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).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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- Jug Bay Natural Area! A Moderate 7.5 Mile HikeJug Bay Natural Area visitors lot, Upper Marlboro, MD
Jug Bay Natural Area in Patuxent River Park! Your Choice of a 7.5 Moderate Mile Hike
The marshes of Jug Bay draw visitors to this Natural Area in all seasons. The marshes provide food for waterfowl, and are a haven for numerous birds, including ospreys. The Jug Bay Natural Area is adjacent to one of the most extensive freshwater tidal wetlands on the East Coast.
This hike follows a boardwalk through the wetlands, which leads to an observation platform over the Patuxent River. The hike continues through the woods on rolling hills, overlooking small streambeds.
We will stop at an overlook for snacks.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.77345, -76.71103The Street address to the park entrance is 1600 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. After turning into the park, proceed 1.5 miles to the visitor’s center parking lot, where we will meet.
Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa: 410.610.6254. Call or text as needed.Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Configuration: Loop
Trail Surface: Mostly dirt; short board walk
Elevation Gain: 270 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.3 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found at the trailhead
Fees: No entrance feesCancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to 9 pm the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.Weather:
The weather for this area 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.Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa: 410.610.6254. Call or text as needed.
- Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile HikeMiddle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA), Clarksville, MD
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile Hike
The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is a “forever protected” natural environmental area. At 1,021 acres, it is the largest area in Howard County’s system of parks, open space and natural resource areas. Howard County’s Department of Recreation and Parks manages the area in a cooperative partnership with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation. The area is managed using ecosystem management concepts to restore and protect the diversity of communities found in this region.
The MPEA is home to a diversity of wildlife, including about 150 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, plants and other wildlife. This parkland is comprised largely of mature, second-growth upland forest and floodplain forest. The Middle Patuxent River runs north to south through the property, with 17 tributary streams found within its boundaries.
We will hike trails through woodland and open pasture that border the Middle Patuxent River. The hike is considered an easy side of moderate.
Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00Directions to Trailhead:
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
5795 Trotter Rd. Clarksville, MD
GPS Coordinates: 39.212379, -76.917819
We meet at the parking lot.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: Easy side of moderate
Distance: 5.75 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 450 ft (6 miles), or 730 ft (9.2 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets 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. - Mini-Backpacking Trip & Riprap HikeNeeds location
This Meetup is being posted in 2 PATC Meetup Groups:
- PATC Hikes & Events (please sign up here!)
- Charlottesville PATC Hiking (we’d love to have you, but please sign up on PATC Hikes)
This trip is a warm weather mini-backpacking and a day hike including the popular Riprap Trail in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. Riprap has great panoramic views, streams, a swimming hole and follows the AT for a bit. I’ve wanted to do it for years but hate the idea of driving 3-hrs each way in the same day. Solution? Combine it with some backpacking!
We will meet along Skyline Drive and backpack 1.2 miles to an AT shelter. We can then camp there and not have to worry about being lightweight as it is such a short hike. The following morning, we will return to our cars, ditch the backpacking gear and drive 5 miles North and then hike Riprap as a day hike.Maximum Group Size: 8
Backpacking Section
- Rating: VERY EASY
- Pace: whatever works
- Mileage: 2.4 miles (1.2 each direction)
- Elevation Gain: 420 ft, all on the 1st day.
- Estimated time backpacking: 30 minutes
- There is a spring near the shelter
Hiking Section
- Rating: Moderately Difficult
- Pace: 2.25-2.50 mph
- Miles: 9.4
- Elevation: 2,100ft
- "Feels Like": 11.5 miles
- Estimated time hiking: 5 hours
Notes
- When you RSVP, you are taking one of the slots. It is understood that plans change and people’s tolerance to weather differs, so if you aren’t going to be able to attend, please update your RSVP as early as possible.
- If you have no-showed on a previous hike, you may be moved to the Waitlist until the end, allowing others to join first.
- 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/
- No dogs.
Items to Bring
- Backpack for Saturday with Dinner & Breakfast
- Daypack for Sunday with Lunch & Bathing Suit and Towel for swimming holes
- Clean clothes for drive home and plastic bag to store your wet clothes.
Parking and Meeting Time
Saturday- 4:00pm Meet at Parking Lot off Skyline Drive, Bucks Elbow Road, GPS 38.097723, -78.780991. Shows on Google Maps as “Jarman Gaps Road”
- Backpack 1.2 miles to Calf Mountain Shelter
Sunday
- Backpack to cars, store backpacks
- Drive 4.7 miles to Wildcat Ridge Trail, GPS 38.153107, -78.772543
- Hike the Riprap Trail and enjoy some swimming holes along the way
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 up 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:
* 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 leading this hike and is a PATC certified Hike Leader, member of PATC Trail Patrol and 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!
