping area. The next day will be long, tackling a series of small elevation changes along the ridge, cumulatively gaining about 1400 ft, and finishing at the Rt 271 shelter. Saturday’s hike will be 8 miles to the Rt 56 shelter area, cumulatively gaining only 700 ft. The trip concludes Sunday morning, hiking 5 miles along the edge of the Conemaugh river escarpment, until dropping 1200 ft to the north trailhead.
Three nights of camping along the trail will be at designated overnight areas, equipped with Adirondack-style three-sided log shelters, tent spaces, hand-pumped water, pit toilets, bear poles and fire rings. Previous participants have slept in the shelters since level terrain for a tent is hard to find, obviating the need to pack a tent. Night-time temperatures will dip into the low 40’s, but be prepared for temperatures closer to freezing.
The trip is point-to-point, requiring shuttle between Seward and Route 30. Arrangements for car-pooling from the DC region can be made. All participants will sign a liability waiver before hiking. No dogs on this trip.
To sign-up and receive additional details, please complete the registration form on the AMC website, or send email to the leader, jiclyman@verizon.net
2 attendees
Past events
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