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- Great Falls Park, Virginia, 5 miles (repeat of May 15)9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VI
This hike largely repeats the May 15 hike, when some trails were closed by high water. Expect steep hills, rock scrambles, rocky cliffs, and scenic river views and waterfalls. Trails may be muddy.
We will walk south from the Great Falls Park Visitors Center on the Old Carriage Road and Swamp, Ridge, and Difficult Run Trails, including a couple of steep hills and a detour to a waterfall on Difficult Run. The return is on Ridge Trail and the more difficult River Trail, which has short, steep hills; steps; slick rocks; rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks. We will be moving slowly on the River Trail and pausing at overlooks of the Potomac River flowing through Mather Gorge downstream from Great Falls. We will finish at the overlooks of Great Falls.
Bring snacks or a sandwich to eat at a rest stop mid-way during the hike. (Note: the park's snack bar might be closed on weekdays; no cash accepted.)
Start time: Gather at 10:00 to sign in so we can start hiking at 10:15. (Note the start time!) 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.
Required: Hiking boots/shoes (NO athletic shoes with smooth bottoms); water. Recommended: hiking poles, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks.
Average pace: a leisurely 2.0 mph (faster on the early section, slower on the later section)
AllTrails: We will mostly follow the AllTrails "River, Ridge, CCT, and Swamp Trails" in reverse: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/great-falls-loop-river-ridge-cct-and-swamp-trails
Custom AllTrails map for this hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/great-falls-virginia-hike-may-15-as-of-may-5-e6cc48e?u=i&sh=fuqxr6
Meeting point: Meet at 10:00 am at Great Falls Park, Virginia, at the front entrance of the Visitor Center (door facing the visitor parking lot). Street address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Allow extra time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway.
Meeting place: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmV9aHbqxTEoYPox5?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.c10opy
GPS coordinates: 38.9969062, -77.2547600Park entrance fee: NO CASH ACCEPTED. $20 per car or $35 annually. Free with a National Park pass. Carpools can be arranged by using the Meetup Comments section. (Hike leader may be able to pick up passengers at Difficult Run parking lot on Georgetown Pike outside of the park.)
Facilities: Restrooms outside in the courtyard of the Visitor Center. Also JiffyJohns in the parking lot.
Hike details:
Rating: Moderate; some difficult sections
Distance: Approx. 5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx. 500 ft.
Pace: Average about 2.0 miles per hour
Conditions: Steep hills. Rock scrambles. Can be muddy and slippery after rain.
Maximum number of hikers: 8Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. Hike leader is Amber 703-231-5978.
RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before the hike. Please do not show up unregistered. If possible, cancel by the same deadline.
To find out more about PATC, see
https://www.patc.net
Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, see https://www.patc.net/membership
