Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) strives to operate the best Ridgerunner Program on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Our club works closely with our partners to fund, hire, train and support a total of 6 Ridgerunners assigned to 1 of 4 segments of our 240 mile AT section. What goes into PATC having among the best programs on the AT?

• We hire mature individuals with strong solo backpacker credentials, superior interpersonal skills and decision-making ability AND a dedication to serve the public
• Assure they are supported by professional volunteers and office staff
• We pay competitive Wages and mileage reimbursement
• Are provided In-depth training, including: Wilderness First Aid Certification, Leave No Trace

Trainer Certification, Outdoor Ethics, Authority of the Resource Techniques, conflict resolution/de-escalation techniques, and trail and shelter maintenance basics

• We have dedicated free housing on or nearby the AT
• have shuttles by PATC volunteers of park staff
• We provide Emergency Communications devices, either 2-way radios or a garmin inreach (or paid subscriptions if you have your own device)
• are part of a fun and positive team environment, with monthly gatherings at PATC Cabins, a chat group and connections to the large PATC and trail management community.

Where do PATC’s Ridgerunners work and how long are the seasons? Proceeding Northbound

Shenandoah National Park (2 Ridgerunner Positions)—the AT’s Disneyworld, crossing Skyline Drive 35 times and passes by multiple lodges, waysides and snack bars, mostly in the Central District. The South and North District are less travelled where you encounter mostly
backpackers and thruhikers. Patrols are ½ to 1/3 of the 105 miles within the park (FarOut mile 864.6 – 969.4).

• 2025 Long Season position is 21 weeks from about April 16 to September 8
• 2025 Short Season position is 10 weeks from about April 30 to July 6

Northern Virginia (1 Ridgerunner Position)—PATC’s wild west, the section is primarily used by backpackers and thruhikers and passes through remote areas on state and NPS-APPA land. The section includes popular hostels, the much talked about Roller Coaster, Bears Den and Blackburn Trail Center and popular day hikes to Bear Rocks and Raven Rocks. Patrolled length is 51 miles (FarOut mile 969.4 – 1020.1)
 2025 Regular Season position is 18 weeks from about April 30 to September 1

Maryland (2 Ridgerunner/Caretaker Positions)—PATC’s most used section of the AT with large numbers of dayhikers, backpackers and thruhikers. The section coincides with Maryland’s South Mountain Recreation Area and passes nearby many historic towns and battlefields. Ridgerunners split duties between patrolling the 38 mile AT section (FarOut mile 1030 – 1067.6) and Caretaking at Annapolis Rock a restored backcountry campground and the most popular destination on PATC’s section of the AT. The AT section is also the showpiece of the increasingly popular walk across Maryland and the four-state challenge.

• 2025 Long Season position is 22 weeks from about April 16 to September 17
• 2025 Regular Season position is 18 weeks from about April 30 to September 1

Pennsylvania Michaux State Forest (1 Ridgerunner Position)—for many AT hikers, their
favorite part of Rocksylvania, with gorgeous woodlands and some of the nicest shelters and
most dedicated trail and shelter maintainers on the AT. Patrols are 38.2 miles (FarOut mile
1067.6 to 1105.8). The Michaux Ridgerunner has the opportunity to take a work day each week to teach LNT and the Appalachian Trail experience to campers during their season. The section is also home of the physical half way mark on the AT and the half gallon ice cream challenge.

• 2025 Regular Season position is 18 weeks from about April 30 to September 1