New PATC Hike Leaders
By Tim Muzzio
PATC is excited to introduce four new hike leaders to our team. Below, you will find statements from each of them. We invite everyone to join us in giving them a warm welcome.
Allison Kirsch
I’m excited to be joining the PATC community as a new hike leader! Hiking has long been one of the ways I stay grounded and connected—to nature, to others, and to myself. Living in the DMV area, I’ve spent years exploring the incredible variety of trails throughout the region, from the paths and rocky trails around the Potomac River and C&O Canal, to Rock Creek Park's wooded and rolling terrain, to the more rugged stretches of the AT. I'm an AT section hiker, and have conquered about 1,000 miles so far. Check out the article I wrote last year about my experience in the AT Journeys magazine: https://journeys.appalachiantrail.org/issue/spring-2025/gnat-therapy/
Some of my favorite places to hike include the overlooks along the Blue Ridge, the quiet beauty of SNP, and sections of the AT that combine a good climb with a rewarding view (I’m always a fan of a hike that earns its vista!). I’m especially drawn to hikes that offer a mix of challenge and restoration—where you can feel your heart working on the way up and then pause, breathe, and take it all in at the top.
As a leader, I enjoy creating a welcoming, connected group experience. I tend to gravitate toward small to medium-sized groups where people can get to know each other along the way. My ideal hikes are moderate in difficulty with a steady pace, a few good uphill stretches, and time built in to rest, take in the scenery, and share a snack.
Outside of hiking, I’m a Somatic Psychotherapist and Clinical Adventure Therapist, so I naturally bring a bit of curiosity about the mind-body connection into the outdoors. You might occasionally hear me invite the group to notice the rhythm of their breath on a climb or the feeling of their feet on the trail—nothing formal, just small moments of awareness that can deepen the experience.
A fun fact about me: I have a soft spot for hikes near water (bonus points if there’s a rock to sit on to soak it all in). For me, being outside isn’t just about covering miles—it’s about feeling more alive, more connected, and a little more at home in the world.
I’m really looking forward to meeting fellow hikers and sharing the trail together!
Michael Demarco
Finding the Way: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail
For many, the call of the wild is a whisper, but for me, it is a path that started decades ago. My history with the outdoors began as a scout, a passion I later carried into adulthood as a scout leader. While I’ve hiked and camped since I was young, 2020 marked the year I began "section hiking" the AT in earnest.
🥾 Miles and Milestones
To date, my boots have touched the soil of six states, each offering their own unique challenge and beauty:
Georgia: Conquering the trail's southern start at Springer Mountain. Climbing Blood Mountain on a sweltering day was a challenge.
North Carolina: Taking in the sweeping views from the Standing Indian Mountains and Albert Mountain. The climbs on mountains in NC were a test of your endurance.
Virginia: Navigating the iconic "Triple Crown," including the famous ledge of McAfee Knob. Also, the Roller Coaster section is a challenge if taken on in one hike. Over 14 miles of climbing up and down mountains!
Maryland: Walking the historic ridgeline of South Mountain after leaving Harpers Ferry to start this journey. Enjoying the view from Weverton Cliffs and Washington Monument.
Pennsylvania: Braving the infamous "Rocksylvania" section from Pen Mar Park, Md. to the Delaware Water Gap.
New Jersey: Climbing to the heights of Sunrise Mountain. Finishing with the stairway to heaven climb will give you something to remember.
Often, I am lucky enough to have my three sons by my side as hiking partners. On the trail, I live by the mantra, “hike your own hike.” While some trekkers focus solely on the miles behind them, I prefer a different pace. My camera is my constant companion, forcing me to slow down and find beauty in the "little things" that others might rush past. This year I will take on the Presidential Mountains in northern New Hampshire while staying in huts with other PATC members.
📸 From Trail to Gallery
This journey has not stayed confined to the woods. Recently, I have begun displaying my photography in a local gallery, allowing me to share the quiet majesty of nature with our community, the same community I have been proud to support through local volunteer work for the past 16 years.
Reviewing these photos allows me to relive every ascent and campsite. It is a powerful reminder of why we step out of our comfort zones: to experience the rewarding sense of accomplishment that only the great outdoors can provide.
Doug Jessup
I have been a lifetime hiker and backpacker since the age of 10 and on my second and final retirement having spent 24 years in the Army and another 25 years working in IT. I have been a member of both the ATC and PATC for 20 years.
In addition to recently becoming a Hike Leader, I am also the Overseer for Tom Floyd Shelter and the AT Corridor Boundary Monitor for the Harmony Hollow section from Rt 522 to the SNP boundary. Last summer I spent a week assisting the Konnarock crew revitalizing the steps and trail at Possum’s Rest. In 2025 I was presented with the Hawksbill Award for my service.
After returning home from a deployment to Iraq in December 2005 and subsequently retiring from the Army in April 2006, I began my NOBO thru-hike of the AT. After summiting Katahdin, two days later I was SOBO from the Canadian/Vermont border on the Long Trail back to Maine Junction (where the AT/LT part ways) to complete both trails after six and a half months.
Since then, I have thru-hiked the Teton Crest Trail and section hiked all of the Tuscarora Trail. Currently, I have completed one section of the Continental Divide Trail NOBO from the US/Mexico border and plan to either knock out the rest of it in sections or in one season. My favorite place to backpack is the Wind River Range in Wyoming and really enjoy off-trail back country exploring.
In addition to hiking/backpacking, I enjoy kayaking, XC skiing, running, and cycling. Last fall I bike packed the Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal from Pittsburgh to DC and plan to do some more bikepacking in the future.
When I am not engaged in all of these outdoor pursuits, I enjoy studying history and participating with the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team as an FAA qualified Air Show Parachutist, Parachute Rigger, and recruiter for the team. My next adventure after spending a week of parachuting with WWII ADT this month will be touring the US and national parks by motorcycle.
Marc Hershaft
I am honored to join PATC as a new hike leader. My journey with PATC began as a way to deepen my connection with the local landscape here in Virginia. Over the years, hiking evolved from a casual hobby into a more dedicated pursuit, eventually leading me to complete the PATC’s hike leader certification. For me, nothing balances a busy week quite like the quiet, immersive experience of a deep-woods trail.
I tend to gravitate toward moderate to strenuous day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. I appreciate a moderate pace that allows us to actually see and enjoy the trail and forest, rather than just rushing to the finish line. Some of my favorite areas to explore are within SNP. When leading, I prefer small to medium groups (typically 6–10 people) to maintain a sense of community and minimize trail impact. I enjoy everything from 8-mile circuit hikes to longer 15-mile treks.
One of the things I enjoy most about the PATC is the opportunity for mentorship. I’m especially looking forward to co-leading an upcoming "Backpacking 101." Helping others build the skills and confidence to transition from day hikers to overnight backpackers is a part of trail leadership I find incredibly rewarding.
Whether it’s a rugged climb in the SNP or a quiet circuit hike closer to home, I look forward to meeting many of you on the trail soon!