Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - PATC

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Official Page of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC)

10/16/2026

People power makes a difference!

Over 1 million people across the country spoke out against the Trump administration’s proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule—and together, we helped make history.

In total, the Forest Service received more than 1.6 million public comments, nearly all opposing the rollback. That’s a powerful show of support for protecting our national forests, clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, treasured recreation areas, and the wild places that define our shared heritage.

At PATC, we know how much these landscapes mean to our communities. From protecting the Appalachian Trail to safeguarding wildlands across the country, public participation is essential to preserving these special places for generations to come.

This is what collective action looks like: raising our voices, holding decision-makers accountable, and standing together for the lands we love. While the fight to protect the Roadless Rule continues, this overwhelming response sends a clear message: Our public lands are worth protecting, and we won’t stop fighting for them.

10/08/2026

Thank You for an Incredible CentennialFest!

What a weekend! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at CentennialFest 2026 to kick off PATC's 100th anniversary celebration!

From scenic hikes and hands-on workshops to campfire conversations, shared stories, and new friendships, the weekend was a wonderful reminder of what makes the PATC community so special.

As we celebrate 100 years of volunteers, we're especially grateful to the dedicated individuals who organized the event, led activities, shared their knowledge, and helped bring everyone together. Your passion and commitment are what keep PATC thriving!

Whether you've been part of PATC for decades or are just beginning your journey with us, thank you for being part of this milestone celebration. Here's to a century of stewardship, adventure, and community—and to the next 100 years!

We'd love to see your favorite CentennialFest memories! Share your photos and highlights at https://www.patc.net/centennialfest

10/06/2026

The October issue of the Potomac Appalachian is here!

Fall is in full swing, and this month’s newsletter is packed with stories, updates, and ways to connect with the PATC community.

In the October issue:
🌲 See how PATC volunteers responded after a tornado shut down trails in Shenandoah National Park
🥾 Explore the Tuscarora Trail experience
🗳️ Meet the candidates for the 2026 PATC Executive Committee Election
🌿 Learn what changes to the Roadless Rule could mean for the trails we maintain
🍁 Gear up for cooler adventures with fall favorites from the PATC Store
🌼 Plus, club updates, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more!

📖 Read the October issue: www.patc.net/paoctober2026

09/30/2026

Speak Up for America’s Roadless Areas & Trails

The U.S. Forest Service is considering a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which has helped conserve millions of acres of undeveloped National Forest lands for nearly 25 years. The public comment period is open, and comments are due October 6.

For hikers and outdoor recreationists, this issue is especially important. Nearly 45 million acres of undeveloped National Forest land are affected, along with more than 25,000 miles of trails and 5,600 trail routes across 37 states. Portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and other major long-distance trails also pass through protected roadless areas.

At PATC, we know firsthand the value of protecting the landscapes that make hiking, trail stewardship, wildlife habitat, clean water, and time spent outdoors possible.

Now is your opportunity to make your voice heard. We encourage PATC members, volunteers, hikers, and everyone who cares about our public lands to learn more about the proposal and submit a comment to the Forest Service by October 6.

When commenting, consider sharing your own connection to trails and public lands and why these places matter to you.

Learn more and submit your comment: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/20/2026-16965/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation

🌲 Deadline: October 6, 2026

09/28/2026

We’re still celebrating National Public Lands Day!
This past weekend, folks across the region got outside to hike, explore, volunteer, and enjoy the public lands that make our Appalachian Mountains so special.

Now we want to hear from you: Where did you get outside this weekend? 🥾🍂

Drop your trail, park, favorite view, or adventure in the comments—and share a photo if you have one!

09/22/2026

PATC Members: Your Voice Matters for the Future of Our Trails

The U.S. Forest Service is considering significant changes to its Travel Management Rule, which governs how motorized vehicle use is designated on National Forest roads and trails.

Under the current framework, routes are generally closed to motorized use unless they are specifically designated as open. The proposed changes would shift that approach for new trails toward “open unless designated closed” and call for annual review of trails closed to motorized use. There are concerns about what these changes could mean for non-motorized trail access, visitor safety, conservation, and trail maintenance.

For PATC members who hike, maintain, and care for trails throughout our region, this is an important opportunity to learn about the proposal and make your individual perspective heard.

The deadline to submit public comments on the Travel Management Rule is TOMORROW, September 23.

Learn more and leave a public-comment: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2026-0100-0001

Comments must be submitted by September 23. Please take a few minutes to learn about the proposal and make your voice heard.

09/18/2026

CentennialFest is almost here, and we’d love to kick off the celebration of 100 years of PATC with you!

If you haven’t registered yet, this is your last chance — registration closes at midnight tonight.

Come join fellow members, volunteers, and friends for this special weekend.

We hope to see you there!

09/15/2026

Celebrating National Public Lands Day!
Last weekend PATC was proud to join REI for an event celebrating the public lands that connect us to adventure, community, and the outdoors. From hiking trails to wild spaces, these places belong to all of us—and it takes all of us to care for them.

A big thank you to REI and everyone who came out to learn, connect, and lend a hand. Together, we can keep our public lands healthy, accessible, and thriving for generations to come. 💚

REI

09/04/2026

Don’t miss these upcoming PATC deadlines!

We’ve got two important dates coming up; mark your calendars and don't miss out!

🏆 September 7: Volunteer Award Nominations
Know a PATC volunteer who goes above and beyond? Help us recognize the incredible people who give their time and talents to our trails and community.
👉 https://www.patc.net/volunteer-awards

🎉 September 18: CentennialFest Registration
Don’t miss your chance to join us for CentennialFest and celebrate nearly 100 years of PATC with a weekend of hikes, activities, community, and trail fun!
👉 https://www.patc.net/centennialfest

Save the dates, spread the word, and we hope to see you at CentennialFest!

09/02/2026

Proof that adventure has no age limit.

At 91 years old, thru-hiker Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail! 🎉

Covering more than 2,000 miles, an AT thru-hike is an extraordinary accomplishment at any age, and a reminder that the trail has a way of bringing together generations of hikers through a shared love of adventure, perseverance, and the outdoors.

PATC is proud to be part of the larger Appalachian Trail community and to help care for the trails that make journeys like this possible.

🎥 Watch his story here: Proof that adventure has no age limit.

Address

118 Park Street SE
Vienna, VA
22180

Telephone

(703) 242-0315

Website

http://www.patc.net/

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