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- Piscataway Park and Colonial Farm: A Moderate 6 Mile hikeNational Colonial farm, Accokeek, MD
Piscataway Park and Colonial Farm: A Moderate 6 Mile hike
National Colonial Farm is a living history museum that depicts a Maryland middle-class family farm on the eve of the American Revolution. It is managed by the Accokeek Foundation and was one of the nations first land trust. The farm boasts 200 acres within Piscataway National Park in Accokeek, MD. The park trails wind through wetlands and a native tree arboretum. The trail passes by the Potomac river and offers stunning views of Mount Vernon. The hike also features a boardwalk and viewing platform over the marsh at the mouth of Accokeek Creek, an Indian burial ground, and views of the Potomac River and Piscataway Creek.
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 38.694511, -77.064865
The Street address to the park entrance is 3400 Byron Point Road, Accokeek, MD. From there, follow the signs to National Colonial Farm. For best results, use the GPS coordinates.
Park in "VISTOR'S PARKING" to the right as you enter the park.Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim; 202-744-0289, and Christa, 410-610-6254. Call or text as needed.
Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 275 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found at the visitor’s center.
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. - 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.
