The PATC is a volunteer-based organization, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia. The PATC was founded in 1927 by people who planned and built the Appalachian Trail. The club now manages over 1000 miles of hiking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region, along with cabins, shelters, and hundreds of acres of conserved land. PATC volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours of volunteer service every year. Volunteers maintain trails, cabins, and shelters, teach Leave No Trace principles to hikers and backpackers, publish maps and guidebooks, and help manage a busy headquarters operation. In addition to volunteer opportunities, the club offers a busy calendar of recreational events, including hikes, excursions, cross-country ski weekends, and mountaineering trips.
Check out the area of Shenandoah National Park closest to the Richmond Metro area: SouthShenandoah