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
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Riverbend Park to Great Falls Loop, a moderate 4.8 mile hike
Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA, USPLEASE SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION BELOW
Riverbend Park sits just upstream from Great Falls NP in Virginia. This moderate 4.8 mile hike with only 120 feet of elevation gain follows a trail which provides beautiful river vistas and a variety of natural scenery. This rocky, mainly natural surface trail runs parallel to the river for most of its length. Wildlife such as herons, ducks, or eagles can sometimes be seen along the riverside. You will be able to hear the sound of the falls as we approach Great Falls park. Once we arrive we will take a few minutes at the Great Falls overlooks to enjoy the beauty of the falls, then proceed a bit further along the river before looping back and returning the way we came. Parts of this trail are narrow and there are several small rock scrambles as well to add to the fun.
Restrooms are available at both Riverbend and Great Falls visitor centers.Please arrive by 9:45 to check
in. We will begin hiking promptly at 10:00If the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. DO NOT SHOW UP UNREGISTERED!
If your plans change, please update your RSVP by 6:00 pm the day before the hike to allow sufficient time to fill your spot. Signing out after this will be considered a "no show". Repeated instances may result in being barred from participating in future hikes.If you are on the waitlist, please check your status after 6:00 pm the day before to see if you have been moved to the "going" list. If you are on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it is important to sign out even if you are not yet confirmed, otherwise you may be marked as a no show.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
12 attendees
WOMEN IN NATURE – Outdoor Adventure-DAY 1
Location not specified yet🌿 WOMEN IN NATURE – Outdoor Adventure-DAY 1 🌿
I’m excited to be volunteering with Seven Bends State Park to help host their Women in Nature Program!
Day 1 is all about discovering the beauty and adventure of the Shenandoah River while building confidence in the outdoors.
🎣 Fly Fishing
🛶 Kayaking
🌿 Outdoor Adventure
💚 Connection & CommunityThrough hands-on instruction in fly fishing and kayaking, you'll have the opportunity to learn new skills, challenge yourself in a supportive environment, and experience the joy of exploring one of Virginia's beautiful natural resources.
Whether you're trying these activities for the first time or expanding your outdoor experience, today is about learning, building confidence, connecting with other women, and having fun!
### 🎣 IMPORTANT – REQUIRED FOR FLY FISHING
For your safety and participation in the fly-fishing portion of the program, the following are required:
🕶️ Polarized sunglasses
🥾 Closed-toe, lace-up shoes suitable for wading
Please note: Clogs, beach shoes, pool shoes, or sandals are not appropriate for wading. The exception is rigid-sole fishing sandals with secure straps or buckles.### 🎒 WHAT ELSE TO BRING
Please be prepared to spend the entire day outdoors and dress appropriately for the weather and activities.
💧 Plenty of water
🥪 Picnic lunch and snacks
🛶 Water shoes or appropriate footwear for kayaking
👕 Change of clothes in case you get wet
🧺 Towel
🧢 Hat
☀️ Sunscreen
🦟 Insect repellent
🎒 Small daypack
🌧️ Lightweight rain jacket, depending on the forecast
📱 Waterproof or dry bag for your phone, keys, and other personal items### 🎟️ REGISTRATION
You must register for Day 1 through Eventbrite:
REGISTER HERE – Women in Nature Day 1💚 The fee is $15 for one day or $25 for both days.
After registering, please call the Seven Bends State Park office at 540-630-4718 to pay and reserve your spot.🌿 Want to make it a full Women in Nature weekend?
Join us again Sunday for Day 2 – Nature Wellness Day, centered around nature, wellness, movement, creativity, reflection, and connection.
If attending both days, you must register for each day separately.
Space is limited—reserve your spot and join us for Women in Nature!
2 attendees
Past events
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