Connecting People to the Outdoors

Since 1927

Since 1927, PATC has been serving the outdoor community through creating and maintaining trails, cabins, and shelters throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. PATC strives to connect people with the outdoors through outreach events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.


About PATC

Trails

PATC manages over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT. We provide trail and shelter maintenance with the help of dedicated volunteers.

Cabins

PATC maintains 47 cabins, to provide hiking and outdoor experiences for its members and the public. These cabins are sprinkled throughout the  mountainous Potomac region of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Outreach

PATC offers a variety of outreach programs for the community. Join us for a group hike or attend one of our upcoming events to learn about ways you can get involved.

Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Events

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

25

26

27

28

29

1

2

3

4

5

6

Easy Hikers

7

7pm New Member Meeting

8

9

10

11

12

13

Easy Hikers

14

15

16

9am ND Hoodlums Work Trip

17

18

19

20

Easy Hikers

21

22

23

24

9:30am Trail Day at Sugarloaf Mountain

25

26

8am Vigorous Hikers

27

Easy Hikers

28

29

30

31

9:30am Trail Day at Sugarloaf Mountain

1

2

3

4

7pm New Member Meeting

5

6

9am North Mountain Brigade Trail Work

Check out our Blog

By Emily Rehr 19 Mar, 2024
In the world of outdoor sports and literature, the voices of women have often been sidelined or overlooked. However, Christine Reed emerges as a beacon of inspiration, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers with her work. Christine is a long-distance backpacker and the author of the highly acclaimed memoir, Alone in Wonderland . She offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on women's experiences in the wilderness. In a recent interview with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, she discussed the process of collecting stories and perspectives for her second upcoming book Blood Sweat Tears , alongside speaking about being a woman in the outdoors space. Christine's journey in outdoor spaces as a woman with POTS has been one of resilience and self-discovery. Despite struggling with her body for years and feeling like she was always "out of shape," she persevered and pushed herself to the limits. However, it wasn't until her diagnosis with POTS/dysautonomia in 2020 that she realized her struggles were not her fault. Instead of battling against her body, she learned to tune in and listen to its needs, leading to newfound limits and heights in her outdoor adventures. Instead of pushing through the pain Christine now focuses on asking “what does my body need?” This has allowed her to “find new limits, new distances, new heights—because the body is far more capable when it is cared for.” The narratives in Blood Sweat Tears contribute significantly to the broader conversation about women's experiences in the outdoors, particularly addressing the taboo topic of menstruation. Christine noticed a lack of discussion around periods in outdoor adventure memoirs and sought to change that with her book. By sharing stories of managing the female body in outdoor spaces, she aims to normalize these conversations and empower women to embrace their truths fully. One of the most resonant aspects of Blood Sweat Tears is its inclusivity and diversity of experiences. Christine curated a collection of stories that span a variety of female experiences, from motherhood and infertility to reproductive health challenges. She states that the “power of representation in storytelling cannot be overstated— when we see people we can relate to doing things we don’t think we can do, we start to see the possibility we once didn’t believe in.” Through sharing these stories, Christine has created something truly special that all women can deeply connect with, highlighting the universal themes of resilience and strength. For aspiring female writers who may feel intimidated by the traditionally male-dominated outdoor literary space, Christine offers valuable advice: your story matters. She encourages women to reach out to others for support and guidance, emphasizing the importance of representation in storytelling. Not only is she sharing her own story, but she's also creating a platform for others to do the same. With Blood Sweat Tears , she is launching Rugged Outdoorswoman Publishing, which aims to amplify the narratives of women and gender expansive individuals in outdoor spaces. If you have a story to share, you can submit your manuscript and join the movement to elevate women's voices in the wilderness. In terms of the outdoor community's evolution towards inclusivity and representation for women, Christine acknowledges progress but also recognizes the work that still needs to be done. She hopes to contribute to this movement through her book and future endeavors, striving for true equality and transparency. Looking forward, Christine envisions a future where women's voices are elevated without shame or secrecy. She hopes to see more space made available for women's stories in outdoor sports and literature, fostering a culture of empowerment and solidarity. As readers engage with the stories in Blood Sweat Tears , they are invited to connect with the universal theme of the relationship to their body. Christine reminds us that despite our differences, we share common thoughts and ideas about our bodies, making these stories deeply personal and relatable. Christine Reed's journey and her upcoming book Blood Sweat Tears not only challenge societal norms but also pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering narrative surrounding women in the outdoors. Through her courage, resilience, and dedication, Christine inspires us to embrace our bodies and experiences fully, breaking barriers one story at a time. Pre-order Blood Sweat Tears through Rugged Outdoorswoman (releasing May 1st) and check out Christine’s sneak peak preview on her blog. Follow Christine and her adventures on Instagram , Facebook , and Linkedin .
By Emily Rehr 12 Mar, 2024
Hiking is a great way to connect with nature, admire beautiful landscapes, and challenge ourselves physically and mentally. However, hikers often face obstacles that can make their journey difficult. One of the obstacles that can make hiking tricky is a blowdown. A blowdown is when a tree or a big branch falls across a trail. While a blowdown might not seem like a big deal, it's actually quite important for trail maintenance and your overall hiking experience. What Is A Blowdown? Blowdowns can occur due to various reasons, including strong winds, heavy snowfall, and natural decay. They can pose hazards to hikers, blocking paths and creating obstacles that require careful navigation. Blowdowns can disrupt ecosystems, affecting habitats and changing the landscape. Therefore, it's important for hikers to understand the significance of addressing blowdowns and contributing to trail care efforts. Maintaining trails is essential for preserving hiking routes and ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts. When blowdowns obstruct paths, hikers tend to walk around or leave the established trails. This disrupts the vegetation in the surrounding area, as people trample over flora and create more wear and tear on the environment. Fallen trees and branches can create tripping hazards, especially in areas with dense vegetation or uneven terrain, which can increase the risk of getting lost or injured. By clearing blowdowns and keeping trails clear, hikers can enhance their safety and enjoy a better outdoor experience. Addressing blowdowns is also crucial for promoting environmental stewardship and preserving natural landscapes. Fallen trees can hinder the growth of vegetation, disrupt ecosystems, and affect the biodiversity of the area. Additionally, blowdowns can obstruct waterways and contribute to soil erosion, causing further ecological damage. By promptly addressing blowdowns and maintaining trails, hikers can minimize their environmental impact and contribute to the conservation of natural habitats. Why We Should Care About Trail Maintenance Trail care is a collective responsibility that involves hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation organizations. Volunteer groups such as the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, play a crucial role in addressing blowdowns and ensuring the accessibility of hiking routes. PATC organizes regular clean-up events where volunteers work together to remove debris, clear trails, and mitigate environmental damage caused by blowdowns. By volunteering for PATC and involving themselves in trail maintenance activities, hikers can actively contribute to the preservation of wilderness areas and foster a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can also practice responsible outdoor ethics to minimize their impact on trails and natural environments. This includes staying on designated trails, avoiding cutting switchbacks, and respecting wildlife and vegetation. By following these principles, hikers can reduce the likelihood of blowdowns occurring and help maintain the integrity of hiking routes for future generations. Encountering blowdowns during a hike can be a common hurdle, but it's something that we can all help with. These obstacles can have a significant impact on the environment and the trails we love to hike on. By taking part in trail maintenance and being mindful of the impact we have on the environment, we can help preserve the natural beauty of the landscapes we enjoy so much. Let's work together to ensure that hiking routes remain safe and accessible for all, while also protecting the wilderness for future generations to experience and cherish. Want to help maintain our trails? Volunteer with PATC! Check out our Volunteer Page to learn more.
By Jennifer Schmid 05 Mar, 2024
Photo of Jennifer Schmid
Show More

Conservation + Land

 Management

PATC currently owns 39 properties, totaling more than 2,000 acres. In addition, the club also manages several leased properties and lands containing trail and scenic easements.

Learn More
A view of a path on trail, surrounded by green vegetation and tall brown trees.
A wooden and stone shelter, encompassed by four stone columns and a wooden picnic table placed underneath.

Shelters

Along the trails are a series of three-sided shelters for backpackers and thru-hikers. PATC maintains 45 Shelters along the AT, as well as the Tuscarora Trail and George Washington National Forest. PATC assigns volunteers to maintain the shelters throughout the year.

Learn More

Classes + Workshops

Want to learn what to pack for a backpacking trip? Or maybe you want to add a Wilderness First Aid Certification to your resume? Check out our skills classes and workshops.

Learn More
A group of male and female hikers, eating lunch and sitting at a picnic table.

GIS + Mapping

PATC has been a proud source for mapping trails and wilderness areas for decades, including some of your favorite State and National Parks. PATC maps have become well known as the most authoritative sources for backcountry information in the region.

Learn More
Share by: