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 (4+)
See all- American Chestnut: Raft, Parkers Creek Loop, & Bay Overlook, a 8 Mile HikeAmerican Chestnut Land Trust, Prince Frederick, MD
American Chestnut: Raft, Parkers Creek Loop, and Bay Overlook, a Moderate 8 Mile Hike
Nestled in the heart of Southern Maryland, the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) stands as a testament to both the enduring beauty of the region’s wild spaces and the resilience of a conservation movement born from tragedy. Named in honor of the once-mighty American Chestnut tree—a species decimated by the Chestnut Blight introduced at the dawn of the twentieth century—ACLT’s story weaves together natural history, ecological stewardship, and the invigorating experience of hiking through the land it so carefully protects. ACLT once had Maryland's Champion tree, but it fell during a hurricane. Today, the ACLT plants hybrid American Chestnut trees trying to bring these trees back to the park.
The American Chestnut Land Trust is more than a memorial to a vanished tree. It is a vibrant, member-supported non-profit whose mission is to preserve the natural lands, waterways, and habitats of the Parker Creek and Governors Run watersheds. Through community engagement, scientific stewardship, and a tireless commitment to access, ACLT safeguards approximately 3,800 acres of diverse landscapes.
Our journey begins at the main trailhead, where we descend the Horse Swamp Trail to the Bay Overlook, then hike back to descend the Double Oak Trail. This section is a favorite among hikers for its ancient, spreading oaks. At Parkers Creek, the trail comes to a curious and delightful crossing: a floating raft, tethered with ropes, carrying hikers across the gentle waters of Parker Creek. Once across, we have lunch along a beaver dam then double back making our way to the final segment, the Turkey Trail, which winds back to the trailhead through groves of sweetgum and holly.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.546005, -76.526887Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim; 202.744.0289 and Christa; 410.610.6254 . Call or text as needed.
Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 815 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable 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.
-A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here. - Catoctin Mountain Circuit Hike (8.4 miles)Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD
- Rating: Moderately Difficult
- Pace: 2.00 - 2.5 mph
- Length: 8.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
- “Feels Like”: 10.4 miles
- Estimated hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
- Optional Route: 5.9 miles, 1500 ft elevation gain
- Maximum Group Size: 10 hikers
Join us for a vigorous 8.4 mile hike in Catoctin National Park. We will start at the visitor center and circumnavigate the park in a counterclockwise direction. There will be an optional shortcut to make this a 5.9 mile hike for those who wish to make it a shorter day.
There are several nice viewpoints along the way, including Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Vista, and the Blue Ridge Summit Vista (long version only). There is also an option near the end of the longer version for a diversion to see Cunningham Falls. Two climbs, one of them up to Chimney Rock and the other up to the Blue Ridge Summit, add some challenge to the hike.
Notes
- When you RSVP, you are taking one of the slots. It is understood that plans change and people’s tolerance to weather differs, so if you aren’t going to be able to attend, please update your RSVP as early as possible.
- If you have no-showed on a previous hike, you may be moved to the Waitlist until the end, allowing others to join first.
- The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead.
- Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions.
- 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.
- Although the park allows dogs, we do not allow them on our hikes due to potential impacts on wildlife and because some people are uncomfortable around them.
- Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit https://www.patc.net/
Hike Route & Info
- We will start out on the Chimney Rock Visitor Center Trail. After about 1.5 miles following the creek, we will turn uphill for the climb to Chimney Rock.
- We'll stop at Chimney Rock to enjoy the view and then proceed toward Wolf Rock and Thurmont Vista.
- After passing Thurmont Vista, at approximately the 4.9 mile mark, there will be an option to return to the Visitor Center via a 1-mile route for a total hike of 5.9 miles.
- Those wishing to hike the complete circuit will continue up to the Blue Ridge Summit Vista and then Hog Rock
- About a mile before getting back to the Visitor Center, there is an option to cross MD Route 77 and walk about 1/4 mile to Cunningham Falls.
- Make sure to pack a lunch to enjoy on the trail!
- Make sure to carry plenty of water. 3 liters is recommended as there is no water available along the trail.
Meeting Times, Location & Parking
- Meeting Location: Catoctin Park Visitor Center Trail Head, GPS 39.63369, -77.44926
- There are two parking areas adjacent to the Visitor Center, one of which is across the Park Central Road.
- Restrooms are available in the visitor center. There is also a water fountain but please bring water for the hike with you.
- 10:30am, meet everyone & sign the PATC waiver. Please be punctual as my hikes begin on time.
- Difficult Run & Great Falls, Virginia: A Hiking Adventure of 5 Moderate MilesGreat Falls National Park, Great Falls, VA
Difficult Run & Great Falls, Virginia: A Scenic Hiking Adventure of 5 Moderate Miles
Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, this hike combines Difficult Run and Great Falls and is a vibrant tapestry of rugged terrain, wonderful river views, and serene woodland paths. This adventure weaves together the best of the region’s natural wonders—rolling hills, dramatic waterfalls, and rocky cliffs. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking a memorable outing, this hike promises to captivate with its variety and beauty.
This particular hike centers on the Old Carriage Road and the Swamp, Ridge, and Difficult Run Trails. It includes a couple of steep hills and a detour downhill to the "beach" at the mouth of Difficult Run--and back up the hill. The final two miles are on the more difficult River Trail, which has short, steep hills; steps; slick rocks; rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks that provide spectacular views of the river flowing through Mather Gorge. The experience is anything but monotonous, showcasing a diverse sequence of environments: lush wetlands, challenging inclines, tranquil woods, and the drama of the Potomac River plunging through Mather Gorge.
If you like, bring a lunch or snack to enjoy at the conclusion of the hike.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.997799, -77.255448The street address to the park entrance is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102.
We will meet by the restrooms below the visitors center.
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: 5
Elevation Gain: Approximately 490 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead at the visitors center
Fees: $20. Free if you have a National Parks PassCancellation: 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:
-A well-trained Fido is welcome on the hike, but must be on a leash.
-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.
