Trail Patrol is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping hikers and backpackers enjoy the outdoors in a safe and responsible manner. Our volunteers patrol more than 1,100 miles of PATC-maintained trails in northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, and the Washington D.C. region, providing information about trail conditions, directions, and first aid when necessary.

We also report trail conditions to the PATC volunteers who maintain the region’s trails, helping to keep the trails, cabins and shelters safe and well-maintained.
 
Throughout the year Trail Patrol offers and promotes a number of outdoor skills classes. These classes include backpacking, hike leadership, and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
 
Trail Patrol also select, train, and supervise the summer Ridgerunners who walk the Appalachian Trail in the PATC section during the summer months.
 
We always welcome enthusiastic, outgoing volunteers who are looking for opportunities to assist others and help protect the environment that we share. Join Us! 

For more information on how you can join Trail Patrol and help spread the word on how all backcountry users can safely and responsibly enjoy the wilderness and natural areas of the mid-Atlantic region, contact the Trail Patrol Membership Chair.