About us
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
12
Susquehanna State Park: A Moderate 10 Mile hike
Susquehanna State Park, Maryland, MD, USSusquehanna State Park: The Woodland Area's Rolling Hills! A Moderate 10 Mile Hike
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
Experience the wilder side of Susquehanna State Park as you walk through woods full of old-growth, including several champion trees, open fields, and great views of the Susquehanna River. Susquehanna State Park boasts a network of well-marked paths that wind through dense woodlands, meadows sprinkled with wildflowers, and historic sites. Our hike will explore varied landscapes, from tranquil streams and towering sycamore trees to rocky bluffs overlooking the Susquehanna River. There will be stream crossings on rocks. Hiking poles recommended.
Transition Hike
This is a great hike for anyone wanting to step it up from an easy-side-of-moderate hike to a challenging side of moderate.Bring a lunch to enjoy along the way.
A leashed, well-trained Fido is welcome on this hike.
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 Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.
Directions to Trailhead:
It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.608191, -76.142608The street address is: 761 Stafford Rd, Havre De Grace, MD 21078
Rating: Challenging-Moderate
Distance: 10 total miles with stream crossing on rocks
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,300 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There are restrooms near the trailhead. Allow 10 minutes.
Fees: no feesCancellation: 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 RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE, KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS.SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-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 her##
10 attendees
Calvert Cliffs State Park! A 4.8-Mile Hike with Options up to 9 Total Miles
Calvert cliffs, 10540 HG Trueman Rd ,, Lusby, MD, USCalvert Cliffs State Park! A 4.8-Mile Hike with Options up to 9 Total Miles
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
Note: This hike will also be led on Sunday, May 17 in case you can't make this one.
Join us for a hike to the beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park— it’s the perfect time to experience the natural beauty and geological wonder of this unique destination. Over 1,000 acres of this park are designated as wildlands, allowing the landscape to return to its more natural state. The main attractions of the park are the Mountain Laurels that are abundant on all of the trails here this time of year. In addition the beach features dramatic cliffs that tower over the Chesapeake Bay at heights exceeding 100 feet. Formed more than 10 million years ago, they are eroding at a rate of nearly 3 feet per year, revealing fossils.
Calvert Cliffs boast the most extensive collection of Miocene underwater fossils found in the eastern United States. Fossil enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will be fascinated by the area’s rich paleontological heritage. Calvert Cliffs is not the best place to look for fossils.
The main hike will take us directly to the beach. Along the way we will follow and observe a creek that develops into the wetland, and then the path suddenly opens to the Bay. After exploring the shoreline and cliffs, we’ll return to the trailhead, completing a total of 4.8 miles. For those eager for more adventure, you’re welcome to join an additional hike of up to 4 more miles through rolling hills of woodland. This hike can bring your total distance to as much as 9 miles for the day!
The 5-mile hike will end around 1:00. The end time for the additional mileage will depend upon the length. A 9-mile hike will end around 3:00.
If we have more than 15 hikers, we will divide the group in two group, each group assigned to one of the two hike leaders.
Please Bring a snack or lunch, we will enjoy a break at the beach.
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.396531, -76.435100The Street address to the park is 10540 HG Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657. We meet at the VERY LAST parking lot just before exiting the park. It is a double side by side parking lot. If you find yourself about to exit the park, the exit allows you back into it, just loop around again. It is NOT the parking lot adjacent to the pond. If you see the pond, you haven’t traveled far enough. The GPS coordinates will take you directly to where we meet.
Details
Rating: Easy for the 4.8 miles and Moderate for more extended options
Distance: 4.8 or up to 9 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal for the 4.8 miles and 600 Ft. for the 9-mile option.
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Bathroom soon after entering the park, and Portable bathrooms close to the beach.
Fees: There is an entrance fee of $5 per car, $7 out of state. Free with State Pass. Credit cards are accepted.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 RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE, KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS.
SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-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.24 attendees
3-Day Backpacking Perry Valley Loop, GWNF
Location not specified yetThe Perry Valley Loop is a wonderful loop hike that includes Big Schloss, Tibbet Knob and Half-Moon Mountain in the George Washington National Forest. This is a full 3 days, beginning on Friday and concluding Sunday afternoon.
- Length: 27.4 miles
- Duration: 3 days & 2 nights
- Elevation Gain: 5,133 feet
- Peak Elevation: 2,964 feet
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Cost: None!
For a thorough overview, please consider reading "Perry Valley Loop Backpacking Guide" from Into the Backcountry.
For Backpacking Trips, all participants will be waitlisted until you have been vetted. Please answer all of the questions asked during the RSVP or you will remain on Waitlist until they are received.
Detailed logistics, carpooling and other trip details will be EMAILED once we have finalized the participants.Notes:
- 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/
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 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:
* All participants must be 18 or older.
* 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 the PATC Volunteer leading this event and is a PATC certified Hike & Backpacking Leader, member of Trail Patrol and the Backpacking Committee Chair. David is certified in Wilderness First Aid. PATC’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!7 attendees
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