About us
PATC hikes are an opportunity to understand the club and its important trail maintenance work. You do not need to be a PATC member to hike with us, but we hope you will consider joining after getting to know us. Come join us on the trails!
(PATC hikes are conducted by trained hike leaders. The hikes offer various levels of difficulty and distance).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT PATC
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 100% Volunteer-Supported 501c3 non-profit formed in 1927 for the purpose of building and maintaining the Appalachian Trail (AT), a 2190-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia, the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
We are the Trail Guardians for over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia & Virginia, including 240 miles of AT. Our territory begins in Central Pennsylvania at Pine Grove Furnace, continues thru Maryland & West Virginia to Harpers Ferry and extends into the mid-point of Virginia, including the Shenandoah National Park. In addition, we maintain other regional trails, for a total of over 1,000 miles of trails, thousands of acres of land and more than 80 shelters and cabins.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT THE HIKE PROGRAM
The first stated purpose of PATC is "to support and encourage the ... proper recreational use of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and other trails". This is done partly through the sponsorship of hikes on trails in PATC's area and on other trails.
The club has a wide-ranging hiking program which includes local area hikes and excursions into other geographical areas. Hikes can range from short, close-in day hikes to extended excursions. Hikes can be for physical conditioning, social interaction, nature walks, history lessons, to reach a viewpoint, or any of a number of purposes. The club encourages a wide variety of hikes, and provides training and support to hike leaders.
Upcoming events
11
Ricketts Glen Waterfall Hike
Ricketts Glen, Fairmount Township, PA, USThe Ricketts Glen waterfall hike, 7-mile Falls Trail loop, is a breathtaking, rugged journey through a National Natural Landmark featuring over 22 stunning waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. It is often described as one of the best waterfall hikes in the eastern U.S., characterized by steep, narrow rocky paths, old-growth forests, and lush, dramatic scenery.
Key Details of the Hike:
- The Waterfall Experience: The trail system follows Kitchen Creek through deep gorges, offering views of 21-22 named waterfalls, ranging from 9 to 94 feet.
- Difficulty: This is a challenging hike. It is steep, often muddy, and narrow with many steps and exposed roots.
- Loop Options: The full loop is about 6.3–7 miles, to see the main attractions.
- Scenery: The area is characterized by ancient, old-growth timber and narrow rocky ravines.
Important Tips for Hikers:
- Prepare for Conditions: The trail can be slippery and wet; sturdy footwear is essential.
- Timing: The trail is popular, so it can get crowded. It is highly recommended to visit after recent rain for the best, most "raging" waterfall views.
- Other Advice: While beautiful, the steep, rocky terrain may be difficult for those with bad knees.
We have a 10 am start to accommodate people coming from VA. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before our start time.
I would recommend staying at a local hotel in Buckhorn or Lightstreet, PA
Meeting location Rt 118 Trailhead parking lot: 41.30030657190196, -76.27232964596247Notes:
- RSVP to attend hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP by noon the day before so there is time to backfill your spot.
- Anyone who "No-Shows" will be logged and moved to "Not Going" for future hikes.
- The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead
- Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel the hike due to dangerous conditions.
- Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
- Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit https://www.patc.net/
- No dogs.
4 attendees
Past events
384
