CentennialFest

Celebrating 100 Years of Volunteers

October 2-4, 2026

Co-Chairs Jayne Mayne and Iva Gillet

For 100 years, volunteers have been the heart of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. They have built and maintained trails, restored historic cabins, protected forests, welcomed hikers, preserved our history, and inspired generations to discover the outdoors.

Now it's time to celebrate them.

Join us at CentennialFest 2026 as we kick off PATC's Centennial Celebration (1927–2027) with a weekend dedicated to Celebrating 100 Years of Volunteers. Set among the ridges and forests of the George Washington National Forest at Caroline Furnace, this special event honors the thousands of volunteers whose dedication has made PATC one of the nation's premier trail and conservation organizations—and welcomes the volunteers who will carry that legacy into the next century.

Whether you're an experienced trail maintainer, cabin volunteer, hike leader, sawyer, Trail Patrol member, or someone looking for your first opportunity to get involved, CentennialFest is your chance to learn, connect, celebrate, and be inspired. View our full Activity List.

Spend the weekend surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains while learning new skills, exploring scenic trails, meeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and discovering new ways to help protect and preserve the places we all love.

Learn. Explore. Connect. Celebrate.

Inspired by the success of our previous Fests, CentennialFest offers an exciting mix of hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, history, fellowship, and celebration.

Throughout the weekend, you'll have opportunities to:

· Hike beautiful mountain trails with experienced leaders.

· Learn trail maintenance techniques and best practices.

· Discover trail blazing, GPS navigation, and map-and-compass skills.

· Explore the history, ecology, and cultural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains.

· Learn about invasive plant management, forest stewardship, and conservation.

· Participate in specialized training for hike leaders, first aid, and sawyers.

· Meet PATC leaders and volunteers from across the region.

· Discover new volunteer opportunities and connect with experienced mentors.

· Enjoy music, campfires, storytelling, and the friendships that have always defined PATC.

Whether you're expanding your skills or simply enjoying the company of fellow volunteers, CentennialFest offers something for everyone.

Centennial Highlights

This year's event launches PATC's Centennial celebration with special programs honoring our remarkable history.

Our Archivist, Mills Kelly, will present two engaging programs:

· Friday Evening: A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail

· Saturday Happy Hour: 100 Years of Making and Hiking Trails

Mills will also have copies of his book available for purchase and will be happy to sign them.

Throughout the weekend, we'll celebrate the volunteers whose dedication has shaped PATC for a century while looking ahead to the next 100 years of stewardship.