About us
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
14
Billy Goat A, B and C, a Challenging 10.5 Mile Hike
Great Falls MD Parking Lot, 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD, USBilly Goat A, B and C, a Challenging 10.5 Mile Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike all three sections.
Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the trail. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle.
Section B offers a transition between the intensity of Section A and the ease of Section C. It is currently a favorite for those who want a river experience without the vertical intensity of the northern section. The trail winds through silver maple forests and across small rocky beaches. It feels more secluded and offers several spots to sit by the water's edge.
Section C is ideal for birdwatchers and hikers looking for a scenic but low-impact outing. This section is heavily forested and features several vernal pools (seasonal ponds) that are home to rare plants and amphibians. It is the least technical of the three sections. It offers excellent views of the Potomac River through the trees and access to several sandy floodplains.
This is a challenging hike due primarily to the A section. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling.
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot.
NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 10.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National ParksCancellation:
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:
- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.
-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
Leisurely Paced Hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 mi, 1000’ elevation gain
Location not specified yetWe 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. Parts of the trail are rocky and uphill; we will stop often.
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, bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and pack extra socks.Hiking Guides:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdfNotes:
- Participants are required to sign a PATC HIKE SIGNUP SHEET AND LIABILITY form.
- RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.
- To find out more about PATC, click here.
- Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.
Please check the night before for any updates. A hike will be cancelled due to weather conditions and Virginia Department of Transportation travel alerts.
Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!
14 attendees
Trillium Wildflowers 5.5 Mi 1000 Ft Moderate Hike
Location not specified yetWalk among the largest stand of large-flowered trillium in Virginia at GR Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Linden, VA. These iconic woodland wildflowers are identified by three large petals, which start white and deepen to rose as they age. A great many other spring ephemerals growing in this area promise to delight both expert and beginner naturalists. On this 5.5 mile hike we will gain about 1000 ft of elevation, and we will hike about 2.0 mph when moving. Photos encouraged!
Hike Route: Trillium 5.5/1000 (UpperTedLake) on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/trillium-5-5-1000-uppertedlake-92262bfTime to Meet: Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.
RSVP: RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, please edit your RSVP 24-48 hours before the hike to open a spot for another hiker. This request also applies to hikers on the Waitlist. RSVPs close at 6 PM the evening before the hike.
Meeting Location/Parking: 3750 Freezeland Road, Linden, VA. Room for 10-12 cars. Carpooling strongly recommended. If we should fill available parking, we will shuttle hikers from a small park (a minute or two away).
GPS 38.93950, -78.03943
Group Size: 20 hikers
Facilities: Privy at Manassas Gap shelter, a mile or so into the hike.
Access Fee: Hike leader will secure WMA group access permit and pay daily access fee for hikers. For this reason, NO SHOWS and last minite RSVP updates are discouraged.
Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa P.
Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates before leaving for the hike.
What to Bring: Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid kit. Trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear.
Please leave pets at home. Thanks!
PATC:
- To find out more about PATC, click here.
- Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here
Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
20 attendees
Past events
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