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- Patapsco Valley North: Hikers Choice of 5.5 Miles or Up to 8.7 Total Miles!Patapsco State Park, Arbutus, MD
Patapsco Valley North: Hikers Choice of 5.5 Miles or Up to 8.7 Total Miles!
This hike will take us through a loop in a section of Patapsco Valley State Park on trails over moderate, yet rewarding, terrain. Many areas inside Patapsco Valley State Park are quite developed, but the park also offers huge tracts where there are few people This is the area we will enjoy today.
We will cross the Swing Bridge, hike Vineyard Spring, Santee Branch, and Sawmill Branch Trail for about 5.5 miles. The trail explores an active rail line that started in the 1800s, and stream valleys that feed the Patapsco. After returning back over the Swinging Bridge there is an option for up to 3.2 additional miles in the South leading past Cascade Falls with an additional elevation gain of 450'.
Please note that you must sign up by 9:00 on December 4, the night before the hike.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 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 difficult
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: No entrance fees at this time of year
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 9:00 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. - White Rocks Overlook via AT, 5.5 mi Moderate HikeNeeds location
Join the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) for a hike to the White Rocks Overlook via the AT.
This is a moderate 5.5 mile roundtrip hike with 1,158ft elevation gain. We expect to hike at 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour.
Time/Place to Meet: Please meet at 9:00am for sign in/waiver and intros. We will start hiking at 9:15am. We will meet at the Brigadier General Samuel Garland, Jr. Marker Trailhead parking lot.
Directions to Trailhead Parking
Weather/Dress: The forecast for this location can be found here. Please dress in layers, it looks like it will be in the 40s. You may want to bring a hat and gloves, etc. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes with good traction.
Notes:
- Pack snacks and plenty of water.
- 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.Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The Hike Leader is Amanda Folkemer ([email protected]) and will be assisted by Dani Martlock ([email protected]).
Cancellation: If the hike should be cancelled due to bad weather or other unforeseen event, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
- Thursday Hike: Rock Creek Western Ridge, Northern Section; 6.6-mile milesRock Creek Park Nature Center, Washington, DC
Thursday Hike: Rock Creek Western Ridge, Northern Section; 6.6-miles
Enjoy this 6.6-mile loop trail in Rock Creek Park. The hike is generally considered a moderate route and takes an average of 3 hours to complete. The hike rambles through rolling hills that will make you feel far removed from city life. As this is a weekday hike, we will encounter relatively few others on the trails. We will pass by the site of a civil war fort, and the cabin of the “Poet of Rock Creek," Joaquin Miller. We also pass by a large community urban garden.. There is a fun little stream crossing, so feel free to bring a pole if you wish. The trails are open year-round and beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Toilets are available at the start and finish of the hike.
Please note. You must register by 9:00 PM the night before the hike. We also ask that if you sign up and decide not to attend, please sign out. We often have a waiting list and signing out allows others to sign in.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30
Directions to Trailhead: We meet at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015.
The GPS coordinates are 38.96062, -77.05157
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: 6.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 630 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hourFacilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
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.
Weather: The weather for this location can be found here.
Maximum number of hikers: 20
Notes:
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.
