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
22
Balls Bluff, VA: A Moderate 6.3-Mile Hike
Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, 17500 Balls Bluff Rd Ne, Leesburg, VA, USBalls Bluff Hike: A 6.3-Mile Moderate Hike
If you’re looking for a hike that blends captivating history with the untouched beauty of Virginia’s landscape, the Balls Run trail at Balls Bluff National Park is an unbeatable choice. This moderate 6.3-mile trek invites hikers, history buffs, and nature lovers to unique adventure, rich in stories and stunning vistas.
Balls Bluff National Park is a living testament to the Battle of Balls Bluff, fought in October 1861 during the early days of the Civil War. The park’s rolling hills and wooded ridges remain much as they were over a century ago, allowing visitors to reflect on the tragedy that unfolded on these grounds.
One of this hike’s most memorable features is the sweeping view of the Potomac River. As we hike the wooded bluffs, the river appears in stunning contrast to the surrounding forests. We then descend to river level which offer spectacular views of the Potomac River. The trail also meanders through groves of mature oak and maple, offering shade and glimpses of wildlife.
The hike covers approximately 6.3 miles of well-marked, moderately challenging terrain. Starting at the main trailhead, the route winds through forested areas, follows gentle ridgelines, and dips into picturesque valleys. Hikers will navigate a mix of packed dirt paths, rooty sections, and occasional rocky stretches, making sturdy footwear a smart choice.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.13059, -77.53065
The approximate street address to the park entrance is 250 Balls Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA 20176. It is approximate as the parking lot has no official address. It will become obvious as you approach the address. The trailhead is next to the portable toilet on the right.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
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: A portable toilet can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance 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 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.15 attendees- $25.00
PATC VolunteerFest 2025: Celebrate, Cultivate, Connect!
Location not specified yetVolunteerFest is a new event to celebrate, cultivate, and connect our volunteers. Inspired by last year’s successful TrailFest, this year’s VolunteerFest promises to be an equally wonderful way to spend a weekend outdoors. It is open to all PATC member volunteers with the main events scheduled for Saturday, October 11 beginning at 7am and ending with a BBQ dinner, awards ceremony and bon fire.
Numerous interactive learning activities in a variety of PATC skill areas will be offered in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains; networking will be interspersed with relaxing (Did I mention a Happy Hour Saturday at 4pm?) plus the opportunity for leaders to find volunteers to mentor and volunteers to find leaders to help them join those ranks.
We will again be staying at Caroline Furnace Campus surrounded by the George Washington National Forest. Included in the $25 registration is on campus lodging (cabin bed or space for your tent/camper) both Friday and Saturday nights along with our BBQ awards celebration Saturday night.
Registration opens on our website late July. Check there occasionally for more information about activities or email VPVolunteerism@patc.net
2 attendees 
VolunteerFest
Location not specified yetInspired by last year’s successful TrailFest, this year’s VolunteerFest promises to be an equally wonderful way to spend a weekend outdoors. It is open to all PATC member volunteers with the main events scheduled for Saturday, October 11.
Numerous interactive learning activities in a variety of PATC skill areas will be offered in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains;
High in the hills at Caroline Furnace, there’s cabins and hot showers and plenty of space for tents. Join the volunteers at the many workshops and activities planned to demonstrate what the PATC is all about. From Trail Blazing and Trail Patrol and invasive plants to an overview of the GPS system and hiking navigation apps to Technology and Social Media, there will be something for all! Networking will be interspersed with relaxing (Happy Hour Saturday at 4pm!) followed by BBQ dinner.
Click to see the diverse list of planned activities which we will continue to update.NOTE!
**You must register HERE, not on Meetup. **
Hope you will join us!2 attendees
Buzzards Rock: A Hike for PATC VolunteerFest Attendees
Location not specified yetBuzzards Rock, a 7.5 Mile, 1,700 Feet Elevation Gain Hike
PLEASE READ THIS DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY: THIS EVENT IS ONLY OPEN TO ATTENDEES OF PATC VOLUNTEERFEST (more information and registration for VolunteerFest can be found at at: https://www.patc.net/volunteerfest2025 ). It is important to note that registration for VolunteerFest ends on September 27,
Heading back to DC or Northern VA on Sunday after VolunteerFest? How about a nice, invigorating, somewhat challenging 7.5-mile hike with 1,700 feet of elevation gain to start your day? This is a hike to Buzzards Rock and beyond, starting on the eastern ascent. It offers spectacular views and fun, yet challenging rock formations to hike over. We will start early as the parking lot fills quickly. We leave Caroline Furnace at 8:30 AM SHARP. We should arrive around 9:00 and complete the hike by 1:30 (including our stop for lunch and brief stops to take in the views). The hike is over rugged rocks, so hiking boots/shoes are important. If it rains, the rocks will be slippery. Be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of water. Because of limited parking, the hike is limited to six cars. Feel free to arrange car pooling if you wish.
Rating: Moderately Challenging
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,700 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: No Toilets can be found on this hike.
Fees: No entrance feesIMPORTANT: You must be an attendee of PATC VolunteerFest to participate. All who sign up will go onto the waitlist until your VolunteerFest registration is confirmed. The coordinator will move attendees to “going” according to when they signed up until the limit is reached. Location will be sent to those who are confirmed. Remember, only 6 cars are permitted. NOTE: You must register by 8:00 on Friday, October 10 in order to be considered. Once the limit is reached and we have a short wait list, registration will close.
Questions/comments, please contact Tim at: Timothy.Muzzio@gmail.com
NOTE: You must register by Noon on Friday, October 10 in order to be considered. Once the limit is reached and we have a short wait list, registration will close.
4 attendees
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