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

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7pm New Member Meeting

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9am ND Hoodlums Work Trip

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9:30am Trail Day at Sugarloaf Mountain

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Check out our Blog

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
By Emily Rehr 27 Feb, 2024
Spring is almost here and if you’re anything like us, you’re itching to get outside. Have you thought about embarking on a day hike, but you’re not sure where to start? Day hiking is accessible, fun, and can be a rewarding experience, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and revive your spirit. Regardless of your skill level, planning is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. In this guide, we'll provide you with some essential tips for planning your hike and discuss the ten hiking essentials that you should always have with you. Planning Your Day Hike 1. Choose the Right Trail: Choose a trail that matches your fitness level, abilities, and experience. You can consider factors such as distance, elevation gain, terrain, and difficulty rating. You can check out online resources and hiking guidebooks to help you make an informed decision. You can also use apps, such as AllTrails , to see hikes near you. 2. Check the Weather: Weather can significantly affect your hike, so it's important to check the forecast for the trail area and plan accordingly. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in mountainous areas. 3. Notify Someone: Before you head out, let a friend or family member know about your hiking plans, including your intended route and estimated return time. In case of emergencies, this information can be crucial for search and rescue efforts. 4. Pack Light, but be Prepared: Carry essential items while keeping your backpack lightweight. Pack snacks, water, a first aid kit, navigation tools (map, compass, or GPS device), sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and extra clothing layers for changing weather conditions. 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Footwear: Dress in layers suitable for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction. Avoid cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and can lead to discomfort or hypothermia. Stick to wicking fabrics, such as wool or polyester. 6. Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to allow ample time for exploration and to avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day. Starting early also reduces the risk of getting caught in inclement weather or darkness. 7. Stay Hydrated and Energized: Bring an adequate supply of water and high-energy snacks to fuel your body throughout the hike. Hydration packs or water bottles with built-in filters are convenient options for staying hydrated on the trail. 8. Pace Yourself: Maintain a steady pace that suits your fitness level, and take breaks as needed to rest and refuel. Listen to your body and be mindful of signs of fatigue or dehydration. 9. Leave No Trace: Respect nature and minimize your impact on the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles . Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife. 10. Enjoy the Journey: Take time to appreciate the natural beauty around you and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Remember to capture memories responsibly by taking photos without disturbing the environment. The 10 Hiking Essentials Navigation: Carry a map and compass, or a GPS device, to help you find your way on the trail. Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Bug Spray: Don’t forget to bring bug spray! It protects you from insect bites, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer outdoor experience. Insulation: Pack extra clothing layers to stay warm in cooler temperatures or during unexpected weather changes. Illumination: Carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for visibility in low-light conditions or emergencies. First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries with a basic first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other essentials. Pro-tip: Bring a multi-tool to be extra prepared. It ensures you're equipped to handle various unexpected situations or emergencies with ease and versatility. Nutrition: Bring high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or jerky to fuel your body during the hike. Hydration: Carry an ample supply of water or a water filtration system to stay hydrated throughout the day. Emergency bathroom bag: Carrying a pack out bag with toilet paper while hiking ensures you're prepared for any nature's call with comfort and hygiene. Check out this article about how to make packing out your TP less gross. By following these planning tips and carrying the ten hiking essentials, you'll be well-prepared for a memorable and safe day hike. Remember to always prioritize safety, respect nature, and most importantly, enjoy the adventure!
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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.

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