PATC Hikes & Events

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: A Moderate 5.1 Mile Hike

Let's find out what's new, what's growing, and what's flowing at the Preserve, which recently reopened after repairs to wastewater pipes under the Potomac River. Expect to explore the Potomac shoreline; rocky cliffs and a beautiful view of Scott’s Run Waterfall which feeds into the Potomac River. We hopefully will see late-blooming wildflowers, and skunk cabbage. You may see egrets, hawks and eagles, and other birds. The trails are mostly packed dirt. Some hills.May encounter muddy trails and preening ducks.

Note: There are several stream crossings, most with concrete stepping stones.

Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a little piece of wilderness saved from urban sprawl. Edward D. Burling, a founding partner of Covington & Burling law firm, once owned well over a 100-acre portion of the land that makes up present-day Scott's Run nature preserve. It avoided development in the 1970's and was renamed the Dranesville District Park. Today it is known as the Scott's Run Nature Preserve.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead:
We will meet in the larger of the two parking lots.
The GPS Coordinates are 38.959512, -77.205148
Please read this carefully…..The larger parking lot is on Georgetown Pike about 1 mile outside of the beltway. The best street address to use is 808 Swinks Mill Road, McLean VA. THIS ADDRESS IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCOTT’S RUN PARKING LOT.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leaders are Tim; 202-744-0289, and Amber; 703-231-5978. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 584 Feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on this hike
Fees: No entrance fees

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.

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 Parking

Contact 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 hour

Facilities: 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.