The Trails Won’t Keep Themselves.
Together, We Do.
Every step on the trail, every night spent in a PATC cabin, every acre of protected land exists because people like you choose to care for them.
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club members and friends care for a trail network that has expanded to over 1,200 miles of trail, 49 historic cabins, 47 shelters, and nearly 3,500 acres of conserved land. Today, your role matters more than ever. Without people like you, trails and wild spaces across our region would become inaccessible or lost altogether.
Trails
PATC manages over 1200 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 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.
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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Patapsco, Avalon Area: 7 Mile Hike with an Option for 3.5 More
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Vigorous Hikers
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7pm November 2026 Hike Leader Class (Virtual)
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Rock Creek Park Southern Loop — 6 Mile Hike
Veach Gap 7 miles, 1300' Elevation Gain
1pm Potomac Nordic Ski Club Ski Fair
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Vigorous Hikers
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Energy & Enviro. Policy Org Hike
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Cadillac Trail Crew Overnight Work Trip
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Vigorous Hikers
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Vigorous Hikers
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Vigorous Hikers
5:30pm New Member Meeting (Virtual)
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Check out our Newsletter
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.
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.
Classes + Workshops
Want to learn what to pack for a backpacking trip? Or become a certified Hike Leader? Check out our skills classes and workshops.
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.