PATC Hikes & Events

Prince William Forest Park: Laurel Loop Area: A 12 Mile Hike

Roughly a hundred miles inland from Virginia’s coast, the landscape undergoes a striking transformation—a geologic boundary known as the fall line cleaves the soft sands of the coastal plain from the bedrock of the Piedmont. This seam stitches together millennia of geological activity.

Prince William Forest Park, a small but storied national park nestled in Prince William County, straddles this ancient divide. Its very existence is intertwined with the fall line, woven together by the labor of tobacco farmers and pyrite miners who once frequented the nearby port town of Dumfries. Today, the park still shows subtle remnants of a bygone era .
This hike encompasses multiple routes—a circuit that follows both the South and North Forks of Quantico Creek, threading through wetlands, forests, meadows, and beside the park’s signature cascade.

The trail begins at the visitor center, and heads south, through a patchwork of wetland and beaver pond along South Quantico Creek. Boardwalks and footbridges ease passage across soggy ground, and glimpses of beaver dams hidden in the waterways.

Next, the path rises into the hardwood forest. Emerging from the woods, the trail skirts a meadow then dips again toward the creek and a view of the cascades. The falls themselves, though modest in scale, are a delight. Now passing a site of significance, the remains of pyrite mine. From there, it's back to the trailhead along North and South Quantico Creek.

Overall, the hikes are over moderate, sometimes steep hills and valleys with beautiful views. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group.

Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.

Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions.

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 address is 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172. Follow the directions to the visitors center parking lot.
The GPS Coordinates are 38.55995, -77.34711

This park is a national park, so annual national park passes are accepted. The park fee is $20 per single-passenger vehicle (fewer than 14 passengers) or motorcycle, valid for seven consecutive days. The park does not accept cash.

Contact Information:
The hike Leader is Christa; 410-610-6254. Call or text as needed.

Details:
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the visitors center.
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome 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.

Cedarville State Forest: A Moderate 7.5 Mile Hike

Cedarville State Forest encompasses the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, an extensive wetland which measures approximately one mile in width and extends southward for twenty miles through Charles County before ultimately discharging into the Wicomico River. This swamp is both a prominent hydrological feature and a critical habitat for regional wildlife. The preserved bottomland forests within the swamp support a wide array of species, thereby enhancing the ecological value of the area. Also notable for its biodiversity, Cedarville State Forest is home to several remarkable insectivorous plant species.

The Piscataway Indian Tribe historically selected this region as a winter encampment site, owing to the temperate climate and the plentiful game. Local tradition suggests the existence of an Indian Burial ground within Cedarville State Forest.

Nevertheless, the swamp has largely retained its wooded bottomland composition. In recognition of the site’s enduring ecological and educational importance, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Park, and Wildlife Service acquired 2,631 acres of land in 1930 to establish a forest demonstration area which shows the effect of clear cutting, replanting, thinning and prescribed burns. The Civilian Conservation Corps under Franklin D. Roosevelt developed roads and trails for fire protection and future use of the Park. There are 19 miles of hiking trails, and we will visit 7.5 miles on our hike.

The hike will end about 1:30. Please bring lunch and/or a snack.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa (410-610-6254 and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.647050, -76.830289
The Street address to the park is 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation gain: 350 ft
Pace: 2.0-2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable toilet at trailhead

Fees:
Maryland residents $3/vehicle; out-of-state residents $5/vehicle. Bring correct change; no credit cards.

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.

Exploring Patapsco Valley State Park: A 5.5 Mile Hike with an Option for 3.2 More

This route transitions from the engineered charm of the iconic Swinging Bridge into the deep, quiet solitude of the valley’s interior. You’ll likely experience the rumble of the still-active rail line and the streaming waters of the Santee and Sawmill branches.

The hike starts by crossing the famous suspension bridge. It’s a bit of a local rite of passage—embrace the sway as you look down at the Patapsco River. Once across, you’ll dive into the woods via the Vineyard Spring Trail. This section offers a steady climb to get your heart rate up, surrounded by towering hardwoods. Next, the Santee Branch stretch is where the park’s 16,000 acres really feel vast. The trail travels through dense canopy and offers a much-needed break from the crowds found near the pavilions. Rounding out the loop, you’ll follow the Sawmill Branch Trail. This section is characterized by stream crossings and more level terrain, eventually bringing you back toward the river.

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 includes 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 8:00 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 hour

Facilities: 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.