Who we are?
We are the Potomac Mountain Club, a non-profit based in Maryland.
We were previously the Mountaineering Section of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), a non-profit organization that protects the trail and lands of the Appalachian Trail along with other trails and facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
In December 2025 we separated from PATC and were incorporated under the Potomac Mountain Club name.
We have been the premier rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering club serving the D.C. Metro area since 1937. We are a diverse group of local climbers who share a common interest in promoting environmentally responsible climbing and having fun while doing it!
What we do
- CLIMB! Whether local or further afield, almost every weekend our members are out climbing. Each year, several expedition-minded people organize longer trips.
- INFORM! We publish an occasional newsletter, the UPROPE, that details recent club events, articles, book reviews and the latest and greatest climbing-related news of interest submitted by the membership. Members have access to all historical editions of UpRope.
- MENTOR! Many of our members have decades of climbing experience and serve as mentors to those who want to learn the basics as well as more advanced skills. We are however NOT a climbing school or guide service.
- LEARN! We sponsor lectures by climbers. Guest lecturers have included: Hans Florine, Jules Lines, Rosie Andrews, Fred Beckley, Greg Collins, John Harlin, Lynn Hill, Jeff Lowe, Paul Piana, Marc Richey, Doug Scott, Mark Wilford, and Jimmy Chin.
- SHARE! We manage a google group and a number of WhatsApp groups where members can communicate and post impromptu climbing trips and discuss climbing issues.
- MEET! We gather for a quarterly meetings to discuss club business, socialize, and learn from guest lecturers.
- SUPPORT! We have grant programs available for members to apply to each year. Programs include the Expedition Grant (max $500), Single-Pitch Instructor (SPI) Test Reimbursement Grant ($400), Women’s Leadership Grant ($600) and the Wilderness First Responder Reimbursement Grant ($400). Details about these grants can be found under the Members Benefits Section.