PATC Hikes & Events

Billy Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTES

Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike the most challenging, Section A, then hike up into two overlooks of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.

Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the Billy Goat trails. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle.
After this hike, we will climb into the forest on the other side of the canal to view the Potomac from atop. It is a moderately challenging climb, but worth the views.

IMPORTANT: This is a challenging hike. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling.

Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim (202-744-0289) and Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334
The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot.
NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 410 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National Parks

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Bull Run Occoquan Trail and Hemlock Overlook, A Challenging 10-Mile Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTE

Sweet Run State Park is one of the newest state parks in Virginia. It is located in the northwest corner of the park, not far from Harpers Ferry. The park was once a farm, and scattered through the woods are the remains of old buildings. The park extends part way up the Blue Ridge, and for a while the trail parallels the Appalachian Trail.

Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Most of the time we will be shaded by the forest, but we do cross about about 2 miles of open/sunny areas. We will start promptly at 9:00. Arrive by 8:45. This will allow time to gear up, complete the orientation and start the hike on time. Be sure to pack water and a snack. Please arrange car pooling if possible.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39°17'35.3"N 77°43'32.6"W. Street address is 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd, Purcellville, VA. We'll meet in a small gravel parking lot between the park headquarters and a barn-like structure, which houses the toilets.

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Greg Roscetti, 571-484-7499. Call or text as needed.

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 ft
Pace: 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Yes. Toilets can be found near the parking lot
Fees: $10. Bring cash to place in an envelope.

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

American Chestnut Land Trust Wildlife Management Area: 9.5 Miles

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES"

Nestled in the heart of Southern Maryland, the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) stands as a testament to both the enduring beauty of the region’s wild spaces and the resilience of a conservation movement born from tragedy. Named in honor of the once-mighty American Chestnut tree—a species decimated by the Chestnut Blight introduced at the dawn of the twentieth century—ACLT’s story weaves together natural history, ecological stewardship, and the invigorating experience of hiking through the land it so carefully protects. ACLT once had Maryland's Champion tree, but it fell during a hurricane. Today, the ACLT plants hybrid American Chestnut trees trying to bring these trees back to the park.

The American Chestnut Land Trust is more than a memorial to a vanished tree. It is a vibrant, member-supported non-profit whose mission is to preserve the natural lands, waterways, and habitats of the Parker Creek and Governors Run watersheds. Through community engagement, scientific stewardship, and a tireless commitment to access, ACLT safeguards approximately 3,800 acres of diverse landscapes.

Our journey begins at the ACLT Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area Parking Area 5, a gateway to serenity and discovery. Here, beneath towering oaks hikers start a trek through some of the most pristine wilderness in the region. One of the signature features of this hike is the crossing of Parkers Creek itself—no bridge here any longer, but a raft, tethered by sturdy wires. Hikers must pull themselves hand-over-hand across the placid water. Gloves are recommended.

We will continue on the Parker's Creek Loop and an extension at Double Oak Farm to the Bay Overlook via the Horse Swamp Trail. From there, the group will continue back to the trailhead as described above via the raft.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.52690, -76.535510
The GPS coordinates and the best way to find the parking to the trailhead. Otherwise, take Parker Creek Drive off of MD-4 about 4 miles South of Prince Frederick. Follow Parker Creek Road about 4 miles to the ACLT Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area Parking Area 5.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa: 410-610-6254 . Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 9.5 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 965 ft
Duration: 5 hours
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable Toilets can be found about 2.5 miles into the hike
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.