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- Lake Needwood and Lake Frank a Moderate 5.5 0r 9 Mile HikeLake Frank, Rockville, MD
Lake Frank and Lake Needwood, a Moderate 6 0r 9 Mile Hike
Nestled in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland, Rock Creek Regional Park offers natural tranquility and outdoor recreation. Covering an impressive 1,800 acres, this park is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, hikers, families, and all who seek respite from the bustle of urban life. With its sprawling woodlands, shimmering lakes, and a bounty of activities, the park offers an idyllic escape in every season.
At the core of Rock Creek Regional Park’s appeal is its rich and varied landscape. The park’s expanse is punctuated by two beloved bodies of water: the 75-acre Lake Needwood and the 55-acre Lake Frank. These lakes, with their calm surfaces and lush surroundings, provide both scenic vistas and a hub for aquatic activities.
The park’s dense woodlands are crisscrossed by miles of trails—winding routes that meander along lake shores, through forests, and across open meadows. The diversity of the landscape ensures that every visit feels fresh, whether you’re seeking the cool shade of ancient trees or the sparkle of sunlight glancing off the water.
The trail for our hike begins at the Lake Frank parking lot and goes first to Lake Needwood. The path leading to Lake Needwood is mostly paved and traverses through the woods surrounding the lake. The path around Lake Needwood is unpaved, natural surface. The returning path to Lake Frank is mostly paved. The trail around Lake Frank is mostly unpaved, natural surface.
At the approximate half-way point of the trail, there is a small creek to cross using a group of rocks that form a bridge-like path across. After heavy rains, we may prefer an extra mile bypassing this crossing.
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 address is Avery Rd Trail Access Parking Lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.10477, -77.12071 .
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.
Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6 or 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 250 feet (5.2 mile) or 500 (9 mile)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hourFacilities: There are portable toilets near Lake Needwood, about 2 miles into the 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.
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.Maximum number of hikers: 12
