What do Ridgerunners do if they don’t run? They spend countless hours ‘patrolling’ on the AT where they (1) provide assistance to the hiker community on the AT, (2) perform light duty maintenance along the trail and at shelters and campsites and work with our clubs trail and shelter maintainers to see that things are in good shape, and (3) assist the resource management agencies along the trail charged with protecting the natural and cultural resources.

They are often described as trail ambassadors or Leave No Trace educators given their work with the hiking public in particular.

The Ridgerunners work each summer with the public, trail community, and officials along the Appalachian Trail to enhance the public's enjoyment of the trail and to help protect it. The PATC's section of the trail extends from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, through Maryland, to Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania. The Ridgerunners who patrol the section of the Appalachian Trail maintained by PATC are hired, trained, and supervised by PATC's Trail Patrol.

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) strives to operate the best Ridgerunner Program on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Our club works closely with our partners to fund, hire, train and support a total of 6 Ridgerunners assigned to 1 of 4 segments of our 240 mile AT section.

What goes into PATC having among the best programs on the AT?

• We hire mature individuals with strong solo backpacker credentials, superior interpersonal skills and decision-making ability AND a dedication to serve the public
• Assure they are supported by professional volunteers and office staff
• We pay competitive Wages and mileage reimbursement
• Are provided In-depth training, including: Wilderness First Aid Certification, Leave No Trace Trainer Certification, Outdoor Ethics, Authority of the Resource Techniques, conflict resolution/de-escalation techniques, and trail and shelter maintenance basics
• We have dedicated free housing on or nearby the AT
• Have shuttles by PATC volunteers of park staff
• We provide Emergency Communications devices, either 2-way radios or a garmin inreach (or paid subscriptions if you have your own device)
• Are part of a fun and positive team environment, with monthly gatherings at PATC Cabins, a chat group and connections to the large PATC and trail management community.



Northern Virginia (1 Ridgerunner Position)—PATC’s wild west, the section is primarily used by backpackers and thruhikers and passes through remote areas on state and NPS-APPA land. The section includes popular hostels, the much talked about Roller Coaster, Bears Den and Blackburn Trail Center and popular day hikes to Bear Rocks and Raven Rocks. Patrolled length is 51 miles (FarOut mile 969.4 – 1020.1)

• 2025 Regular Season position is 18 weeks from about April 30 to September 1

Maryland (2 Ridgerunner/Caretaker Positions)—PATC’s most used section of the AT with large numbers of dayhikers, backpackers and thruhikers. The section coincides with Maryland’s South Mountain Recreation Area and passes nearby many historic towns and battlefields. Ridgerunners split duties between patrolling the 38 mile AT section (FarOut mile 1030 – 1067.6) and Caretaking at Annapolis Rock a restored backcountry campground and the most popular destination on PATC’s section of the AT.  The AT section is also the showpiece of the increasingly popular walk across Maryland and the four-state challenge.

• 2025 Long Season position is 22 weeks from about April 16 to September 17
• 2025 Regular Season position is 18 weeks from about April 30 to September 1

Pennsylvania Michaux State Forest (1 Ridgerunner Position)—for many AT hikers, their favorite part of Rocksylvania, with gorgeous woodlands and some of the nicest shelters and most dedicated trail and shelter maintainers on the AT. Patrols are 38.2 miles (FarOut mile 1067.6 to 1105.8). The Michaux Ridgerunner has the opportunity to take a work day each week to teach LNT and the Appalachian Trail experience to campers during their season. The section is also home of the physical half way mark on the AT and the half gallon ice cream challenge.

• 2025 Regular Season position is 18 weeks from about April 30 to September 1
  

For questions and for more information on how you can get involved with PATC's Ridgerunner program, please contact PATC's Ridgerunner Coordinator, Dan Hippe.