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
7
Middle Rock Creek, a 6.0 or 8.5 Mile Moderate Hike
Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd., NW, Washington, DC, USMiddle Rock Creek, a 6.0 or 8.5 Mile Moderate Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
In the heart of Washington, DC, Rock Creek Park stands as an oasis amidst the bustle of city life. Stretching over 1,700 acres, this park offers a sanctuary for nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking respite and renewal.
This hike travels through the heart of the Park, and features some of the more under-hiked trails. It starts from the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and heads north for one loop, then south to a second for a total of 6 miles, ending at the trailhead. We will stop there for a quick lunch or snack. For those who want a little more, we head back north for a different loop of 2.5 miles.
We will complete the 6 mile hike around 12:30. The 8.5 mile hike will end around 2:00 PM.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30Directions to Trailhead:
We meet at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015.
The GPS coordinates are 38.96062, -77.05157Contact 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: 6.0 or 8.5 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 845 ft (6 miles), or 1,125 ft (8.2 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: 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 RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE, KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS.
SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-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.16 attendees
Bull Run Mountains Green Loop Hike
Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, 17502 Beverley Mill Drive, Broad Run, VA, USPlease join us for this four mile easy to moderate loop hike through the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. We will follow the Fern Hollow Loop including the Dawson's and Beech Ridge trail connectors.
Bull Run Mountains Green LoopMore information about the area and trails can be found here: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Hiking Pace: We typically hike about 2 mph (faster on flat sections, slower on hilly / rocky sections); however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all.
What to Bring: At least two liters of water, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear.
Please leave pets at home.
Time to Meet: Please meet by 8:45 for introductions and sign in by the trailhead kiost. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 am. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join. There is may be limited/no cell service in the area, so hike leaders may not receive messages the day of the hike.
Facilities: Porta John at parking lot
Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leaders are Jeff Long and Doug Jessup.
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:
-You must sign up by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance-free event.
-Please leave pets at home.
-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.10 attendees
Buzzard's Rock: A Moderately Challenging 5-Mile Hike
Buzzards Rock GW Forest, 3101 Mountain Road, Front Royal, VA, USBuzzard's Rock: A Moderately Challenging 5-Mile Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTE
Buzzard Rock is a scenic, razor-toothed sandstone ridge in the Elizabeth Furnace area of Virginia's George Washington National Forest. This invigorating 5-mile hike with 900 feet of elevation gain starts on the eastern ascent. It offers spectacular views and fun, yet challenging rock formations to scramble over. Some of the lower sections will likely have some mud. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. We will start promptly at 10:00. Arrive by 9:45 as the parking lot fills swiftly. This will allow time to gear up, complete the orientation and start the hike on time. Be sure to pack a lunch. Please arrange car pooling if possible.
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 38.93787, -78.28856
The APPROXIMATE Street address is 3101 Mountain Road, Front Royal, VA. NOTE: This address is approximate. If you are traveling south on Mountain Road the parking lot will be on the right.Contact 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: Moderately Challenging
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: No Toilets can be found on this hike.
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 RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW" AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-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.10 attendees
Rock Creek Park Southern Loop 6 Miles
Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd Nw, Washington, DC, USJoin us for this scenic 6-mile loop in Rock Creek Park averaging 2-2.5 miles per hour with an elevation gain of 740 feet.
We will start at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, and travel south past Pierce Mill, ascend up to the Pierce-Klingle Mansion, cross Rock Creek, and hike up the Valley trail, visiting Pulpit Rock and Boulder Bridge before returning to the Nature Center. The hike is generally considered a moderate route. It takes an average of 3 hours to complete the loop. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Toilets will NOT be available at the Nature Center, however the toilets at Pierce Mill will likely be open (about 2 miles into the hike).
Meeting Point:
The address is 5200 Glover Road, NW, at the Rock Creek Nature Center (no entrance fees, plenty of parking)Meeting Time:
Plan to arrive at 8:15am so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike promptly at 8:30am.Route:
Here is an AllTrails route in case you want to import this into a navigation device. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-march-2-2025-36e51f2-2?u=i&sh=wugt2jContact Info:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions, and to arrange carpools. Call/text the hike leader (Allie) if urgent for day-of questions or issues 202-320-6103Important Notes:
RSVP here by 6pm the evening before; please do not show up unregistered. If you need to cancel, please change your RSVP by 6pm to allow others to move off the waiting list. Cancelling after 6pm may result in being designated a “no-show” which may affect your ability to sign up for future PATC hikes.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.
**Consider becoming a member of PATC to both enjoy the trails and support their maintenance. www.patc.net
2 attendees
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