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- Sugarloaf Mountain: A Moderate-Side-of-Strenuous 6 Mile HikeSugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot, Dickerson, MD
Sugarloaf Mountain: A Moderate-Side-of-Strenuous 6 Mile Hike
Sugarloaf Mountain, a distinctive monadnock, is managed as both a nature preserve and public recreation area. It looms 800 feet above rolling farmlands about 30 miles northwest of Washington. For hikers, the 3,300-acre property offers good trails, a lung-and-muscle workout, and a great natural setting. At its best, it’s wildflower pretty in spring, green-bower scenic in summer, and turning-leaf colorful in autumn.
The tough climb along the summit trails is well worth it due to the spectacular view to the west. We will be hiking the red and green summit trails, which are STEEP, and taking the blue trail to the White Rocks Overlook where we will have lunch. Please make sure that you are up to completing a "moderate-side-of-strenuous" level hike.
Meet at 9:45 to start hiking promptly at 10:00.
Directions to the Trailhead
GPS Coordinates: 39.26226, -77.39679
We meet at the West View Parking Lot
The address for Sugarloaf Mtn is:
7901 Comus Rd
Dickerson, MD 20842
You drive about 10 min up the mountain to West View Parking which is about .5 miles after East View ParkingContact 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 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Trail Surface: hard-packed dirt, rocks and roots.
Pace: 2.0 miles per hourFacilities: Portable toilets are located at the trailhead
Fees: The Park is asking for a donation of $5.00.
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: 20
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. - National Trails Day Dickey Hill Loop HikeNeeds location
*Please meet at the PATC tent
Come enjoy National Trails Day by going on a 5-mile hike through the Dickey Ridge Area of northern Shenandoah NP. A hike leader from PATC's Blue Ridge Chapter will lead a group on this moderate hike, which may take 2.5-3 hours to complete.
The Sneed Farm Loop and Fox Hollow trails will include the Fox family cemetery, Sneed family barn, and ascending Dickey Hill (2428 ft elev).
Please bring layers of clothing to keep you comfortable for the weather, including rain gear.
Please bring 2 liters of water and snacks.
We will hike from the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Meet at the PATC tent at least ten minutes before the start of the hike.
Hike Leader: Matt Mattice
Hike Name: Dickey Hill Loop
Start/End Time: 1000-1300
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1050ft
Route: Start from Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, follow the Sneed Farm Loop trail clockwise, then the Fox Hollow trail counter-clockwise, and return to Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.Trail Map Links:
NPS - https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/DickeyRidgeArea_RoadTrail.pdf
Gaia - https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.3/-78.2005/38.8716&knownRouteId=12254
