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
15
Prince William Forest Loop (11 miles)
Location not specified yetPrince William Forest is a 15,000 acre National Park located in Prince William County, Va. about 30 miles south of DC. The park is mostly mature hardwood forest and is traversed by several streams and a number of hiking trails. This hike will be an 11-mile loop with an option to take an easily navigated shortcut to make it 8 miles for those wishing to make it a shorter day. There are some hills, but the difficulty rating is mainly due to the distance. Much of the hike will be on level trails along two branches of Quantico Creek, affording nice scenery with beautiful fall colors and generally easy walking.
- Rating: Moderately Difficult
- Pace: 2.25 - 2.5 mph
- Length: 11.1 miles (8.3 miles with shortcut)
- Elevation Gain: 1,074 ft
- Estimated hiking time: 5 hours
- Maximum Group Size: 10 hikers
Hike Route & Info
This hike will start at the parking area adjacent to the Prince William Forest Visitor Center. We will walk past the Pine Grove picnic area, enter the trail, and descend to Quantico Creek. We will follow the creek upstream along the North Valley trail until it passes over a small cascade. We will then cross a ridge using several trails to get over to the South Fork of Quantico Creek and then follow it downstream most of the way back to the visitor center. Trails are well-marked, and all of the stream crossings have footbridges. Although much of the hike will be on easy trails there are a few rocky and/or steep sections. You should bring good hiking shoes and trekking poles if you use them.Normally, there is plenty of parking, water, and bathrooms available at the visitor center. However, if the government shutdown is still in effect on the day of the hike, assume that no water or bathrooms will be available in the park. In that case, please use facilities outside the park before arriving, and plan to bring your own water. I recommend bringing at least 2 liters of water and preferably 3, since we will be on the trail for 5 hours.
Make sure to pack a lunch to enjoy on the trail!
Meeting Point:
I recommend using the GPS coordinates below with Google Maps or another mapping application to get to the meeting point.- Meet at: Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center, parking area
- Address: 18170 Park Entrance Road, Triangle, VA 22172
- GPS Coordinates: 38.55939, -77.34760
Meeting Time:
Plan to arrive at 9:45 so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike by walking to the trail head in the Pine Grove picnic area. We will begin walking at 10:00 AM. Please be punctual as my hikes begin on time.Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Peter; 703-999-9435. Call or text as needed.Hike Route-> https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.6/-77.3742/38.5742&pubLink=OM6IwM8CLguKPd853pVQrmy4&routeId=5cd29f27-dc5c-4b67-a84e-e62e0d1e5a2a
Other Notes
- This hike will take place in Prince William Forest National Park. Standard NP entry fees apply.
- 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. We will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions, heavy rain, or if the park is closed.
- 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.
- 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/
13 attendees
Ski Touring Section Ski Fair
PATC Headquarters, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA, USKick off ski season with PATC's Ski Touring Club at PATC Headquarters on Nov. 1st.
- Sign up for the many trips far and near for the coming season. Trip leaders will be there to answer any questions and recommend trips.
- Meet old friends and make new ones.
- Bring your unwanted equipment and gear to swap and shop for items you need.
- Meet the new club officers.
- Renew your membership.
- Enjoy refreshments and bring something fun to share.
- See slides of past trips and club activities.
email Dick Simmons with any questions: dsimmons72@msn.com
15 attendees
Jug Bay Wetlands: A 7.5 Moderate Mile Hike
Jug Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD, USJug Bay Wetlands: A 7.5 Moderate Mile Hike
Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary, located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is a remarkable natural area situated approximately 20 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and 18 miles south of Annapolis. This sanctuary encompasses a unique blend of marshlands, tidal shrublands, swamp forests, and upland woods, making it a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike.
The heart of Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary lies in its expansive marshes along the Patuxent River. These marshes come alive during the summer and fall, attracting a stunning variety of wildlife. The rich wetland habitats provide essential food and shelter for waterfowl and serve as a critical stopover for migratory birds. Birdwatchers can delight in observing rails, elegant egrets and others.
Our 7.5-mile hike will take us across woodland trails, over gentle slopes, along and over marshes, visiting wildlife blinds on boardwalks; We will hike along the Patuxent River and take in great views from a bluff. The trails also take us over meadows and fields of the River Farm.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.78509, -76.70172The Street address to the park is 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD 20711. We meet at the visitors center.
Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Bathroom at Visitor Center; portable bathroom about 3 miles into the hike.Fees:
$6.00 per car (Ann Arundel County); free for active militaryCancellation:
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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