PATC Policy
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has, since its incorporation, developed public information programs designed to enhance the use of the trails maintained by the Club. Such information, including data on preparing for and conducting backpacking trips and day hikes, proper use of endangered resources, and minimum impact camping techniques are provided in the guidebooks published by the Club. The Club also maintains an active Public Affairs Committee that seeks to inform the public in cooperation with publicly available media, private organizations, and outdoors recreation businesses. The Club also provides information booths at selected trailheads and participates in public open houses sponsored by Federal, state, and local parks and recreation units. PATC pursues an aggressive program of public education about hiking, backcountry use, and trails maintenance through the Excursions Program, weekly organized hikes, and trails maintenance training workshops.
Inventory
PATC publishes the following guidebooks and maps:
- The Tuscarora Trail, a Guide to the North Half in Maryland and Pennsylvania, 1997
- The Tuscarora Trail, a Guide to the South Half in West Virginia and Virginia, 1997
- Map J Tuscarora Trail, Appalachian Trail, PA to PA Route 641, 1997
- Map K Tuscarora Trail, PA Route 641 to Hancock, MD, 1997
- Map L Tuscarora Trail, Hancock, MD to Capon Springs, WV, 2004
- Map F Great North Mountain—North Half (George Washington National Forest, VA and WV, US-55 southward to VA-263), 2004 (includes the Tuscarora Trail)
- Map G Massanutten Mountain—North Half (George Washington National Forest, VA and WV, VA-56 southward to US-211), 2006 (includes the Tuscarora Trail)
Partners’ Policies
National Park Service
Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park
National Park Service maps and publications produced for the C&O Canal National Historical Park identify the trails through the park. The park staff also offers environmental interpretive programs throughout the summer season.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Bureau of Forestry
Bureau foresters and biologists are available for speaking engagements on forestry issues, habitat management, hiking, public lands, endangered species and other environmental issues on request. The Bureau frequently develops exhibitions on forest practices and problems and will work with PATC in developing information and education programs.
Bureau of State Parks
Parks staff frequently run environmental interpretive programs on park lands throughout the summer season. Programs generally cover nature, natural history and ecology for children and adults.
