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- Hike Leader Class (@ Janet Kohn Cabin)Needs location
*You must register at the link above. RSVPing here does not secure your spot.
Join us for our in person hike leader training at Janet Kohn cabin on Saturday April 26th. Space is limited!
PATC hike leader training is open to experienced hikers in the Mid-Atlantic who are current PATC members.
Hike Leader Education courses are offered periodically online and in person.
The goal is to provide PATC standards for hike leaders to support safe hiking.
Attaining certification is a 4 step process:
1. Take American Red Cross Basic First Aid online or in person.
2. Read the PATC Hike Leaders Handbook
3. Complete the Hike Leader Education course online or in person
4. Lead 2 hikes to include planning route, advertising hike, vetting hikers, and leading the hike with under the guidance and assessment of a certified hike leader.
Class fee: 20.00 for PATC members. For non-members, one must become a PATC member before registering for course. PATC membership for an individual is 40.00, annually.
*The class leaders will reach out to you a few days before to provide more details and directions.
*If interested in staying the night in the cabin please reach out to Bob Malkowski at rjmalkowski@gmail.com and Michael Martin at mmartin1917@gmail.com. - Patapsco Valley State Park: Woodstock Driver and River Hike: 6 or 9.5 miles1415 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163, Woodstock, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park: Woodstock Driver and River Hike: 6 or 9.5 miles
This hike is in the Patapsco Valley State Park- McKeldin Area, at Woodstock MD. The town of Woodstock was founded as a mining town based around its Granite quarries. The B&O railroad ran through the area with a station built in 1835 for granite deliveries. Woodstock was also an important stop for fuel, when steam locomotives were powered by wood (hence the name Woodstock). Our hike today is in two parts. The first part of this hike (6 miles) has it a lot to take in – It starts off passing by massive boulders before moving into rich forest land with hills, valleys and streams. These create spectacular views of the terrain, the Patapsco river and the railroad. Along the way we will pass old stone house foundations and two really old cars, rust and all, that form an interesting "sculpture." The hike then enters meadows and grasslands and passes by a picturesque old barn that harkens back to an earlier time. Flora and fauna abound throughout the hike. The second part of the hike, 3.5 miles, takes us along the Patapsco river and up into wooded hills. The trail offers great views of the Patapsco river. Together, the hikes are considered as moderate.
There are a few stream crossings so poles are helpful, but not essential. Some areas can be muddy after rain, so you should wear appropriate boots.
Bring a snack or lunch which we will enjoy after the first hike.
The 6 mile option will finish by around 1:00.
The 9.5 mile option will finish around 3:00.Directions to Trailhead:
1415 Woodstock Rd · Woodstock, MD. This is ACROSS THE STREET from The Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Road, Woodstock, MD. Park in Designated Parking Spots Only Because Some Parking Spaces are Reserved for the Inn and Towing IS Enforced.
The GPS coordinates are 39.331021, -76.870569Contact 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: 9.5 miles (6 miles for the first part, 3.5 for the second)
Elevation Gain: 859 feet (577 and 282 feet respectively)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hourFacilities: There are no toilets 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.
Weather: The weather for this location can be found here.
Maximum number of hikers: 12
Notes:
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.
