PATC Hikes & Events

Woodstock, MD a 7 or 10.5 mile hike

In the heart of Maryland, Patapsco Valley State Park stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and ecological diversity of the region. Among its many trails, the Thru, Chevrolet, Joe's, and Quarry Trail Loop offers an interesting hike, drawing outdoor enthusiasts to Woodstock—a community steeped in both history and natural wonders.

The hike sets out on a trail alongside of the Patapsco river, on a well-maintained dirt and leaf litter trail, though after rain, muddy sections can arise, so sturdy boots are recommended. We then move inland through the forest, at one point passing by an old relic of a 1956 Chevy. Later in the hike, we pass by an old granite quarry, a reminder of the region’s industrial past. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, these granite quarries supplied building material for Baltimore and beyond. From there, we return to the trailhead passing by faint remnants of Woodstock College, a Jesuit seminary established in 1869. Some of the original campus buildings remain and are now used as a Job Corps Center. These buildings are not visible on the hike.

For those who want more, we will hike another 3.5 miles past the old train station (now the Woodstock Inn), along the Patapsco river, the train line and up into the backwoods of Woodstock.

Overall, the hikes are over moderate, sometimes steep hills and valleys with beautiful views.

At the end of the first hike, you can bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group before heading home or joining the second part of the hike.

The 7-mile hike will end around 1:30 and the 10.5-mile hike will end around 3:15 PM.

IMPORTANT: Park in designated parking spots only because some parking spaces are reserved for the Inn and towing IS enforced. If the main lot is full, there is additional parking across the street. Look for designated spots.

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

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, -76.870569

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: 10.5 miles (7 miles for the first part, 3.5 for the second)
Elevation Gain: 900 feet (545 and 355 feet respectively)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on this hike.
Fees: There are no entrance fees 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.

Catoctin Mountain Park: A Moderately challenging 5.1 or 8.4 Mile Hike

Nestled deep within the forested mountains of Western Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park stands as a testament to the region’s rugged beauty and natural heritage. As one of more than 420 national park units in the United States, Catoctin Mountain Park offers a sprawling network of 25 miles of hiking trails, graded from easy woodland strolls to challenging mountain climbs, ensuring both the casual adventurer and the seasoned hiker can find a suitable path.

This hike has a primary hike of 5.1 miles and an optional second hike of an additional 3.3 miles.

Our primary hike begins at the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitors Center on the Whiskey Still Trail, passing past the location of the largest commercial distillery in Frederick County during prohibition. This trail was connected early this year to the Charcoal Exhibit Trail, which tells of the people and their skills and trades in making charcoal, which supplied the charcoal for the Catoctin Iron Furnace. The route merges into the Hog Rock Loop Trail, a section with broad vistas and higher elevation. Continuing onward, we traverse the Thurmont Loop Trail, a connector that leads us to some of the park’s most iconic geological features—Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock. The return journey follows the Gateway Trail, winding back through the woods to the Visitors Center.

For those continuing with the optional second hike, the route begins at the Park Headquarter by crossing the road into Cunningham State Park and ascend yellow blazed Cat Rock Trail to a rock scramble up Cat Rock for the view. Returning we climb and then descend on Old Misery Trail. We return on the shoulder of Catoctin Hollow Road to the Visitor Center.

Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group at Wolf Rock and Cat Rock.

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

Directions to Trailhead:
Catoctin Park Visitor Center, 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

The GPS Coordinates are 39.63369, -77.44926

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.

Details
Rating: Moderate side of difficult
Distance: 5.1 or 8.4 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 935 ft (5.1 miles), or 1,700 ft (8.4 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
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.