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 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:
Sign up ends at 9:00 PM the night 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. - PATC Women's Forest Therapy- Healing Grief in Nature (Birdsong Pleasure Garden)Needs location$10.00
Join me on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Birdsong Pleasure Gardens for a two-hour healing journey through grief, inspired by the beauty of nature.
Together, we will rediscover ourselves and the breathtaking world that surrounds us. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with a divorce or breakup, confronting a difficult life challenge, or simply seeking to reconnect with nature, this experience is designed for you.
Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Birdsong Pleasure Gardens, we will begin our journey with introductions, followed by a calming grounding exercise, allowing the calming presence of nature to envelop us. Next, we will receive a journaling prompt to reflect on as we embark on a 30-minute solo exploration of the gardens. Afterward, we will have dedicated time for journaling and engage in a circle discussion regarding the prompt before concluding with a closing ceremony.
These moments of introspection will be complemented by shared stories and supportive conversations, fostering a sense of community and connection among participants. By the end of our time together, you will not only have gained new insights but also formed meaningful bonds with others on similar paths.
Come with an open heart and a willingness to embrace the healing power of nature. Leave with a renewed sense of hope and the strength to carry forward. We look forward to welcoming you to this transformative gathering, where together, we will find solace and inspiration amidst the beauty of the natural world.
Cost: $10 fee to garden.
There is a $10 cash fee to enter the garden and is to be paid by the participants when they enter the garden. The fee goes to the non-profit garden which helps Land Preservation in the Shenandoah Valley through: The Alliance for the Shenandoah & The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.What to bring
A water bottle (please use a refillable water bottle)
A snack if you desire
A camp chair, blanket or other ground covering
A journal and writing utensil
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
HatWhat to wear:
Comfortable walking clothes & shoes are appropriate for outdoors (We will be doing a little wandering, stretching, yoga etc on occasion).Things to remember:
There is a $10 fee to be paid to the garden
We will still meet in rainy weather, so be prepared for inclement weather, unless there are threats of storms etc.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and be ready to start at 11am
Please no pets or children under the age of 18.About Birdsong Pleasure Garden
Birdsong Pleasure Garden located in Luray; Va is a garden that allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of life. It offers picturesque gardens, mountain vistas, strolling paths, water features, and al fresco dining. The garden includes various areas such as perennial, herb, bonsai, vegetable gardens, an alle'e, orchard, and a unique tree grove.
http://www.birdsongpleasuregarden.info/
