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).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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- Old Loggers Path Backpacking (Event Full)Needs location
Please note that this is a 3-day, 2-night trip and will run all day Fri 8/1 – Sun 8/3. There is no reasonable way to join us late. This trip starts in Canton, PA, which is 4 ¼ hours from Northern, Virginia, so we will carpool.
Old Loggers Path
From Wikipedia: The Old Loggers Path is a 27 mi hiking trail in north-central Pennsylvania, forming a loop through Loyalsock State Forest.The most commonly used trailhead is at the ghost town of Masten. The trail makes use of abandoned logging railroad grades originating in the late 1800s, and some roads originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The trail is known for numerous vistas, rock formations, and scenic streams, and for the remnants of past industrial infrastructure reclaimed by the forest.
This area of Loyalsock State Forest was owned by the Union Tanning Company and then the Pennsylvania Lumber Company, and was almost entirely clear-cut by the early 1900s. The hills were criss-crossed by many railroads and (later) roads, the routes of which are now used by hikers. Loggers inhabited the town of Masten, which was once a substantial community but had been abandoned by about 1930 after local logging opportunities dried up. Masten then housed a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, from which workers embarked on projects to rehabilitate the nearby forest. Masten is now a ghost town featuring little more than a few hunting camps. In 2017 historic flooding on Pleasant Stream destroyed roads throughout the area, including some portions of the trail.Details
- Difficulty Rating: Moderately Difficult
- Plan is to hike the loop Clockwise, hitting Sprout Point at 5 miles.
- Total Mileage: 26.7 Splits of 10.2/10.2/6.3
- Total Gross Elevation Gain: 4,275 (1,616/1,5561,1,103)
- Cost: $0 For Permits, but non-drivers need to contribute towards gas. 440 miles roundtrip, so around $30 per person.
- Maximum Number of Hikers: 8
Meeting Location / Carpooling
Option #1, NOVA area attendees:- 6:00am Home2 Suites by Hilton Leesburg, 420 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 - Sign Waiver, sort carpooling out. Then, park extra cars.
Option #2, MD & Baltimore area attendees:
- 8:00am Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Byp, Camp Hill, PA 17011
- Last place to stop is in Williamsport, PA – last services for the ride.
- 10:30 Arrive at Trailhead, Masten Camp, 41.50723, -76.8208
Notes
- If you have no-showed on hikes, you will remain on the Waitlist until everyone else has cleared.
- The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead
- Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions.
- 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.
- Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit https://www.patc.net/
- Pets are not permitted.
Packing Considerations & Other Itema
During signup, you will be asked to provide your Cell number and Email. I will use these mediums for further communication.
Reference Materials- Good Reference Video from "Syntax77", YouTube Video Link
- Syntax77 Writeup: Trip Data from website
- Into the Backcountry, "Old Loggers Path Backpacking Guide"
Maps:
- AllTrails Link
- Purple Lizard Maps Loyalsock Pennsylvania State Forest Map, High Quality Map. Available from REI. REI Link.
Backpacking Trip Essential Requirements & Expectations
These items outline specific requirements and expectations for all participants on our backpacking trips. These are in addition to the PATC Liability Waiver and are crucial for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone, especially given the remote nature of these trips.
Please read carefully. By registering up for a backpacking trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to adhere to these requirements.
1. Self-Sufficiency & Responsibility:
* This is a group trip, but we operate on a self-sufficient model. You are responsible for your own well-being and preparedness throughout the trip.
* You must carry all your essential equipment, including shelter, food, a first-aid kit, water, and water purification supplies. Sharing some items with a partner is acceptable.
2. Navigation & Preparedness:
* You are expected to understand the trip's difficulty, including total mileage, elevation gains and declines, type of terrain, and daily splits.
* You must be in good physical shape and capable of completing the planned itinerary.
* You are required to have your own printed maps, as well as a compass and/or GPS, and know how to navigate. This is particularly important if you miss the group's morning departure.
* If you have a medical condition that could become relevant during the trip (e.g., carrying an EpiPen or inhalers), you must inform the hike leader in advance.
3. Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety:
* All participants must follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
* You must have an established method for securing your food from bears at night.
4. Group Dynamics & Punctuality:
* Leave your dog at home for backpacking trips.
* If carpooling, please bring cash or use Venmo to offset the driver's gas expenses.
* Punctuality is essential. Be on time for carpool departures and be ready to leave campsites at the agreed-upon times.
* If you tend to move slowly in the mornings, please allow extra time to be ready for departure.
* Bring a great sense of humor – it's an essential piece of gear!
5. Communication:
* We will be in a remote area that may be out of cell service.
* If you have any questions or concerns before or during the trip, please ask the hike leader.
Understanding the Risks:
Please be aware that backpacking in a remote area, potentially out of cell service, involves inherent dangers and risks. Your preparedness and adherence to these guidelines are vital for the safety of yourself and the entire group.Questions
David M (“Square Feet”) is leading this hike and is one of PATC’s certified Hike Leaders and a member of PATC Trail Patrol. David is also certified in Wilderness First Aid. David’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, so if you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out!Not open - Exploring Seneca Creek, a 6.5-Mile HikeSeneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD
Exploring Seneca Creek, a 6.5-Mile Hike
Nestled in the heart of Maryland, Seneca Creek State Park is a sprawling expanse of natural beauty, rich with diverse habitats, scenic vistas, and a sense of tranquility that draws visitors from near and far. The park encompasses an impressive 6,300 acres, stretching along 14 meandering miles of the picturesque Seneca Creek as it weaves its way toward the Potomac River.
At the heart of Seneca Creek Park lies the Clopper Day-Use Area, a favorite destination for both casual visitors and seasoned naturalists. Here one finds a remarkable diversity of scenic areas, each with its own allure. The crown jewel, however, is undoubtedly Clopper Lake—a woodland-enveloped, 90-acre expanse of tranquil water, reflecting the shifting moods of the sky and the vibrant palette of the surrounding forests.
This 6.5-mile, modestly hilly water-side hike follows a loop taking hikers around Clopper Lake and through its surrounding forest. It passes through oak and hickory woods that harbor dogwoods, redbuds, pines, and mountain laurels. With only 404 feet of elevation change, the trail is accessible to most, offering a satisfying challenge without the rigors of steep climbs.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.151561, -77.248895
The address is 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD. As you enter the park area from Clopper Road, take the first right toward the park offices. We meet at that parking lot. If you find yourself at the payment booth, you have missed the turn.Contact 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: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead at the visitor center
Fees: No entrance fees
A well-behaved Fido is allowed on this hike.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:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 8:00 PM the day before the hike.
-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. - Exploring Patapsco Valley State Park: A 5.5 Mile Hike and an Option for 3.2 MorePatapsco State Park, Arbutus, MD
Exploring Patapsco Valley State Park: A 5.5 Mile Hike with an Option for 3.2 More
Nestled along the meandering banks of the Patapsco River, Patapsco Valley State Park stands as a testament to Maryland’s rich natural and historical tapestry. Its sprawling 16,000 acres serve as a verdant sanctuary where forests, streams, and traces of bygone eras converge. While many sections of Patapsco Valley are bustling with visitors, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions, vast tracts remain untouched, offering solitude and unfiltered immersion in nature.
The hike begins at the iconic Swinging Bridge, a hallmark of Patapsco Valley State Park. It continues with a loop of approximately 5.5 miles, threading together the Vineyard Spring, Santee Branch, and Sawmill Branch Trails. The trail follows gentle climbs and descents, providing a satisfying challenge for hikers without being overwhelming. The route includes stream crossings, tranquil woodlands, and passes by an active rail line that has echoed through the valley since the 1800s.
For those with energy to spare and curiosity for further exploration, an optional extension of up to 3.2 miles is available after the primary loop. This southern loop hike leads past the charming Cascade Falls and promises an additional 450 feet of elevation gain, rewarding hikers with both a cardio boost and a visual feast.
Please note that you must sign up by 9:00 on August 6, the night before the hike.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 AM for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead: The GPS Coordinates are 39.240879,-76.749977 .
The Street address to the park entrance is 5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227. After turning into the park, proceed to the end of the road (about 1/2 mile) and turn left over the bridge. Follow the road for another 2 miles or so until you see bathrooms on the LEFT. The parking lot is just pass that point. We will meet near the swinging bridge,
Contact 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 to easy side of challenging
Distance: 5.5 or 8.7 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 ft (5.5 miles) 950 ft (8.7 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hourFacilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: $3 in state, $5 out of state. Free if you have a Maryland Parks State Pass.
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:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 8:00 PM the day before the hike.
-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.
