Connecting People to the Outdoors

Since 1927

For 98 years, 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.

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.

a photo of a trail cutting through a forest of pine trees bathed in golden sunlight

Cabins

PATC maintains 49 cabins, to provide hiking and outdoor experiences for its members and the public. These cabins can be found throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

the silhouettes of two people on a cabin porch looking at a mountain view at dusk

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.

a photo of a group of hikers wearing winter hiking gear and standing in front of a lake

Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Events

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Little Bennett, a 7.6 mile moderate hike

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Vigorous Hikers

6:30pm Trail Patrol Meeting

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Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile Hike

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Rock Creek Park Trail Work

Trail Maintenance Crew: Spooky Beaver

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Check out our Newsletter

By Jess LaPolla May 29, 2025
PATC Ridgerunners for 2025 By Jess LaPolla
By Meg Drennan May 29, 2025
Volunteer Profile: Dan Hippe, PATC Ridgerunner Coordinator By Meg Drennan
By Jess LaPolla May 29, 2025
50 Years of PATC Cabins By Jess LaPolla
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.

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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.

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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.

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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