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 (1)
See all- Blockhouse: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MDBlockhouse Point Park, Potomac, MD
Blockhouse: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MD
This hike is in the Blockhouse Point Conservation Park, one of the Best Natural Areas within the Montgomery County Park system. Natural features include mature upland forest, floodplain forest, palustrine wetlands, streams, river-rock outcrops, at least nine species of threatened, endangered, or watchlist plants, a diversity of wildlife and grand views of the Potomac River and C&O Canal. The park covers an area that was once used as a wartime transportation system for supplies, but never saw action.
The hike passes through woodland area down to the C&O Towpath. Along the towpath we may see turtles and Blue Herons as well as enjoy great views of the Potomac River. We will also pass by Violet’s and Pennyfield Locks. We will then climb back into the woodlands for some wonderful views of the Potomac River. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy at the Blockhouse Overlook.
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 14750 MD-190 · Potomac, MD, which is 6.5 miles north out of Potomac Village, Maryland on River Road
GPS Coordinates: 39.066198, -77.304711
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: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hourFacilities: Portable bathrooms about two miles into the hike
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.
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.
