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 Valley State Park: Woodstock Driver and River Hike: 6 or 9.5 miles
1415 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163, Woodstock, MD, USPatapsco 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.
Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.
Maximum number of hikers: 12
Notes:
Sign up ends at 9:00 PM the night 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.15 attendees
Riverbend Park/Great Falls Moderate Hike, 5 miles
Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA, USRiverbend Park is a lush Fairfax County Park located along the Potomac River just north of Great Falls National Park. Entry is free. We will be hiking a loop that primarily covers the Potomac River Heritage Trail, briefly enters Great Falls on the Mine Run Trail, and circles back to the river on the Bootlegger trail.
Hikers must register individually and must read the entire event description.
WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:
Meet at the Riverbend Park map at the top of the boat ramp near the Riverbend Park Visitors Center on Potomac Hills Street - NOT at the Nature Center. See map and GPS coordinates below. Please arrive at the meeting spot no later than 10:45AM for a hike brief, and we will start hiking at 11:00AM.
TRAIL MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/420948589
DOWNLOAD GPX FILE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I8vpkWPQfrIlLbUnV6gfJNs6feN_7eS4/view?usp=drive_link
HOW TO USE GPX: https://gpxadventures.com/tutorials/electronic-devices/what-is-a-gpx-file/
CELL PHONE COVERAGE:
Spotty. Check your route ahead of time and don't depend on your phone for directions!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This will be a moderate, 5-mile hike with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. Our approximate speed will be 2.5mph and the hike is expected to last 2-2.5 hours. Some parts of the trail are single-track, and the trail condition varies between smooth dirt, rocks and roots, leaf-covered forest trail, and grassland, and all may be under snow depending on the weather. The hike leader will provide a printed map and a liability waiver at the meeting site.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- At least 16 oz of water. Hikers without water may not join the hike.
- Supportive weather-appropriate shoes with ankle support and tread. Hiking boots or weatherproof trail runners preferred. We will be hiking through piles of leaves and acorns which may or may not be frozen or snowy, so traction is an issue and the hike will be much easier if you have some grip.
- Weather-appropriate clothing. Layers encouraged. If there's any chance of rain/snow, bring gear for that (e.g. jacket, gaiters for shoes). Choose synthetic fibers, not cotton!
- Food, other items to meet your needs: Always better to have a granola bar than to hike hungry!
- Trekking poles: Optional but encouraged.
KIDDOS AND DOGS: Contact the hike leaders in advance if you plan to bring a kiddo or a leashed doggo.
WEATHER: Cancellations for weather will be announced by Thursday December 11 at 3:00PM.
INCLUSIVITY: All folks are welcome on this hike, regardless of age, ancestry, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Those with disabilities are welcome as long as they can physically complete the hike at the posted speed without assistance from the leaders. This trail is not wheelchair accessible and will be difficult for those with crutches.
MORE ABOUT PATC: To find out more about PATC, click here. To join, click here. (Membership not required for hike participation)10 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
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.15 attendees
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