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
11
Copernicus Trail 4.5, 1000' elev. gain
Location not specified yetThis hike is a part of the PATC CentennialFest 2026-Celebrating 100 Years of Volunteers. Copernicus Ridge Trail, 4.5 miles, 1000' elevation gain, leads to several outcrops and incredible views of Edinburg Gap and Waonaze Peak on Powell Mountain. From the parking area to the trailhead, it is a 1/2-mile walk on a Forest Service road.
The hiking pace is 1.7-2.0 mph, and we will stop to admire overlooks and anything interesting on the trail.How was Copernicus named? The local legend, passed down through generations of Shenandoah Valley residents, speaks of a small group of amateur astronomers in the early 20th century who frequented the ridge. They believed that its elevation and relative lack of light pollution provided an ideal vantage point for observing the night sky.
Parking and Directions: The parking area is off Edinburg Gap Road, 38°47'21.2"N 78°31'13.5"W.
You will see a sign: " Edinburg Gap ATV/OHV Parking." This is where you park.
I drive a white Toyota Corolla. I will be in the parking lot with my trunk open.
You do not need a pass or to pay a fee; the fee is for ATV and OHV.
The Edinburg Gap ATV/OHV Parking lot is approximately 10 minutes from Caroline Furnance Camp.
Hiking Guides:
Copernicus Ridge Hike - George Washington NF, VA | MyHikesRestroom: A pit toilet is located in the back portion of the parking area.
Contact Information: If you have questions, please use the comments feature in Meetup. The hike leader is Sue Collins.
Cancellation: If the hike needs to be canceled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates the evening before the hike.
What to Bring: At least two liters of water, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/ protection from weather, insect repellent, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for hikes with water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear.
Please leave pets at home. Thanks!
Notes:
- RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.
- Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. We will give preference to PATC members.
- PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
- The PATC requires hikers to sign a liability waiver; you can review the waiver at PATC Forms, Hike Sign Up Sheet, and Liability Waiver (http://patc.net/patc-forms-and-policies). I will have the waiver at the hike for you to sign.
17 attendees
Great Falls Loop from Angler's Inn - 5.7 miles
Location not specified yetThis is a reschedule from the hike that was originally planned for Sept 23.
A moderate loop hike starting from the Angler's Inn parking lot. We will follow the Valley Trail to the Gold Mine Loop, and then follow the Gold Mine Spur and the Lock 19 Spur down to Lock 19. We'll cross over to the C&O Canal towpath and proceed to the Maryland-side Great Falls overlook. We'll then retrace our steps and follow the Overlook Trail to a nice overlook of the river downstream from the falls. We'll return to Angler's Inn via the Gold Mine Loop and the Woodland trail for a total distance of 5.7 miles and 500 feet of elevation.
We will pick a spot to stop for lunch along the way.AllTrails map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/anglers-to-great-falls-loop-4-7-miles-07df9cf?u=i&sh=pzrvppPace: average 2.0 -2.25 miles per hour
Meeting time: Meet at 10:00 am for sign-ins and introductions. We will start walking at 10:15.
Meeting place: Meet in the parking lot across MacArthur Blvd from Angler's Inn. Street address: 10790 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854.
GPS Coordinates: 38.982223495027135, -77.22654141782806
Allow extra drive time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway.What to Bring: Good hiking shoes, rain gear if warranted by the forecast, a hat for sun protection, at least 2 liters of water, and a lunch or snacks. Trekking poles are recommended - there are some rocky sections and a couple of steep spots.
Facilities: There are restrooms at the meeting place, as well as at Lock 19 at the half-way point.
Pets: Dogs are welcome as long as they are well-behaved. Park rules state that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions.Hike leader is Peter: 703-999-9435. However, there is NO cell service in the park, so hike leaders will not get last-minute messages.
RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before. Please do not show up unregistered. 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.
To find out more about PATC, see www.patc.net
Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, see www.patc.net/membership20 attendees
Billy Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854, USA, Potomac, MD, USBilly Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTES
Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike the most challenging, Section A, then hike up into two overlooks of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.
Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the Billy Goat trails. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle.
After this hike, we will climb into the forest on the other side of the canal to view the Potomac from atop. It is a moderately challenging climb, but worth the views.IMPORTANT: This is a challenging hike. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling.
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Contact 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.Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334
The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot.
NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 410 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National ParksCancellation:
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.13 attendees
Past events
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