Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - PATC

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Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - PATC

Official Page of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC)

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton has always embodied the spirit of Appalachia. Her love for the Great Smoky Mountains and her connection to these wild places runs deep. Her words remind us to slow down, pay attention, and protect the forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife that make this land so special. Here’s to carrying a little of Dolly’s generous, caring spirit forward, and leaving the land better for the generations to come. 💖

08/20/2026

🥾 What’s the BEST piece of advice you’ve ever received for hiking or backpacking?
Was it “start slower than you think,” “bring less gear,” or maybe “always pack a lil sweet treat”?

Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or enjoying your first day hike, there’s always something to learn from fellow trail lovers.

Share your best trail tip below! Your advice might be exactly what another hiker needs before their next adventure.

📷: Susan Collins

08/17/2026

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is all about getting outside, exploring the trails, and taking care of the places that make these moments possible.

Where are you headed next?

08/07/2026

Registration is now OPEN for PATC CentennialFest 2026! 🎉
Join us October 2–4 at Caroline Furnace as we kick off PATC’s 100th Anniversary with a weekend of hiking, training, volunteer recognition, campfires, fellowship, and fun. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the club, CentennialFest is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a century of volunteers and connect with the PATC community.

🎟️ Register today and reserve your spot: https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/event.jsp?event=70&

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🥾🎂🎉

08/04/2026

Exciting news for the PATC community! Historian Mills Kelly is bringing his passion for American history to a national audience as part of NBC's new series, The Great American Journey, hosted by Kelsey Grammer. The series explores the people, places, and stories that have shaped our nation in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

As a longtime historian, storyteller, and friend of the outdoors, Mills helps bring America's rich history to life. His appearance is a wonderful reminder that the trails we hike aren't just pathways through nature—they're pathways through history.
Be sure to tune in when The Great American Journey premieres and keep an eye out for Mills as he shares his expertise with viewers across the country.
Congratulations, Mills!

📺 The Great American Journey premieres September 5th on NBC's The More You Know programming block and will also stream on Peacock.

07/27/2026

Stay Safe on the Trail This Summer!

Join PATC's FREE Summer Safety Series webinar and learn how to handle the most common warm-weather trail hazards before your next hike!

You'll hear from experts at the Center for Wilderness Safety and learn:
🔥 How to recognize and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke
⚡ What to do when lightning strikes nearby
👣 Tips to prevent and care for blisters
🐍 Snakebite myths, facts, and the correct emergency response

Whether you're a first-time hiker, an experienced backpacker, or a hike leader, this webinar will give you practical skills and confidence for a safer summer on the trail.

📅 July 29
🕖 7:00–8:30 PM ET
💻 Free for PATC members

Reserve your spot today:

https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=97&

07/23/2026

Have you embraced Hot Jimothy Summer yet? 🦝☀️

Jimothy has his priorities straight this season:
🌳 Resting in the shade
💧 Staying hydrated
🍉 Looking for snacks (don't worry—we told him "pack your own!")
😎 Being the most whimsical woodland creature around

While Jimothy may be living his best raccoon life, here's your reminder to have a responsible Hot Jimothy Summer:

🥾 Hit the trails early to beat the heat
💦 Bring more water than you think you'll need
🌿 Practice Leave No Trace
🚫 Keep your snacks to yourself—wildlife should stay wild!

What's on your Hot Jimothy Summer bingo card?
☐ Sunrise hike
☐ Cabin weekend
☐ Waterfall hike
☐ Trail magic
☐ Ice cream after the hike 🍦
☐ Spotting a raccoon

Tag your hiking buddy who's ready for a Hot Jimothy Summer and tell us what adventure you're checking off next! 🦝

PS: if you don't know who Jimothy the racoon is, congratulations, you are not chronically online.

07/21/2026

🌿🥾 Trail Tuesday: Seneca Creek Greenway Trail 🥾🌿

Did you know that PATC now maintains the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail?

The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail is a scenic escape just outside the hustle and bustle of the DC metro area.

Following the winding waters of Seneca Creek, this trail offers peaceful forest walks, rocky stream crossings, waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Whether you're planning a short nature walk or a longer adventure, the Greenway Trail has something to offer in every season.

Have you explored the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail? We'd love to hear your favorite section or see your photos! Tag for a chance to be featured.

Every mile you hike is made possible by people who care for these trails. Thank you to the volunteers who help keep the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail beautiful for everyone!

07/15/2026

What has been your most unforgettable experience on trail?

Some of the best stories don't happen at the summit—they happen along the way.
Maybe it was your first backpacking trip, a sunrise from a fire tower, spotting your first black bear, or sharing a quiet moment around a cabin campfire. Every mile has a story.

For nearly 100 years, PATC volunteers have cared for the trails, shelters, cabins, and wild places that make these moments possible.

📸 Share your favorite trail photo in the comments and tell us where it was taken.
We'd love to feature a few of your stories in an upcoming post!
❤️ Tag the hiking partner who made the memory unforgettable.

07/13/2026

🛠️ Trails don’t maintain themselves.
Before you step over a sturdy bridge, follow a freshly painted blaze, or enjoy a clear path through the woods, someone was there before you to make that possible.

PATC volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year maintaining more than 1,200 miles of trails, preserving historic cabins and shelters, protecting public lands, and helping to ensure the outdoors remain safe and accessible for everyone.

💚 The next time you see a trail volunteer, give them a wave or a simple "thank you." It means more than you know.

Have you ever volunteered on a trail crew? Tell us about your experience—or if you've been thinking about it, let us know what questions you have!

Photo featuring members from the Hoodlums trail crew!

Address

118 Park Street SE
Vienna, VA
22180

Telephone

(703) 242-0315

Website

http://www.patc.net/

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