tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26973072292933017412024-02-19T02:06:53.136-05:00Hiking With Hammerhikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-59051183404055379172018-03-25T09:13:00.000-04:002018-03-25T09:13:54.099-04:00Hiking into the Keystone State - Part 2: PA State Route 16 to Old Forge Picnic Area, Michaux State Forest<br />
<br />
The second part of this hike was twice as long and I'd say twice as nice. This hike took me into the southern end of Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest, up to a park/picnic area called Old Forge.<br /><br />After parking at the PA SR 16 lot and crossing the highway, you re-enter the woods and cross the southern boundary of <a href="http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Michaux/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Michaux State Forest.</a> The forest covers over 85,000 acres in Cumberland, Adams, and Franklin Counties. (Follow the link to learn more!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpLhPcmol-8YjALVO38Z9wwPU4pPNIw8yzxQYWnw8-9zocF-JOhgAVJzQ4xRAymcCDmzYq-8c9y8RLZ4Ewegm_2RVayFmt3qZCjovb8XzRzSIAmJDEbwhSvMPivt0SRbeBcR8pVSeuh4/s1600/20180318_103643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpLhPcmol-8YjALVO38Z9wwPU4pPNIw8yzxQYWnw8-9zocF-JOhgAVJzQ4xRAymcCDmzYq-8c9y8RLZ4Ewegm_2RVayFmt3qZCjovb8XzRzSIAmJDEbwhSvMPivt0SRbeBcR8pVSeuh4/s640/20180318_103643.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going north!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsD5XybdYxkEqUVJaHuYNhEjqcl7XmIeQAX_bLxlkeOjoIuPwt-D7v1pDaS8rmj2S5a2lfuzU7INJORHg5GSkR2FSG3EDfODC2wtS9LF49E1LW2HGFcHf9aovCKALMVx7721jvuTeQEk/s1600/20180318_103655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsD5XybdYxkEqUVJaHuYNhEjqcl7XmIeQAX_bLxlkeOjoIuPwt-D7v1pDaS8rmj2S5a2lfuzU7INJORHg5GSkR2FSG3EDfODC2wtS9LF49E1LW2HGFcHf9aovCKALMVx7721jvuTeQEk/s640/20180318_103655.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the forest...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The trail runs fairly straight, ascending slightly before reaching Mentzer Gap Road. The trail crosses the road and bears to the left before turning back into the wooded area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A little more climbing, and another road crossing: this time Rattlesnake Run Road, and finally you're into the main portion of the hike. The trail bears generally west until you crest the hill and come down the other side, and then turns north and descends slightly through a tunnel of green. This eventually leads you to a small clearing, and a sign for a spring. The spring was flowing fairly well, but was full of leaves. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9XxazpvKREkjoFllt7QieuPv_D8dgwnMOY3rBSM8gMACd-rrCkTCHnOfPQGojkRTKdsmfJwa5pOFJE_oJMux466Yt_SNii2SmDpbYq1M1Ba9LXdbrV5tfTYoHhzzM7JoYkcIfcWo3_E/s1600/20180318_110222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9XxazpvKREkjoFllt7QieuPv_D8dgwnMOY3rBSM8gMACd-rrCkTCHnOfPQGojkRTKdsmfJwa5pOFJE_oJMux466Yt_SNii2SmDpbYq1M1Ba9LXdbrV5tfTYoHhzzM7JoYkcIfcWo3_E/s640/20180318_110222.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring source, leaves floating on the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-8Un82FJ_SevtdPXfN2Bz-6hKUejr2Llfx0l0RI-YEBPQJd3vHCHEksnAtepv4uyNiI4q76HoOtl5dgHG6x0B_acBc4OPCwjbvvG5bHQpj1z4d2C16UI6fbi7DOceEv0KsjgPcw6VBU/s1600/20180318_110311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-8Un82FJ_SevtdPXfN2Bz-6hKUejr2Llfx0l0RI-YEBPQJd3vHCHEksnAtepv4uyNiI4q76HoOtl5dgHG6x0B_acBc4OPCwjbvvG5bHQpj1z4d2C16UI6fbi7DOceEv0KsjgPcw6VBU/s400/20180318_110311.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spring is 30 yards beyond the sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
From the spring, the trail turns again, continuing into the forest. The trail here is generally flat, with a few gradual ups and downs. <br /><br />After about 2 miles, you come across the Deer Lick (Run) Shelters. There are two Adirondack-style shelters here, the openings face away from each other. There are also two tent pads behind the shelters. I didn't see any other tent pads. There is a spring up the hill in front of the shelters, which I believe forms Deer Lick Run, which you cross as you continue north on the trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8rOCHZ8k82fCpgEkqNH7IEb-AVD4E0DHmWxNfLvC_XNfx0-yfLq_iKNXCTx0p0Ib2aH6xdCbBC9dIKQTNf-wb5n3cxBNUiNDdgAQF83JkTV7WzQY70UpVIdCF6uIqG5UF3QMFBSodkM/s1600/20180318_114020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8rOCHZ8k82fCpgEkqNH7IEb-AVD4E0DHmWxNfLvC_XNfx0-yfLq_iKNXCTx0p0Ib2aH6xdCbBC9dIKQTNf-wb5n3cxBNUiNDdgAQF83JkTV7WzQY70UpVIdCF6uIqG5UF3QMFBSodkM/s640/20180318_114020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelters from the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSf1HJ2YwirYoyfCH809PMgCbkp8d0rWGdlee1eGr4ATChYRHMlvbw7c8_wPHqN0RMoV5Q6NHV3w-BAHPJ8RrTNQ430fPvwP6T4BwN5HtMGTbyuTQN-xZYy92ncO2jwQRdY9kOPk7bwY/s1600/20180318_114327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSf1HJ2YwirYoyfCH809PMgCbkp8d0rWGdlee1eGr4ATChYRHMlvbw7c8_wPHqN0RMoV5Q6NHV3w-BAHPJ8RrTNQ430fPvwP6T4BwN5HtMGTbyuTQN-xZYy92ncO2jwQRdY9kOPk7bwY/s640/20180318_114327.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelters from the "Spring" sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U7e0pOkfiyOGeBi184l24kKA8Tzh6SCNA6dKBT41RKISzusXb7bK7lv5hdpSD8D8rucwDWThIkI6ehXnfS8HxiG3xf9uCJYCibb2hF14DkQC7LB3Lm82_867F2EBKw6Y28NkYtnb1LM/s1600/20180318_114238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U7e0pOkfiyOGeBi184l24kKA8Tzh6SCNA6dKBT41RKISzusXb7bK7lv5hdpSD8D8rucwDWThIkI6ehXnfS8HxiG3xf9uCJYCibb2hF14DkQC7LB3Lm82_867F2EBKw6Y28NkYtnb1LM/s640/20180318_114238.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelter closeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC59uU_bu9ApHBUyhiYo7WpWO6lDlyTpRJePZKOiGNQ4wOAAH7yJ7QE_3_mP_ZpzttypZCqOVF_l7yuEgxnaXnyUIbr186bAQ7dWgwBtZZ45AO74sOdk3T3ZPZYwNviRei1kkkpdwrMAs/s1600/20180318_114849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC59uU_bu9ApHBUyhiYo7WpWO6lDlyTpRJePZKOiGNQ4wOAAH7yJ7QE_3_mP_ZpzttypZCqOVF_l7yuEgxnaXnyUIbr186bAQ7dWgwBtZZ45AO74sOdk3T3ZPZYwNviRei1kkkpdwrMAs/s640/20180318_114849.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Lick Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here the trail will gently climb, and you'll come across first a gas line cut, and then what is probably a fire road. Not long after this, the trail begins to descend into the valley toward Old Forge. It gets kind of steep at times, so step carefully. The trail eventually flattens out before another more gradual descent just before you reach Old Forge. You'll hear the sound of running water before you see the creek and footbridges. You'll cross two footbridges over two branches of Antietam Creek, which runs out of the Waynesboro Dam.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyhdTzM7SKhiCRqib6M5Op6CZwk_KElTyG7wjGK1D3U6NTLsI-l3prlYVNUhA5J_2cn_jg5YOCGeTdoQ-En4QLxM-Cai0pMNcmkTxUAkFX1tegXILyUVsIJV8C1w5MYfrVMY6N9NYUFM/s1600/20180318_115541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyhdTzM7SKhiCRqib6M5Op6CZwk_KElTyG7wjGK1D3U6NTLsI-l3prlYVNUhA5J_2cn_jg5YOCGeTdoQ-En4QLxM-Cai0pMNcmkTxUAkFX1tegXILyUVsIJV8C1w5MYfrVMY6N9NYUFM/s640/20180318_115541.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the gas line cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65Z4qL_qxdZYpKYG6Wcz2qH79k5OO1pP3bMiIilb-SqeVOBbN2jrVLUunCHHWjbML7Sv0WdB6_HcS_wAdiOzVV1yI3INubwsKfzgyzVOzXcJejqB3A_0MqvUDsNmjec-TBlKg3ams4kc/s1600/20180318_121053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65Z4qL_qxdZYpKYG6Wcz2qH79k5OO1pP3bMiIilb-SqeVOBbN2jrVLUunCHHWjbML7Sv0WdB6_HcS_wAdiOzVV1yI3INubwsKfzgyzVOzXcJejqB3A_0MqvUDsNmjec-TBlKg3ams4kc/s640/20180318_121053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the gravel road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Yf1FBYgDdJ2TnJFHzvumhpjwLgPimmuYoS7fu7i3I1KRlV2E79D7W6K4WwS3L5vqfKwhXGp9vxDuRIFLVSmC13PdlMFyAQHa_suhOIE2ebzDlg0QA1OiMhnSc88EM_6gdkro0A26HT8/s1600/20180318_122817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Yf1FBYgDdJ2TnJFHzvumhpjwLgPimmuYoS7fu7i3I1KRlV2E79D7W6K4WwS3L5vqfKwhXGp9vxDuRIFLVSmC13PdlMFyAQHa_suhOIE2ebzDlg0QA1OiMhnSc88EM_6gdkro0A26HT8/s640/20180318_122817.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down from the ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFyvCy13yu_1_KsWFSE5cwzMkCwviZU-_SsKZrqzTbOHWEOKLOs-g7K_8CWv9pfBuFstvznlTBvJJm0056_BUppYPqTElVkFclgdiNFyYUFnxkThjAb0JmNG1b_sCBF0v0OIOhPBY9Lw/s1600/20180318_125320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFyvCy13yu_1_KsWFSE5cwzMkCwviZU-_SsKZrqzTbOHWEOKLOs-g7K_8CWv9pfBuFstvznlTBvJJm0056_BUppYPqTElVkFclgdiNFyYUFnxkThjAb0JmNG1b_sCBF0v0OIOhPBY9Lw/s640/20180318_125320.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over Antietam Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Continuing further along the trail, you'll cross another (probably gas line) cut in the trees, and then another footbridge, taking you toward the main part of the Old Forge picnic area. There's a small building which has a spigot/water tap. The sign said fresh water year round...but I didn't try it.<br /><br />The Old Forge Picnic area has about 10-12 parking spaces, a couple of picnic shelters, and some vaguely historic-looking buildings. I'm sure there's more to the park, but I didn't do much exploring.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pkzOyClA6kPq5nSslpSmwz0vfcvH25wsqfl2vY76n84N9Cp-K8O38orh1RqJcL7GMehYsyRIR53nibwmicYVvlEI6hvFI4gPguW00JJ-_-sp1KRlRoTEkU9w84SChYesvJ51ejKYPkM/s1600/20180318_132038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pkzOyClA6kPq5nSslpSmwz0vfcvH25wsqfl2vY76n84N9Cp-K8O38orh1RqJcL7GMehYsyRIR53nibwmicYVvlEI6hvFI4gPguW00JJ-_-sp1KRlRoTEkU9w84SChYesvJ51ejKYPkM/s640/20180318_132038.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water tap here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDpd78WeIcPlRQPT3QmrqEnY7v94UFhNt65sUNBTRdTFNgkFGtGaC3GO12vqSxzyVoRFeKewT_FXGbBjM7356TSUG-jy5DjAz01FeDNdntDB4P3ytGIgxUNt8X2Dst6T_fla3rOcSmwc/s1600/20180318_132053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDpd78WeIcPlRQPT3QmrqEnY7v94UFhNt65sUNBTRdTFNgkFGtGaC3GO12vqSxzyVoRFeKewT_FXGbBjM7356TSUG-jy5DjAz01FeDNdntDB4P3ytGIgxUNt8X2Dst6T_fla3rOcSmwc/s640/20180318_132053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into the main area of the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpxffVl9-AT_zUkPwE_-jgXl3PW1bOmDQRO38NDYz3D1JyeGNUNia4QQRKaSrT6gDpl_PvONbWUPn8qhxh2df6u57j9wJvEU__yhgg4vGecaAx7t-bAon-fhQ6bJGV3zBvKkgPmpe-ec/s1600/20180318_132220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpxffVl9-AT_zUkPwE_-jgXl3PW1bOmDQRO38NDYz3D1JyeGNUNia4QQRKaSrT6gDpl_PvONbWUPn8qhxh2df6u57j9wJvEU__yhgg4vGecaAx7t-bAon-fhQ6bJGV3zBvKkgPmpe-ec/s640/20180318_132220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7650lhF11IMXjzgmjjreiSQ3mI3Mgu-AB8-j-DLYDV5AA9EpnuTjxjelro6CehysgWa3yL4egrBebIx5NVlHl0lC6QYseWgwQt8F6auVkgYQUrJQONG2qdSC-RLnMLHvWwL76M1NhqI/s1600/20180318_132321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7650lhF11IMXjzgmjjreiSQ3mI3Mgu-AB8-j-DLYDV5AA9EpnuTjxjelro6CehysgWa3yL4egrBebIx5NVlHl0lC6QYseWgwQt8F6auVkgYQUrJQONG2qdSC-RLnMLHvWwL76M1NhqI/s640/20180318_132321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_lhEXmvSbOIDWDiAVWfdh-FD0XG8tdfKTRLwHmpYopn69LVgY54SGEWNmYIj7hz6ZOdZEvNu4GCDAOSsUa7u_Y4K3pKpPYNgSyCcupvAzvn1DCLvQTyjbN2ci3E5qavIZVhRDfK360w/s1600/20180318_132611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_lhEXmvSbOIDWDiAVWfdh-FD0XG8tdfKTRLwHmpYopn69LVgY54SGEWNmYIj7hz6ZOdZEvNu4GCDAOSsUa7u_Y4K3pKpPYNgSyCcupvAzvn1DCLvQTyjbN2ci3E5qavIZVhRDfK360w/s640/20180318_132611.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few more pics of Antietam Creek for your enjoyment...<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWnHprABlB0eKBaWVWnGvj_42Z21jqZeiellRDqUNwr93zu8ThSLJNrv3BU-gokRyJ2qVnbhl1XLaTWhAGM_HLAT4J-ZM7Z3rpwMdW-wAUige5TDPtzPkld5Qg_0kpYsBcSoCEOKpvbk/s1600/20180318_133056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWnHprABlB0eKBaWVWnGvj_42Z21jqZeiellRDqUNwr93zu8ThSLJNrv3BU-gokRyJ2qVnbhl1XLaTWhAGM_HLAT4J-ZM7Z3rpwMdW-wAUige5TDPtzPkld5Qg_0kpYsBcSoCEOKpvbk/s640/20180318_133056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLZmrlzkUwQbyRiqxyCsU0fTh26wdDeU9A8JRfidtivGp6pOjofCvlk6en8dO5Lm9uPSSmp3WhbfKUd3RPfCAR1cGdflkQ48VjaCvX32rd5RX8NX3rfUyefneRQGUxAbSJiBr2bbFDfE/s1600/20180318_125248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLZmrlzkUwQbyRiqxyCsU0fTh26wdDeU9A8JRfidtivGp6pOjofCvlk6en8dO5Lm9uPSSmp3WhbfKUd3RPfCAR1cGdflkQ48VjaCvX32rd5RX8NX3rfUyefneRQGUxAbSJiBr2bbFDfE/s640/20180318_125248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07LhW_wqppffdvoHmbX8sTRKqxEwErI0TU9BzKrmKS1-l1Df0elcMI62zermqMsQ8wAcKIVNzictjvAwuQ8dOLsCrSHo-aX_VIOsDaWed3LLyrnVnxpxvUQP_bsPWIv9sWzFyI5QS36k/s1600/20180318_125432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07LhW_wqppffdvoHmbX8sTRKqxEwErI0TU9BzKrmKS1-l1Df0elcMI62zermqMsQ8wAcKIVNzictjvAwuQ8dOLsCrSHo-aX_VIOsDaWed3LLyrnVnxpxvUQP_bsPWIv9sWzFyI5QS36k/s640/20180318_125432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DbrBVNVfh2PAEXJFcClsgukAUJmzGs2aNMIriDQ9qqNOVdR4V_SUL_CyRC_oBhq8QF9KyN1i4Gc1Sru6KliM2Vn6xlddnJd3FfRnbtgvXmXKIMpo-YTepCTlg1vlVApLFLKYauEY1Og/s1600/20180318_133213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DbrBVNVfh2PAEXJFcClsgukAUJmzGs2aNMIriDQ9qqNOVdR4V_SUL_CyRC_oBhq8QF9KyN1i4Gc1Sru6KliM2Vn6xlddnJd3FfRnbtgvXmXKIMpo-YTepCTlg1vlVApLFLKYauEY1Og/s640/20180318_133213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YrczM5sT38jQAKGGoIPpaRkr5OytDK21u6L7mBixaJvh0kwDlE5P9v9LGiZamTiChrDSODiC4oByDIxGh-_SfHOAXb5mazEYlGUxsCKkryLNwya3pqtmcAScHYtCJ35e7VifQlEhLv4/s1600/20180318_133254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="1600" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YrczM5sT38jQAKGGoIPpaRkr5OytDK21u6L7mBixaJvh0kwDlE5P9v9LGiZamTiChrDSODiC4oByDIxGh-_SfHOAXb5mazEYlGUxsCKkryLNwya3pqtmcAScHYtCJ35e7VifQlEhLv4/s640/20180318_133254.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<br />
As stated before, I did this hike and the previous one as out-and-backs. If you have a hiking partner, you could easily do both (Pen Mar to Old Forge) as a one-way, approximately 6.8-mile shuttle hike, leaving a car at Old Forge, and then driving to Pen Mar to begin the hike.<br />
<br />
For my next hike, I'll probably start at Old Forge and keep exploring into Pennsylvania. Definitely need to knock out a section or two of Maryland as well.<br />
<br />
Happy hiking!<br />
<br />hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-14229003094778698432018-03-21T21:14:00.000-04:002018-03-22T06:42:02.024-04:00Hiking into the Keystone State - Part 1: Pen Mar to PA State Route 16Hello, fellow hikers, outdoors enthusiasts, and adventure seekers! Just sharing some notes from my recent excursions.<br />
<br />
Even though I still have plenty of miles left to hike in Maryland, I thought I'd take a peek into Pennsylvania, our neighbor to the north. Pen Mar Park in Maryland, right next to the border, was the clear jump-off point for this next adventure. As I've noted previously, the Appalachian Trail passes through the park before crossing the Mason-Dixon line and continuing into Pennsylvania.<br />
<br />
I did this section of the AT over two separate weekends with two out-and-back hikes. The first time I hiked from Pen Mar to Pennsylvania State Route 16 before turning around. The second weekend I parked at the Route 16 trailhead, and hiked to Old Forge.<br />
<br />
First hike: Pen Mar to PA SR 16:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHB2Q4o5fGSmy6kwPMh-yywsySNG2H7GJegyFRFqIezPKWXMNuzS3nJwkuQT5ARjwqWuNZc6e7Hrg7hqx1UF5wPRSdWMO7amXCrXhCm_Hzwm9wVbjmvS5C144F3Q1j3OZ5aJnzK1MPs8/s1600/PenMartoPASR16map.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="862" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHB2Q4o5fGSmy6kwPMh-yywsySNG2H7GJegyFRFqIezPKWXMNuzS3nJwkuQT5ARjwqWuNZc6e7Hrg7hqx1UF5wPRSdWMO7amXCrXhCm_Hzwm9wVbjmvS5C144F3Q1j3OZ5aJnzK1MPs8/s640/PenMartoPASR16map.tiff" width="523" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topographic Map, the AT is the thin white line through the middle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The start of the hike out of Pen Mar is easy and takes you across a set of railroad tracks before crossing the Mason-Dixon Line. After a short distance, you'll come to a road crossing (PA 550) which can be dangerous due to the hairpin turn drivers have to navigate, so be careful and cross quickly. The trail then passes behind several houses before finally descending, gradually at first, into a valley.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi9-8CPsa18aaZFE973eZ1l5TxMCJ3B_RzADty7Yh3vVSyO6pF7ZTPFfdgOujP9judO7lKneZtXsf1Zkd42A0Ae1t7D7l8Y2-qSluggnDVSB-JUEt6gbWm2SIWS124i9G7diPPENW2AM/s1600/20180310_110513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi9-8CPsa18aaZFE973eZ1l5TxMCJ3B_RzADty7Yh3vVSyO6pF7ZTPFfdgOujP9judO7lKneZtXsf1Zkd42A0Ae1t7D7l8Y2-qSluggnDVSB-JUEt6gbWm2SIWS124i9G7diPPENW2AM/s640/20180310_110513.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This seems easy enough...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKMJsjK-yGARs2bjuNDNXwvqueWfzZxkgEODZPLlg4s_F7Ou_huVphr0c6QtHItqObLIn-mQJaVWvEZ3KUAIQtJqel2HqaKGhe6kCyES_gCTJrS_YXe7KlaHfQYOU8ntylvRj-Spzf5w/s640/20180310_110857.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down into the valley...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAUSveFW0PtvY53X0kkpfWeazj_H3xhacZIJExO9CE828uUIXHyX4rqbKubOwmSPLsuVArePJAwXeN8ljBNGekjU58Eb4tkiCR9ru9Q5ZgJBlSyA2gXERLpl9RItGqVkvDQZU8hiE4EI/s1600/20180310_111550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAUSveFW0PtvY53X0kkpfWeazj_H3xhacZIJExO9CE828uUIXHyX4rqbKubOwmSPLsuVArePJAwXeN8ljBNGekjU58Eb4tkiCR9ru9Q5ZgJBlSyA2gXERLpl9RItGqVkvDQZU8hiE4EI/s640/20180310_111550.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock wall near the bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NPC2g9llNJ5BPxWSUmg1NnBcyO7AUCS1w56-f3ZjuwSRnuwNqFKg_D8-sVCb1g2L2fr2F4DuTR85abFvDIw4WT_rIM7eLVMP5rt3JPWa8ONp7XYVTi4-U0n3a8C01KMuRWQ5bT6RPE/s1600/20180310_111556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NPC2g9llNJ5BPxWSUmg1NnBcyO7AUCS1w56-f3ZjuwSRnuwNqFKg_D8-sVCb1g2L2fr2F4DuTR85abFvDIw4WT_rIM7eLVMP5rt3JPWa8ONp7XYVTi4-U0n3a8C01KMuRWQ5bT6RPE/s640/20180310_111556.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
At the bottom, a footbridge carries you over Falls Creek. Then the trail turns left and sharply up the hill before curving back around to the right and ascending further up the slope.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFzaHz85bChfyaArKU3X2uMuSoohamBvqQkRrnNaddhAwBx4VtirCcj3rib-ZszWWFCyIlvaebHd3arzsZIKSZxvsVeu0rAjCuEYIrlbsnDA8V9EG3XqEu3_A9lR_ya7fADTbtnCnPoY/s1600/20180310_111932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFzaHz85bChfyaArKU3X2uMuSoohamBvqQkRrnNaddhAwBx4VtirCcj3rib-ZszWWFCyIlvaebHd3arzsZIKSZxvsVeu0rAjCuEYIrlbsnDA8V9EG3XqEu3_A9lR_ya7fADTbtnCnPoY/s640/20180310_111932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge over Falls Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesf38-QHt-3QJwnsXK_HOVS_0HX0QrRnZjj0kUhZSlsvd9PeSZFupGvnWFwFI7fMQs2vVeJAtKesc9qhpq1TYCVx9l2TdNCnq6ykKHziQoXoT2MUgWy9S0oRJgL9M2cSXlkWhEAD1fJI/s1600/20180310_112013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesf38-QHt-3QJwnsXK_HOVS_0HX0QrRnZjj0kUhZSlsvd9PeSZFupGvnWFwFI7fMQs2vVeJAtKesc9qhpq1TYCVx9l2TdNCnq6ykKHziQoXoT2MUgWy9S0oRJgL9M2cSXlkWhEAD1fJI/s640/20180310_112013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Falls Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was nice and quiet in the valley except for Falls Creek, flowing nicely. I could have sat and listened to the sounds of the stream for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
On the other side of the bridge, the trail makes an immediate 90 degree left turn, curving up the hill to the stone steps on the left side, before coming back around to the right again. The dead leaves made this somewhat slippery on the return trip. Be careful out there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSVhJEuNBTpCix9ctfVlxdtzUdkqgsS4hVmF5xuXtLDv_AFirCrT576C1OXEPx3U_3dKakJ1XF5Bwq8VyIt9Zn_iKgDgOP1Lvb_8iT34FDOb-7dlNVUSG5n-nLOGeRIXDWkaQX6c0bz4/s1600/20180310_112010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSVhJEuNBTpCix9ctfVlxdtzUdkqgsS4hVmF5xuXtLDv_AFirCrT576C1OXEPx3U_3dKakJ1XF5Bwq8VyIt9Zn_iKgDgOP1Lvb_8iT34FDOb-7dlNVUSG5n-nLOGeRIXDWkaQX6c0bz4/s640/20180310_112010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up the other side!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5Mq5LZWSmex8FstiV2eg3O_C6QQAArce2K3zcUUSBP22JI7SjCCR-fOXwl1fWEtTWmlowi2Btjv4BFPq-MHGyrpmxIJXnPMyuRKgxLH-egFXLlGTrnJ5HWKPXF3ASS6vF04ZY3XeGtE/s1600/20180310_114131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5Mq5LZWSmex8FstiV2eg3O_C6QQAArce2K3zcUUSBP22JI7SjCCR-fOXwl1fWEtTWmlowi2Btjv4BFPq-MHGyrpmxIJXnPMyuRKgxLH-egFXLlGTrnJ5HWKPXF3ASS6vF04ZY3XeGtE/s640/20180310_114131.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buena Vista Road ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The trail continues up the side of the hill, winding around the hill until it runs parallel to a stream bed below, eventually reaching Buena Vista Road. As you reach the road, the trail picks up again on the north side about 40 yards to the left. </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-nQPLwJH2Mm_9OTbG6hJE1h8qycg9wyxZtv3rBl7N_PAsf6xxbcuEuVRw60cSwl2f4tPyQ-_diP2uJuiQOT8fK4bAgZRD-QQ0KMehiPkWYp0WlIi556Ny26vWyn0l4Sa9VpzdWvZ8zo/s1600/IMG_152070026941F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-nQPLwJH2Mm_9OTbG6hJE1h8qycg9wyxZtv3rBl7N_PAsf6xxbcuEuVRw60cSwl2f4tPyQ-_diP2uJuiQOT8fK4bAgZRD-QQ0KMehiPkWYp0WlIi556Ny26vWyn0l4Sa9VpzdWvZ8zo/s640/IMG_152070026941F.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Sign at Buena Vista Rd. Trail picks up on the opposite side of the road, behind the photographer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After crossing Buena Vista Rd, the trail begins to climb Mount Dunlop, ascending over 300 feet in less than half a mile. It's a good workout!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIAWH61jtl6bYku_FneVDLytazDbpDVH_eVx8fywSYfF70FVyB4YlgnI2swWQiZ5qiw1BzWiG10FxGpiO6oVsUUN5llgWcbSgoHfo7qHm1eZLPvhXofzxYSwtV5F6xW5lKWEFvJ4bMb4/s1600/IMG_20180310_120420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIAWH61jtl6bYku_FneVDLytazDbpDVH_eVx8fywSYfF70FVyB4YlgnI2swWQiZ5qiw1BzWiG10FxGpiO6oVsUUN5llgWcbSgoHfo7qHm1eZLPvhXofzxYSwtV5F6xW5lKWEFvJ4bMb4/s640/IMG_20180310_120420.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Near the summit of Mount Dunlop<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once you hike over Mount Dunlop, the trail gently descends before reaching Old State Route 16. This road seemed fairly busy, so take care crossing. The final leg is short, so you'll be at your turn around point shortly. But before you reach it, you'll have to navigate a short field of large rocks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmM4vK-7z9VFAjmgAimwKeiCT3y1XgmFsxeky2qARWxW9b_u35XT76j2LxQw4qhg-SBcu1RwYXfQuawv-3rT42Dn0DmqJfi_oyjwUcDJv7rLDPxXdpH2OzuklfxYtRMEyfbcHQ-wZsv0/s1600/IMG_20180310_123738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmM4vK-7z9VFAjmgAimwKeiCT3y1XgmFsxeky2qARWxW9b_u35XT76j2LxQw4qhg-SBcu1RwYXfQuawv-3rT42Dn0DmqJfi_oyjwUcDJv7rLDPxXdpH2OzuklfxYtRMEyfbcHQ-wZsv0/s640/IMG_20180310_123738.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocksylvania: the prequel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw2Pcsr4CydGGeTM-n8uvMEfeSO-K341Jdz5YCJh3Cw93j0CFbN05za8-IQvFyQ2ps3DHykil70CEJ636ltMZNw6L5ZyAFTnFzSy3kUj-RuN2gwzdQOUaEN3tPSZIW7s566Od3NgWKPk/s1600/20180310_130543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw2Pcsr4CydGGeTM-n8uvMEfeSO-K341Jdz5YCJh3Cw93j0CFbN05za8-IQvFyQ2ps3DHykil70CEJ636ltMZNw6L5ZyAFTnFzSy3kUj-RuN2gwzdQOUaEN3tPSZIW7s566Od3NgWKPk/s640/20180310_130543.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge over Red Run, parking lot on PA SR 16</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The trail crosses another 'water feature': Red Run, just before the parking lot and turn around point. There's a picnic table for you to sit, relax, and have a snack before turning around. The AT picks up straight across the highway, heading into Pennsylvania's <a href="http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Michaux/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Michaux State Forest.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsHi0FnYhnQd082ZPkCmUkQBKA9nEPHhYbDpTQbC_-u8Dx9V59TNetBBSKlKGjUKSGu2zuWqgB3aQwvMDEGc-r9kJVLd8G6YCioRBBMcOrApYz4G_8JnguO55dnnzL53tCjLObwAh1rg/s1600/20180310_125612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsHi0FnYhnQd082ZPkCmUkQBKA9nEPHhYbDpTQbC_-u8Dx9V59TNetBBSKlKGjUKSGu2zuWqgB3aQwvMDEGc-r9kJVLd8G6YCioRBBMcOrApYz4G_8JnguO55dnnzL53tCjLObwAh1rg/s640/20180310_125612.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section of trail maintained by the Waynesboro (PA) Potomac Appalachian Trail Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgbRW0ZuEuhz8reLjZJTSG0NCSbcDfiQxuisSvt1L9uqM3DZ2lH4V9esK_PMKm0iGwc8m0BvAljF0MZ9P-eFpSv9lDx3jjnhB4bxJd6t_J-2G8lBJorC3zFOx7H1LeAgfUgVQxpTORec/s1600/20180310_125644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgbRW0ZuEuhz8reLjZJTSG0NCSbcDfiQxuisSvt1L9uqM3DZ2lH4V9esK_PMKm0iGwc8m0BvAljF0MZ9P-eFpSv9lDx3jjnhB4bxJd6t_J-2G8lBJorC3zFOx7H1LeAgfUgVQxpTORec/s640/20180310_125644.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvrfEHxLW-zD5lGRlBuu9rLiKoIZGJuUlHBD42w_itGolDoDZ4paVITLJ_ZfhXdW6DJFsD7liIdieVm5PaZwSTdxehPN_1ORfO-Y8HTZ-Mg9fBcf4tO6cnCWkLJ5q6Lxtjf7M6na2bDU/s1600/IMG_20180310_123319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvrfEHxLW-zD5lGRlBuu9rLiKoIZGJuUlHBD42w_itGolDoDZ4paVITLJ_ZfhXdW6DJFsD7liIdieVm5PaZwSTdxehPN_1ORfO-Y8HTZ-Mg9fBcf4tO6cnCWkLJ5q6Lxtjf7M6na2bDU/s640/IMG_20180310_123319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veins of quartzite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was a moderately easy hike, maybe a shade over 4 miles round trip. There are enough steep ascents and descents to make it interesting, but altogether it was fairly straightforward.<br />
<br />
As always, I recommend the use of trekking poles and solid boots. The trail is quite rocky, like the rest of PA.<br />
<br />
Part Two coming soon.<br />
<br />
<br />hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-76099047877255039252017-09-05T17:05:00.000-04:002017-09-05T17:05:54.050-04:00Gathland State Park to Weverton Cliff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQs_o500K2cRfzhIPGYZqJ5dMUKgibto9FPE5z080dstEdwa8hjJpFSY4Gf8yu7MpOuzOLW27YDV1GjTPTOvCSUMiIxn2Kk8426yoMBzazwsFz1UmOX8slN8nYiU9Y2v_gWLHVl4WUu4/s1600/20170903_132638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQs_o500K2cRfzhIPGYZqJ5dMUKgibto9FPE5z080dstEdwa8hjJpFSY4Gf8yu7MpOuzOLW27YDV1GjTPTOvCSUMiIxn2Kk8426yoMBzazwsFz1UmOX8slN8nYiU9Y2v_gWLHVl4WUu4/s640/20170903_132638.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For this hike, I was joined by fellow blogger and day trips enthusiast, Jody of <a href="http://midatlanticdaytrips.com/">Midatlanticdaytrips.com</a>. Please take a trip over to her site, you might find something that suits your interests!<br />
<br />
Gathland State Park is a small but beautiful state park on South Mountain, near Burkitsville, Maryland. Gathland SP occupies Crampton's Gap, the southernmost site of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_South_Mountain" target="_blank">Battle of South Mountain</a>, which occurred on 14 September 1862, as a prelude to the Battle of Antietam. Confederate forces held three gaps in South Mountain: Fox's Gap, Turner's Gap, and Crampton Gap; in an effort to delay the Union Army's pursuit of Lee's divided forces. (I have previously blogged about my visit to Fox's and Turner's Gaps, so feel free to read that entry as well.)<br />
<br />
The Appalachian Trail traverses through the park, passing by the base of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_War_Correspondents_Memorial" target="_blank">first monument dedicated to War Correspondents</a>, built by the park's namesake, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Alfred_Townsend" target="_blank">George Alfred Townsend</a>, who wrote under the pen name "Gath."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ6ySwwy_k_H5UedmaEXKueiv127eu1Ek-KPMZzQVMZnlD8APU33TnGrXKEywpsmi7dtBou2noXjxyOeNL5GtZIIdcu25WthPWWx_jzs8Rbrq5Nnl7NCcNBQgMQkojaj82J33M72YsUk/s1600/20170903_132613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ6ySwwy_k_H5UedmaEXKueiv127eu1Ek-KPMZzQVMZnlD8APU33TnGrXKEywpsmi7dtBou2noXjxyOeNL5GtZIIdcu25WthPWWx_jzs8Rbrq5Nnl7NCcNBQgMQkojaj82J33M72YsUk/s640/20170903_132613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the late 1800's, Townsend called the land that is now Gathland SP his home. Two of the buildings from his estate survive, one of which now serves as the park's museum. We didn't visit the museum, but I'll probably come back another time to have a look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBD95aCl1P-dMD9Fgl3Jkv0rciT9xM2YeqHLLF_EyK9EQLQBYxPxtF6OfSizPAYkfXuGOpbx3ZrywN7h72yQkxi5L6kDaWmiWSF1oo4xCPozO5T9RsWppMCH8NjxQ-XPC5p2AQc-UdyA/s1600/20170903_083451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBD95aCl1P-dMD9Fgl3Jkv0rciT9xM2YeqHLLF_EyK9EQLQBYxPxtF6OfSizPAYkfXuGOpbx3ZrywN7h72yQkxi5L6kDaWmiWSF1oo4xCPozO5T9RsWppMCH8NjxQ-XPC5p2AQc-UdyA/s640/20170903_083451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2CwVenlrvv2PmWf-cMrxaoUh4mMfkdME6lRhXFXUwbU0Hq1FzDqCu3vrMMCx8YFgwW9nLCINBaEzYeus0j-uFvpnm0XAyJHIRDgP-u0uRA7jzRRtCh_-PbF_-MfpUCPNMZ0ogyaFuRc/s1600/20170903_084107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2CwVenlrvv2PmWf-cMrxaoUh4mMfkdME6lRhXFXUwbU0Hq1FzDqCu3vrMMCx8YFgwW9nLCINBaEzYeus0j-uFvpnm0XAyJHIRDgP-u0uRA7jzRRtCh_-PbF_-MfpUCPNMZ0ogyaFuRc/s640/20170903_084107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZXxAZlRbE0L41qqzbubNgvdHsY0JHfPgME0ZvPbMYjwI20qN6-GapRulHJK471_jUAsOGyiSv0OPBrRLatBcNwRQabJx4BfUVEDfyL8a532at5dZohqXLjIkS0pleH5ChkYJfm0a1b0/s1600/20170903_084037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZXxAZlRbE0L41qqzbubNgvdHsY0JHfPgME0ZvPbMYjwI20qN6-GapRulHJK471_jUAsOGyiSv0OPBrRLatBcNwRQabJx4BfUVEDfyL8a532at5dZohqXLjIkS0pleH5ChkYJfm0a1b0/s640/20170903_084037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
The Hike</h3>
We hiked the almost 7 miles from Gathland SP to Weverton Cliffs. It's a relatively 'level' hike with no major climbs, and only a sharp descent at the end to the Weverton Cliffs parking lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdPHx0TJqVpGFsniyEmMxmyLuO_IqRogt7K6DNJmWSZxEbuAIDCyV8mj10F1OZPaTbMIW4veBJq5LLn84pREJHG3jo_1caSZmiG8Cp21sfMNgHc19VCsqiLyun84iEmd7-N5qrctnl5Q/s1600/gathland-weverton-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="699" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdPHx0TJqVpGFsniyEmMxmyLuO_IqRogt7K6DNJmWSZxEbuAIDCyV8mj10F1OZPaTbMIW4veBJq5LLn84pREJHG3jo_1caSZmiG8Cp21sfMNgHc19VCsqiLyun84iEmd7-N5qrctnl5Q/s1600/gathland-weverton-w.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For our hike, we met at the Weverton Cliff parking lot (see my previous blog), and left one of our cars at that lot, and drove the other car to Gathland SP via MD-67, on the west side of South Mountain. There's a good-sized parking lot at Gathland SP, along Arnoldtown Road. However, I'd recommend getting there early before it fills up.<br />
<br />
To get to the AT southbound, head back toward the intersection of Gapland Road and Arnoldtown Road. Cross the intersection (and be careful, the cars coming up on Gapland Road from Burkittsville can come up fast) Since the trail access isn't abundantly obvious from the parking lot, I'll include the following map:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R9xWDL5AAj7HYwXDoigpJ__fMORPCyKzluJ9eFrZV4BWKu37uxONJDbmr001xUMU2mbGig9m7flGMyv-aL7ab8qleAfHs2CJiyHyPf_kpDM3Xv7dFateawRO3_JIFPTNIy2ghXkLN9M/s1600/GathlandSP.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1384" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R9xWDL5AAj7HYwXDoigpJ__fMORPCyKzluJ9eFrZV4BWKu37uxONJDbmr001xUMU2mbGig9m7flGMyv-aL7ab8qleAfHs2CJiyHyPf_kpDM3Xv7dFateawRO3_JIFPTNIy2ghXkLN9M/s640/GathlandSP.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWryRe4aPduPsCJbs_sgS0ciaIwp0zvKzE_NkRqnlyAZRb54APb7XG5fjguzPu0Ml8dbMWLuMnIqlKujfRtyeGSigxjunK2y8p8z7KtMFQXFIp0ONQoWtINeuriO6WNKOtTqarTqDY5uw/s1600/20170903_132826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWryRe4aPduPsCJbs_sgS0ciaIwp0zvKzE_NkRqnlyAZRb54APb7XG5fjguzPu0Ml8dbMWLuMnIqlKujfRtyeGSigxjunK2y8p8z7KtMFQXFIp0ONQoWtINeuriO6WNKOtTqarTqDY5uw/s640/20170903_132826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While heading toward the trail, stop by the War Correspondents Memorial and the Battle of South Mountain plaques and displays. Then walk up the park road (shown above), bearing to the left. There will be a sign directing you to the AT, where it re-enters the woods. (I apologize that I failed to photograph the sign, but you'll be able to find your way, I hope.)<br />
<br />
The trail gently climbs out of Gathland SP along the western side of the South Mountain ridgeline. At some places along the trail, you can look west to see Elk Ridge, also known as Maryland Heights.<br />
<br />
Along the way, you'll come across a pass or fire road, just continue straight along the trail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ7TDVqN3w8s3IIugFMLsPT0e8r4QhUdTuQwmxgUOTxfZRKkokqUFpv3eYQeOfduwYZhViR0IQ5_gLuPz7-k2QYLwhkCrn7ClEZe9t73SP5tBDWBVrOzWEQYun5sdHB0tEY0siHP6jVo/s1600/20170903_092854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ7TDVqN3w8s3IIugFMLsPT0e8r4QhUdTuQwmxgUOTxfZRKkokqUFpv3eYQeOfduwYZhViR0IQ5_gLuPz7-k2QYLwhkCrn7ClEZe9t73SP5tBDWBVrOzWEQYun5sdHB0tEY0siHP6jVo/s640/20170903_092854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Huge rock, with trekking pole for scale:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJc3zzUdgNDrsZza1tVfOkM-WLTcXKeIioiIb-YePtZnmAyzC_vzyCvYvlSsbai_Bg8VfcuRniHQe4_AAVp_PqOlVMDN0t88uKCKseuG8ZLGSg25AOod74872E5Is3DlJ0zK78GHmM1JA/s1600/20170903_100307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJc3zzUdgNDrsZza1tVfOkM-WLTcXKeIioiIb-YePtZnmAyzC_vzyCvYvlSsbai_Bg8VfcuRniHQe4_AAVp_PqOlVMDN0t88uKCKseuG8ZLGSg25AOod74872E5Is3DlJ0zK78GHmM1JA/s640/20170903_100307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-LLr0SYBhx9nAkNcSdlUIFxqWLAyiwBUGVZ_yCf_sei_wy2hrC4U8IDOhuGfmVQkxj8NNCc8WccCpPLUOY4KbjZo1W1fxeIGTf83X21TGJf2Bn7v21BF89-lURDQNzQOcIRsF0QeCpQ/s1600/20170903_102053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-LLr0SYBhx9nAkNcSdlUIFxqWLAyiwBUGVZ_yCf_sei_wy2hrC4U8IDOhuGfmVQkxj8NNCc8WccCpPLUOY4KbjZo1W1fxeIGTf83X21TGJf2Bn7v21BF89-lURDQNzQOcIRsF0QeCpQ/s640/20170903_102053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaNgur-lqvmAmhRMWjDSikSQhcO9GHSWM34X7DfDXdzZV5NUZaD9ZaweBHM2jxg34JTkkM-6VqIQoyNsi2CHwq8nyOcULJrHFVDX5JyctSXtDg_8a4m7Pak0tBNGPimDAewYth2VHx6g/s1600/20170903_102059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaNgur-lqvmAmhRMWjDSikSQhcO9GHSWM34X7DfDXdzZV5NUZaD9ZaweBHM2jxg34JTkkM-6VqIQoyNsi2CHwq8nyOcULJrHFVDX5JyctSXtDg_8a4m7Pak0tBNGPimDAewYth2VHx6g/s640/20170903_102059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ERCvs9_FcYQ10YoTNuZ-TAw38ocgMbofF3iU_KTtUNNMbkAb3tlEmviczrhCfB0f17eAUx-6ZttunnId6qhxtHsXIZF0IK36-eF-G9hPNH9DN84Nbwtq6MduoaEsS6Z-LiCtupkX6wU/s1600/20170903_102119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ERCvs9_FcYQ10YoTNuZ-TAw38ocgMbofF3iU_KTtUNNMbkAb3tlEmviczrhCfB0f17eAUx-6ZttunnId6qhxtHsXIZF0IK36-eF-G9hPNH9DN84Nbwtq6MduoaEsS6Z-LiCtupkX6wU/s640/20170903_102119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The trail is very rocky, so be sure to wear sturdy boots. Aside from that, there are generally no major climbs or descents along the trail - they're all thankfully gradual elevation changes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyM_gDZccSsr8y2rO3aHxlRK0cSHE75qL9OaumbgMFbBLP45xr2IALCajcJIVjLcI9H8mgohXHCs6JGtAtArhvxy8hAJ6YSgFixPtIUoNcB5wS8cTMQZaiNdY-KFtZ8iAjozxynCAyyE/s1600/20170903_105053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyM_gDZccSsr8y2rO3aHxlRK0cSHE75qL9OaumbgMFbBLP45xr2IALCajcJIVjLcI9H8mgohXHCs6JGtAtArhvxy8hAJ6YSgFixPtIUoNcB5wS8cTMQZaiNdY-KFtZ8iAjozxynCAyyE/s640/20170903_105053.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRIIt1mj0bVh__imEui8OlwwA-F_Bi9LL6toZJIhKBYwmzA9MzAbdInBC4RejRaQyL7LDbMobCMIt_yVzFZjepeCqbEtXVo3_efClEhxPaUK7Dbgal15rd-Jds0bBDFXOpQsIo-OfC1Y/s1600/20170903_110815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRIIt1mj0bVh__imEui8OlwwA-F_Bi9LL6toZJIhKBYwmzA9MzAbdInBC4RejRaQyL7LDbMobCMIt_yVzFZjepeCqbEtXVo3_efClEhxPaUK7Dbgal15rd-Jds0bBDFXOpQsIo-OfC1Y/s640/20170903_110815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
About 4 miles into the hike, you'll come across a side trail (on the left hand side, if you're going south) to the Ed Garvey Shelter. The Garvey shelter looked really nice, and has an "upper deck" with plexiglass windows facing both east and west, a good sized fire pit to one side of the shelter with benches on three sides of the pit. and a privy a few dozen yards away. As shelters go, it looked pretty nice. I didn't take a lot of pictures of it because there were a few people packing up their gear at the shelter and at campsites near the shelter. I asked one of them about the spring (shown on the PATC trail map): it's apparently about a half mile downhill from the shelter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYOVq3Zz80pBzHQc38xu9JF_s2RQLk6xijBE2K04hooLuSUbKOQadhVHKskTAVxc21o51-DBljSlGtEmxhi-lGK6wB4wgYW8dYbB_biw5VG6TzNAAyJEFIlmcbA0xY2uH63XPBgu7rnE/s1600/20170903_103354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYOVq3Zz80pBzHQc38xu9JF_s2RQLk6xijBE2K04hooLuSUbKOQadhVHKskTAVxc21o51-DBljSlGtEmxhi-lGK6wB4wgYW8dYbB_biw5VG6TzNAAyJEFIlmcbA0xY2uH63XPBgu7rnE/s640/20170903_103354.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The west side of the shelter is shown here, the lower level of the east side is open to the air.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGv-UEC39J50AyZY40ujjlZIcQ9-MnKyDxXyVRMTpc_FyLG_8wpdd2TKODWMxvfHdBg6zArcq6CE8lK9IyoyfJaLQP050n9c2o9l0OZTqPavk_wynY-qarSvbQLlro5-ahdUZJWxeodk/s1600/20170903_104634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGv-UEC39J50AyZY40ujjlZIcQ9-MnKyDxXyVRMTpc_FyLG_8wpdd2TKODWMxvfHdBg6zArcq6CE8lK9IyoyfJaLQP050n9c2o9l0OZTqPavk_wynY-qarSvbQLlro5-ahdUZJWxeodk/s640/20170903_104634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
As you continue south from the Garvey shelter, the trail definitely gets rockier which definitely slowed us down. Eventually you'll notice the general descent towards Weverton Cliff, and the fantastic overlook that you've hiked almost 7 miles to see. Definitely worth it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPkBzOxRgAmq_OqZ2cFcOr0cWfAaOljoDvWsHuGCdJnomhhRYnuMUVAxi8KBbMnRKXcENAMHxXEiMFU4STO3qeGcnF9J8XK9iMYUTV7nc0rLiEf5njAGhgS1vI6vcw24R3yuR3d_HsmM/s1600/20170903_121544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPkBzOxRgAmq_OqZ2cFcOr0cWfAaOljoDvWsHuGCdJnomhhRYnuMUVAxi8KBbMnRKXcENAMHxXEiMFU4STO3qeGcnF9J8XK9iMYUTV7nc0rLiEf5njAGhgS1vI6vcw24R3yuR3d_HsmM/s640/20170903_121544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Things to know before you go:</h3>
<ul>
<li>I'd rate this hike a shade tougher than moderate, if only for the distance and rockiness of the terrain. Wear good boots and use those trekking poles!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There are restrooms at Gathland SP, and a privy at the Ed Garvey Shelter area. You'll need to have your own toilet paper on hand if you think you may need to use the privy.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Let's talk about snakes: </b>we were alerted to the presence of a group of baby timber rattlesnakes in a burrow at the cliffs. The timber rattlesnakes in Maryland can often be found in the rocky outcroppings along South Mountain and Catoctin Mountain. Be aware that timber rattlers can easily blend in to their surroundings, so if you're doing any kind of rock scrambling, make sure you check where you're putting your hands.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There's a water source down the hill from the Garvey shelter, but you will obviously need a filter or some other way to purify the water. You definitely want to bring your own water and snacks to refuel!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dogs are welcome, but <u>please keep them on a leash</u>!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Directions:</h3>
To Gathland SP: If you're doing a shuttle hike, follow the directions to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/pDm3KvntnpJ2" target="_blank">Weverton Cliff parking lot,</a> and leave one car there. Then take the second car, and turn right onto MD-67, going north for about 6 miles. Turn right onto Gapland Road, which will take you up the mountain. When you enter the park, you will see the War Correspondents Memorial in front of you. At the 4-way intersection, take a slight left onto Arnoldtown Road. The entry/exit is at the far end. Here's the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/X2VoU6g3GJu" target="_blank">Google maps link to Gathland SP</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Hiking!<br />
<br />hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-32323481362492633012017-08-27T18:32:00.001-04:002017-08-27T18:32:01.943-04:00Weverton Cliff Hike<br />As I've said before, the Harpers Ferry area has become one of my favorite places to visit since I've moved to the East Coast. The view of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers from Maryland Heights is a wonder that everyone should see at least once. As the Potomac continues to meander its way through the gap it has carved in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it flows past another excellent vantage point: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2r4a8ZIhEZea2k3ZmRndWg5Q00/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Weverton Cliff</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKuodHwvYSIbVv6fWjHW7iHG9ghbNGDiPrl2puz37ZrgywLYjMR2_uY3PxCEWcxCHy1KAR-QLAr8CMizumYIbeTsb_Zd-OM6zoO3n5LVtMJg2RDOKpvHz3IsC18Ff5bevMxmfXwHc78Q/s1600/20170826_121301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKuodHwvYSIbVv6fWjHW7iHG9ghbNGDiPrl2puz37ZrgywLYjMR2_uY3PxCEWcxCHy1KAR-QLAr8CMizumYIbeTsb_Zd-OM6zoO3n5LVtMJg2RDOKpvHz3IsC18Ff5bevMxmfXwHc78Q/s640/20170826_121301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Weverton Cliff is located at the southern end of South Mountain in Maryland just off the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead is located at the end of Weverton Cliff road, a few yards from the parking lot- just a set of rock steps that disappear into the woods. The trail is very rocky, and winds up the hill via a series of switchbacks. In fact, I lost count of how many times the trail turned back on itself, but it makes the climb *much* easier. It's definitely a good workout, but not nearly as strenuous as the Maryland Heights hike, which is pretty much a straight climb.<br />
<br />
The trailhead:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeAPgZEn4FrK1avhiZAvrS41E6Kqt2nbfYKsvx9yBvoNVMh8lAuYtA0RDqAUAtsA6FN5MYWywqe2-BLW87nWY1n-qzSE8FRvg8vz8s39PFV2xVbn8lIdmRHv2GH4H6u4VSu1TPbivgW4/s1600/20170826_105903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeAPgZEn4FrK1avhiZAvrS41E6Kqt2nbfYKsvx9yBvoNVMh8lAuYtA0RDqAUAtsA6FN5MYWywqe2-BLW87nWY1n-qzSE8FRvg8vz8s39PFV2xVbn8lIdmRHv2GH4H6u4VSu1TPbivgW4/s640/20170826_105903.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One of the many switchbacks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvU5Kq1DBJ227HF-6Pn7khxJvcUOulVDcTru31v52kVrwDaGSdMVT3YCfruk3r0uRuNznL-JI3hT3pPuIEDLjlH6X3YguaMooN6Q7QKtSIrzS0k_DR5JwsqW0BNgddtdHKwxC6VTf6tA/s1600/20170826_111056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvU5Kq1DBJ227HF-6Pn7khxJvcUOulVDcTru31v52kVrwDaGSdMVT3YCfruk3r0uRuNznL-JI3hT3pPuIEDLjlH6X3YguaMooN6Q7QKtSIrzS0k_DR5JwsqW0BNgddtdHKwxC6VTf6tA/s640/20170826_111056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At times the path is quite narrow. This is also one of the few sections of trail that's generally free of large rocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4Zl9pYO5AcGh9ZaePb0F-xeRSy05JkqEt8qCQ8Q3shqgtN7qvDDmZhfWMfBuxW0JjTD5Hi1h2NByBbWT0VJ5NJUFgBqDYIAQEUvEUlZ8D5PiNm_ZzKK1XGYEJO1kSfEuaW1VS7kA_yo/s1600/20170826_111720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4Zl9pYO5AcGh9ZaePb0F-xeRSy05JkqEt8qCQ8Q3shqgtN7qvDDmZhfWMfBuxW0JjTD5Hi1h2NByBbWT0VJ5NJUFgBqDYIAQEUvEUlZ8D5PiNm_ZzKK1XGYEJO1kSfEuaW1VS7kA_yo/s640/20170826_111720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Big pile of rocks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguy6bIZFaU3rfF1oPmVqMyKA-T8YquzFdznc_qwPRnHzRnk3BzVhbuCrFKN_aZEKWVQTx19iGujaF7AUR7AZCTmJWYw8j-MaxCBTwMpy01WbDihyJMZAJ4mew-uwYvoAvrmZeFctcwmA/s1600/20170826_113208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguy6bIZFaU3rfF1oPmVqMyKA-T8YquzFdznc_qwPRnHzRnk3BzVhbuCrFKN_aZEKWVQTx19iGujaF7AUR7AZCTmJWYw8j-MaxCBTwMpy01WbDihyJMZAJ4mew-uwYvoAvrmZeFctcwmA/s640/20170826_113208.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Very rocky trail, wear good boots with ankle protection, and use those trekking poles for balance and support!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWHk20Z3bWFOMZ9ddKbm2f1_yj2q0pl6RLAwxKqHLiaZr1YFJRfWtWCSZi0E_RDr1Qb1enuEhgf5OCs-DFmDY48hSvlTDZZ4Kk6yj8auFlBFdt6JF6wCNcNeojkvSACQsTLfs-PSXyKc/s1600/20170826_111400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWHk20Z3bWFOMZ9ddKbm2f1_yj2q0pl6RLAwxKqHLiaZr1YFJRfWtWCSZi0E_RDr1Qb1enuEhgf5OCs-DFmDY48hSvlTDZZ4Kk6yj8auFlBFdt6JF6wCNcNeojkvSACQsTLfs-PSXyKc/s640/20170826_111400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
When you reach the top of the hill, you'll come across a T-intersection with a sign post directing you toward the cliff or north on the AT. Unfortunately, the sign board pointing to Weverton Cliff was missing, but, as usual on the AT, follow a light blue blaze for side trails.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4loluyhglvv1YVG6Qv19O_ywJpQgRfxE9rQMprPBF958HgaJSGiY5REVJBq6TQYJzjiqa_6hupw6w9j4i3RCw4Tylu5LbSvuCJ4PdQgkTRnAn7yWqsld-wu-3l2pEnB6g9up_vybPrBI/s1600/20170826_131947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4loluyhglvv1YVG6Qv19O_ywJpQgRfxE9rQMprPBF958HgaJSGiY5REVJBq6TQYJzjiqa_6hupw6w9j4i3RCw4Tylu5LbSvuCJ4PdQgkTRnAn7yWqsld-wu-3l2pEnB6g9up_vybPrBI/s400/20170826_131947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The trail to the cliff overlook takes you down the hill a bit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eQX3nKn6GjSuL-qZjdgUYHVYekdtFAxxFDgchqTFfPCKcBTYHRJzpVo4y69ksM6ltM1GoW2P-OviYmntUGfFi-occZxxZHrEE8l6KwEPxFcEDzTn9UIIHHZ_wHpOHkKvo0jpHRQrtgA/s1600/20170826_122143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eQX3nKn6GjSuL-qZjdgUYHVYekdtFAxxFDgchqTFfPCKcBTYHRJzpVo4y69ksM6ltM1GoW2P-OviYmntUGfFi-occZxxZHrEE8l6KwEPxFcEDzTn9UIIHHZ_wHpOHkKvo0jpHRQrtgA/s640/20170826_122143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once at the overlook, you'll have to do some rock scrambling to get the best vantage point to take some really great pics. I only had my phone camera, but it worked pretty well...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvzV7JnF472URUwUhgW7_5FRcGmKZaSa3nIM9zRoys-HC5kCo2em_2hAcKXTVE48deVw0UwV7hbzu2dNmVKNXiEHYQSoHxaJqTbIhpsrSYw1kznEPd5xmccN6FGJvQ1sj8oGjcQYcmw8/s1600/20170826_114320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvzV7JnF472URUwUhgW7_5FRcGmKZaSa3nIM9zRoys-HC5kCo2em_2hAcKXTVE48deVw0UwV7hbzu2dNmVKNXiEHYQSoHxaJqTbIhpsrSYw1kznEPd5xmccN6FGJvQ1sj8oGjcQYcmw8/s640/20170826_114320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwCzTgsSkeNFfRiDyC3fkZoROCWTbsLmSzEKoUrzeTgQQx-ThcGQ9nyEYSqbY-LFpvXBdDrCxBXxSVPtjIZZxzLTKrQY1UfBHQExCZPsd3wXeGVollkSLssjjnt2cyaaQA1sJ5jZgv5c/s1600/20170826_114348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwCzTgsSkeNFfRiDyC3fkZoROCWTbsLmSzEKoUrzeTgQQx-ThcGQ9nyEYSqbY-LFpvXBdDrCxBXxSVPtjIZZxzLTKrQY1UfBHQExCZPsd3wXeGVollkSLssjjnt2cyaaQA1sJ5jZgv5c/s640/20170826_114348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see the bridge where US340 crosses the Potomac into Virginia, but without binoculars I could not discern Harpers Ferry at all. The ridge on the left is Loudon Heights, on the right is Maryland Heights and Elk Ridge. The Stone Fort, on Elk Ridge, might be more visible once the leaves have fallen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL96eyXWRIjSns5qiFpQUR-n4WH7blGTm3jD5dmXB87m1Cw6SyypspizyD5UfOnoMchD3Pdxz9Gt6fL35Z6FNt0AQtveqydisfgm6fomv7PEqcLhN3WjxSA0lMdc3ulRNGfK3Iv8PDhw/s1600/20170826_114518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL96eyXWRIjSns5qiFpQUR-n4WH7blGTm3jD5dmXB87m1Cw6SyypspizyD5UfOnoMchD3Pdxz9Gt6fL35Z6FNt0AQtveqydisfgm6fomv7PEqcLhN3WjxSA0lMdc3ulRNGfK3Iv8PDhw/s640/20170826_114518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyenVgGJFdyk9ra-yWr9v7KrE8iv7sK8Tu0J-R-xQMiTmVwLReXeYdwPKcFLlQ_bFFDgw9E8TlLHQPiqpPWN3VDPqtXrVTGvtUZsg1DaVOFxFZipVA97_4GhG0vgnQ6Np-K4g6XoWQ1c/s1600/20170826_115912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyenVgGJFdyk9ra-yWr9v7KrE8iv7sK8Tu0J-R-xQMiTmVwLReXeYdwPKcFLlQ_bFFDgw9E8TlLHQPiqpPWN3VDPqtXrVTGvtUZsg1DaVOFxFZipVA97_4GhG0vgnQ6Np-K4g6XoWQ1c/s640/20170826_115912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndmVsf6LgQAs01k3I5tofecOt1yfgbiwaWDGA03DJ6D1qVTJikD_syTK5PRwwukgRtHHL6lZcoGaQg8FxH_vC4bPLgMkJITZBDDie3n3yifvxuzvQC8KHhzsyIzOBdfYVAo3yFyxWS2s/s1600/20170826_121428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndmVsf6LgQAs01k3I5tofecOt1yfgbiwaWDGA03DJ6D1qVTJikD_syTK5PRwwukgRtHHL6lZcoGaQg8FxH_vC4bPLgMkJITZBDDie3n3yifvxuzvQC8KHhzsyIzOBdfYVAo3yFyxWS2s/s640/20170826_121428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some kayakers were enjoying the beautiful weather on the river.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcTPxcjR_wWSo6dPYiXvGXtfn0GMKndgcxidf4dqR_t9hikaZnATgSfBSVo1zohiqFU_2ey-SFWB64vCxN0BI-5x3nctbkHTEtJGQjrDkX8uu9H5R4C_NQugAimEplKDwUT_kfyGn8Mo/s1600/20170826_121635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcTPxcjR_wWSo6dPYiXvGXtfn0GMKndgcxidf4dqR_t9hikaZnATgSfBSVo1zohiqFU_2ey-SFWB64vCxN0BI-5x3nctbkHTEtJGQjrDkX8uu9H5R4C_NQugAimEplKDwUT_kfyGn8Mo/s640/20170826_121635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Back to the sign, headed down the hill...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxckBtnGOK5IpqBJh85tbBVLZNVLQ07xl7HQ2UCXakZ6ivQoZnwTRKtrbyLSVQF3pD_3_jUnt7b59trAnZOgc6JYmu7fNmPbK-0WPXKiuOTPLpKAakoLnOBMnuII6hncg3RbSaVwBpMSE/s1600/20170826_131919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxckBtnGOK5IpqBJh85tbBVLZNVLQ07xl7HQ2UCXakZ6ivQoZnwTRKtrbyLSVQF3pD_3_jUnt7b59trAnZOgc6JYmu7fNmPbK-0WPXKiuOTPLpKAakoLnOBMnuII6hncg3RbSaVwBpMSE/s640/20170826_131919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After visiting the cliff, I traveled north on the AT for a short distance before turning around and heading back to the car. The AT continues a gradual climb heading north along the ridge. I was initially going to aim for the <a href="https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/7/1/3/5/edgarveyshelter.jpg" target="_blank">Ed Garvey Shelter</a> as a turn-around point, but I got a late start and decided to head home.<br /><br />
<h3>
<b>Notes:</b></h3>
As usual, wear a good pair of hiking boots. The trail is very rocky, and there are plenty of opportunities to twist an ankle. Trekking poles are highly suggested for balance. The trail is dog friendly, and I saw lots of people with their dogs while on my hike. As always, keep your dog on a leash and clean up any messes. I would not recommend this hike for small dogs, or dogs that can overheat easily.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
How to get there:</h3>
<div>
Set your preferred GPS navigation system to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nNwehSzez4F2" target="_blank">Weverton Cliffs Parking Lot.</a> From Eastern Maryland: Get on Interstate 70W, take the exit to US340 south, same as if you were going to Harpers Ferry. Look for signs for MD 67 towards Boonsboro. Take the MD 67 exit and keep right. Weverton Cliff road is the first right after the exit. The parking lot is on the right a few hundred yards down. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Note: </b>parking is extremely limited, only about 22 spaces, although there were a few cars parked along the side of Weverton Cliff road when I returned from my hike. Highly recommend that you get an early start on a weekend day, but I imagine that parking on weekdays is likely much more open. An extreme alternative is to park at the Harpers Ferry parking lot, take the bus into downtown, and hike the 1.5 miles along the AT (and C&O Canal) to get to the trail head for Weverton Cliff.<br /><br />Another option, if you've got a second hiker and car, is to visit the cliffs via a one-way 6+ mile shuttle hike from Gathland State Park south to Weverton Cliff. Park a car at the Weverton Cliff lot, and then you and your hiking partner can ride up to Gathland SP to start. At the end of the hike, shuttle the other driver to their car back at Gathland SP.</div>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-38605486675175730572016-09-18T18:45:00.001-04:002016-09-18T18:52:50.446-04:00Cunningham Falls State Park - Manor Area, Bob's Hill, and Cat Rock<br />
<br />
I've visited and posted about <a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/cunningham.aspx" target="_blank">Cunningham Falls SP</a> before, but I hadn't hiked in this section of the park.<br />
<br />
Much less visited than the falls and lake area, the Manor area of Cunningham Falls SP is a much more suitable destination if you're looking for some solitude, but like any Maryland State Park, you'll probably still encounter fellow hikers on weekends.<br />
<br />
On a warm summer day I took on the challenge of climbing Bob's Hill. The trail up the mountain runs concurrent with the <a href="http://www.hikingupward.com/OMH/CatoctinTrail/">Catoctin Trail,</a> which begins in <a href="http://midatlantichikes.com/Gambrillsp.html">Gambrill State Park</a>, a park which will be featured in another blog post.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkRjgj1-iNwOm-h5h9SUGW0NMxzy_Qc12izRvK9dpJZDdxfHxDj3Li1st1c9lTxWFXRSUVUXYwB_cgDALf4L0o1dB7y_f1_DemisF79hdQ9zMoDoXcAUHvTaSQCWmU2IrC3uQ6tip-yU/s1600/cunningham_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkRjgj1-iNwOm-h5h9SUGW0NMxzy_Qc12izRvK9dpJZDdxfHxDj3Li1st1c9lTxWFXRSUVUXYwB_cgDALf4L0o1dB7y_f1_DemisF79hdQ9zMoDoXcAUHvTaSQCWmU2IrC3uQ6tip-yU/s400/cunningham_map.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The trail head is directly across from the Manor area visitor center. There's another trail head closer toward the park entrance, but either will work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VHf10nt0gM5piNKTQTP9i4KRfPp8aQlnYbYBa4KEWzY2dqyvjRQMfLQ6WYY6xEGdyMZiiqpvryzcciyEi3k-0vg0ucUryJBM0XNEastMhAu_vbae5E_jA5I153KjGi7yXDm-p2cNIfk/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VHf10nt0gM5piNKTQTP9i4KRfPp8aQlnYbYBa4KEWzY2dqyvjRQMfLQ6WYY6xEGdyMZiiqpvryzcciyEi3k-0vg0ucUryJBM0XNEastMhAu_vbae5E_jA5I153KjGi7yXDm-p2cNIfk/s640/IMG_8587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9D5_RivmvjEc3MBM5NoGZASSuMUlxrZ6-au9hUNkzLK1X38XW88YneZHRMvTjdolIKzRdPdK2IKfRdpM0OeBiXuWGr9rlt3_rcGwelm-iIdB8osDU446FQhsdFWC1rZVPBOTkYr1JeI/s1600/IMG_8588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9D5_RivmvjEc3MBM5NoGZASSuMUlxrZ6-au9hUNkzLK1X38XW88YneZHRMvTjdolIKzRdPdK2IKfRdpM0OeBiXuWGr9rlt3_rcGwelm-iIdB8osDU446FQhsdFWC1rZVPBOTkYr1JeI/s400/IMG_8588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I first wanted to walk down to Little Hunting Creek, a lovely mountain stream. The path to the creek is also part of the Catoctin Trail, which crosses the creek and continues south from here. The trail goes up a bit before reaching an intersection to take you either down to the creek, or up the mountain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcT8KSrKUHweBTPZo7Cj1xr-386ew6OCd1t10ZFWdhY_93QSoFmwRr9lQkFenvI-qh3mgLCWZqY6uZJO3tXP_1B85LvlPdFS2E_Q2ZMfwZ6MmkaZBJLF4js2tXwrZIljE9E-4wL2t8oc/s1600/IMG_8589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcT8KSrKUHweBTPZo7Cj1xr-386ew6OCd1t10ZFWdhY_93QSoFmwRr9lQkFenvI-qh3mgLCWZqY6uZJO3tXP_1B85LvlPdFS2E_Q2ZMfwZ6MmkaZBJLF4js2tXwrZIljE9E-4wL2t8oc/s640/IMG_8589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn07GofvB3-faMEjZAhSYqui5lnnL4u_-_PElJ4TaGSYJeC6_aGG7u8fyK1S5cUqRH5UNg9EISkhlzH4YRvc1fgGnZ15D4h3zRxXlvhnEK9DgdRTwjrrob1lRvS_YAm9EIuCnXn913UUU/s1600/IMG_8590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn07GofvB3-faMEjZAhSYqui5lnnL4u_-_PElJ4TaGSYJeC6_aGG7u8fyK1S5cUqRH5UNg9EISkhlzH4YRvc1fgGnZ15D4h3zRxXlvhnEK9DgdRTwjrrob1lRvS_YAm9EIuCnXn913UUU/s640/IMG_8590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
To get to the creek, take the Blue Trail (aka the Catoctin Trail) south.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfEFx6eu3fkT0V7jmOseZjObE3UTBhoRx4WpwYQbqDwpqG1cCb-xqA8GxAJ2p7DsKZNOPL45lSsr6opn_bh209lxZYVWJbzzm2DHVnX_GlDSmZLp1FJ4Tr6EUji5swpOaBQS2jIlljF8/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfEFx6eu3fkT0V7jmOseZjObE3UTBhoRx4WpwYQbqDwpqG1cCb-xqA8GxAJ2p7DsKZNOPL45lSsr6opn_bh209lxZYVWJbzzm2DHVnX_GlDSmZLp1FJ4Tr6EUji5swpOaBQS2jIlljF8/s640/IMG_8592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little Hunting Creek</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRZbtEypXn6gwedXJUaxdtC905X_BJFGzTvq9l8oEd2f3qRCF39ma6fUUxelcInnHsGaMaggWeqYaVAt9hVbOtUle-qcvMu-X13dsTQlGHEJXYrCywOarck1jxiK9Pf4thyphenhyphenIgUySgXWU/s1600/IMG_8615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRZbtEypXn6gwedXJUaxdtC905X_BJFGzTvq9l8oEd2f3qRCF39ma6fUUxelcInnHsGaMaggWeqYaVAt9hVbOtUle-qcvMu-X13dsTQlGHEJXYrCywOarck1jxiK9Pf4thyphenhyphenIgUySgXWU/s640/IMG_8615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBa2tL6nV9K3qO6B9QV46xneu_xWHkZhCzHpzheJNZiPaz81gSh9jwmDA7PTu0RvCj-_Qn_fA-wbJlD5If037PmieE3iUzhtIJqbcbfXTFVU1ZY-mItEJxYK6PnkCIsGmldSyo2mZ0HJ4/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBa2tL6nV9K3qO6B9QV46xneu_xWHkZhCzHpzheJNZiPaz81gSh9jwmDA7PTu0RvCj-_Qn_fA-wbJlD5If037PmieE3iUzhtIJqbcbfXTFVU1ZY-mItEJxYK6PnkCIsGmldSyo2mZ0HJ4/s640/IMG_8597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bpQg_969srghc64F5S-EUZcUkIJOXr8u1ylUuQEPAwy6SOkhZ95Qb-G1mMlS1tTVIZjAkyJ8ruNFESjNJvBKKStUbb6SARxh4UuRwON3nBGZBKQOtwJlkVr0w55GbXLQHqpzNp8B4rI/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bpQg_969srghc64F5S-EUZcUkIJOXr8u1ylUuQEPAwy6SOkhZ95Qb-G1mMlS1tTVIZjAkyJ8ruNFESjNJvBKKStUbb6SARxh4UuRwON3nBGZBKQOtwJlkVr0w55GbXLQHqpzNp8B4rI/s640/IMG_8604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After taking in the quiet sounds of the creek, turn around and head back up to the trail intersection.<br />
<br />
Back to the Catoctin (blue) Trail North.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7vSipbn6ACLGhTkwxbR7uzrTEqCVzl2-jRv2hE2uQRs3wJMyUl3Jt6W89WO1HSb_UbjWE0MPn-F2aotF4p6q8ZA7xG5C7hgzawNIsChVsjhYgbx-OBZk9ZoS4WtXUtLDWuG5JQ1-SPE/s1600/IMG_8591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7vSipbn6ACLGhTkwxbR7uzrTEqCVzl2-jRv2hE2uQRs3wJMyUl3Jt6W89WO1HSb_UbjWE0MPn-F2aotF4p6q8ZA7xG5C7hgzawNIsChVsjhYgbx-OBZk9ZoS4WtXUtLDWuG5JQ1-SPE/s640/IMG_8591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a pretty good climb, so I'd definitely rate this a strenuous hike. The hike up Bob's Hill presents you with a 1,000 foot elevation gain in about 1.5 miles. Take your time, and plenty of water breaks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcOpptP2pPeV_kFKnzI_Wrv9J5Wfwbjj3IK4OWjNTvWVt1bXKa5MqRv9A__RtwnFBx8VzrRsVnbCQl24RUxxDWxdQ4GS2zEXucPbLFF9TKDj3g1mzQ0pTGYQeRNuENeaBmvFp7o2wSpg/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcOpptP2pPeV_kFKnzI_Wrv9J5Wfwbjj3IK4OWjNTvWVt1bXKa5MqRv9A__RtwnFBx8VzrRsVnbCQl24RUxxDWxdQ4GS2zEXucPbLFF9TKDj3g1mzQ0pTGYQeRNuENeaBmvFp7o2wSpg/s640/IMG_8625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRS78iY9xUpLH6sKD5JkkVxpy0jJWbTI1kFhdCTr8ARLZ2I9VT1i5lZeUhksCxSRqWJ3MnfR4ZZqe_IXUG_pr3RlwvZJaMEbikRzR8a04Gf5oPu3KhdXe5NXZ4hIuWewRpdvjy-m63LM/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRS78iY9xUpLH6sKD5JkkVxpy0jJWbTI1kFhdCTr8ARLZ2I9VT1i5lZeUhksCxSRqWJ3MnfR4ZZqe_IXUG_pr3RlwvZJaMEbikRzR8a04Gf5oPu3KhdXe5NXZ4hIuWewRpdvjy-m63LM/s640/IMG_8644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_wwTL36UnKJjYBDpwJFiFXtCq_BofDLgfMGw8FB24E2iK73vGq87gSXgLfFO0iAwV5ziptQm3YRhBfqwhEbrKmgA56aExv_WNz20X-uZVEY8M_DP9zS50V9HpfNAoRJGgOFf_C5ysUY/s1600/IMG_8647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_wwTL36UnKJjYBDpwJFiFXtCq_BofDLgfMGw8FB24E2iK73vGq87gSXgLfFO0iAwV5ziptQm3YRhBfqwhEbrKmgA56aExv_WNz20X-uZVEY8M_DP9zS50V9HpfNAoRJGgOFf_C5ysUY/s640/IMG_8647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a nice climb, you'll reach the summit of Bob's Hill which is 1,765 feet, according to the marker. You'll also notice two paths on the left and right, toward the overlooks. Take the one on your left first, it's the better of the two.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ4uNIRDrdIUjc51ER_mZHkB-IKqVtt2QKnUQyOPMSHwWSwvNNe1wd401INKPBosPLiX6VtXQZUsg9Gd67ylSRm_rYM_bkbcf4VXq1vwngFnMj1Asorw2Dr2eG8FRCGLxxCG27sUB5nM/s1600/IMG_8660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ4uNIRDrdIUjc51ER_mZHkB-IKqVtt2QKnUQyOPMSHwWSwvNNe1wd401INKPBosPLiX6VtXQZUsg9Gd67ylSRm_rYM_bkbcf4VXq1vwngFnMj1Asorw2Dr2eG8FRCGLxxCG27sUB5nM/s640/IMG_8660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bob's Hill Overlook, looking south along Catoctin Mountain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXRYzD1eCzx38GQyzzRApQF7JyslsokoQPBJxPEdJqv6erqQF-B-MA34rHj9eb7mB9y7fNQcMlepREu_sfO_7qQXtA3PwCCA5jU9hfvGajr_R6PIOc0C8pypCHwet6oE3CuQg8n-oj0I/s1600/IMG_8664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXRYzD1eCzx38GQyzzRApQF7JyslsokoQPBJxPEdJqv6erqQF-B-MA34rHj9eb7mB9y7fNQcMlepREu_sfO_7qQXtA3PwCCA5jU9hfvGajr_R6PIOc0C8pypCHwet6oE3CuQg8n-oj0I/s640/IMG_8664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The overlook is a rocky outcropping somewhat similar to Chimney Rock or Annapolis Rocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLysQwXzhF9kC4cBdnCoU6-MNvlj9vTR2DGerPbtWhrZsBIehfX7Q32kLkvigcOMpXL_CggyK0yYSBnh-HGnZS5fM3voAGH8rHKosh-LGLIVrfq3N_PMSQv10JBqA9vQgOm5PnkQB9d4/s1600/IMG_8669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLysQwXzhF9kC4cBdnCoU6-MNvlj9vTR2DGerPbtWhrZsBIehfX7Q32kLkvigcOMpXL_CggyK0yYSBnh-HGnZS5fM3voAGH8rHKosh-LGLIVrfq3N_PMSQv10JBqA9vQgOm5PnkQB9d4/s640/IMG_8669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsdtKd-wGw1K1jaDjmUTc3RE1j0JFkXxqXLo7Z_rSz40fsQSQYZCYpTqPM5DUt0vaZtwx1hliMmiFTZ1-bBQ5PItvzCh7YJoh_flaSEPDfNyCtJE4kZdiG7KfMueYB5fTkiVXhVxBqgI/s1600/IMG_8674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsdtKd-wGw1K1jaDjmUTc3RE1j0JFkXxqXLo7Z_rSz40fsQSQYZCYpTqPM5DUt0vaZtwx1hliMmiFTZ1-bBQ5PItvzCh7YJoh_flaSEPDfNyCtJE4kZdiG7KfMueYB5fTkiVXhVxBqgI/s640/IMG_8674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Yes, that's Sugarloaf in the distance!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE3Yg2ltoAm5PmBriccAbym2zdQS4dDII6C0hRU-bsvFp-pdgI39JGRv5pfOHLNNI1i2cIHOeYCSEZbUVxwS7bojYlIRWDNl8QUk31wuXa9OtP1YJOOYIv211tWrDze5p_XWSenz50c4/s1600/IMG_8663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE3Yg2ltoAm5PmBriccAbym2zdQS4dDII6C0hRU-bsvFp-pdgI39JGRv5pfOHLNNI1i2cIHOeYCSEZbUVxwS7bojYlIRWDNl8QUk31wuXa9OtP1YJOOYIv211tWrDze5p_XWSenz50c4/s640/IMG_8663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Looks like someone had a little fire up here. Shame!<br />
*please folks, don't start fires in unauthorized places.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaOizmCOfRTK2MuXzUgeEsbZmqKsAAL1o3k0dGRWeKdAUaeaDF0nhm9KCITlc991hZDh35HaGIWLhsXgO_1NSSWAhI1sDdhZ3bmyeS8iHxjgiVWPnKj8tSe2iYAp9LSyLA2W81cGrx-c/s1600/IMG_8679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaOizmCOfRTK2MuXzUgeEsbZmqKsAAL1o3k0dGRWeKdAUaeaDF0nhm9KCITlc991hZDh35HaGIWLhsXgO_1NSSWAhI1sDdhZ3bmyeS8iHxjgiVWPnKj8tSe2iYAp9LSyLA2W81cGrx-c/s640/IMG_8679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once you head back toward the main trail, you can check out the North Overlook. It's not nearly as open and grandiose as the South Overlook, but you can get a good look at some rocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGxAduTshLqRDp9z2Pk_F4ZYlGXYcbXL_jpltn59YdWLbgZ57Q5PiveM9zbaRFRx_RRaaux7pK9xyXXBAa0FtuawiAENIhbneIHNv2tRH1ZEbJzsMuW1_4H95ZBi_ItyLvNVkskriH2Q/s1600/IMG_8684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGxAduTshLqRDp9z2Pk_F4ZYlGXYcbXL_jpltn59YdWLbgZ57Q5PiveM9zbaRFRx_RRaaux7pK9xyXXBAa0FtuawiAENIhbneIHNv2tRH1ZEbJzsMuW1_4H95ZBi_ItyLvNVkskriH2Q/s640/IMG_8684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfVASQeQhJ_GxInQntdveuB_EIhcyi8f9reYlFV3QeHb3Q0WGXknUPhF07g5cojc6aToDuMxo9UU7PTiU3UCSb2QViZiJcqCBrRgeZND-ywZBhyphenhyphenv_WGarxWNYJ7kKit8bwzv1V6XtKjw/s1600/IMG_8694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfVASQeQhJ_GxInQntdveuB_EIhcyi8f9reYlFV3QeHb3Q0WGXknUPhF07g5cojc6aToDuMxo9UU7PTiU3UCSb2QViZiJcqCBrRgeZND-ywZBhyphenhyphenv_WGarxWNYJ7kKit8bwzv1V6XtKjw/s640/IMG_8694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ok, back to the trail.<br />
<br />
Continuing down the Catoctin Trail, it's about another 1.2 miles to the Cat Rock trail intersection. This section is relatively easy, so enjoy it. The trail to Cat Rock will be on your right, and there will be a sign. The trail to Cat Rock is blazed yellow and gradually descends from 1,700 feet to about 1,500 feet over about a mile and a half. Note that you'll split off from the Catoctin Trail at this point, which continues over the mountain and down toward the William Houck area of Cunningham Falls State Park. The intersection is clearly marked, so there shouldn't be any confusion.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Cat Rock</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The light gray rocks at the summit of Cat Rock and nearby Bobs Hill are quartzite – metamorphosed sandstone – originally deposited about 500 million years ago during the Cambrian Period. During much of that time, the seas teamed with life, but the land was mostly barren with only a few isolated microbial life forms existing. The quartzite rocks belong to the Weverton Formation, the primary ridge-forming unit of Catoctin Mountain and, to the west, South Mountain, the two main ridges in the Blue Ridge of Maryland. -<i>source: <a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/NaturalAreas/Western/Cat-Rock-Bobs-Hill.aspx" target="_blank">Maryland DNR</a></i></span></blockquote>
Looking back at the map, you'll see now that you've taken the long way to get to Cat Rock, but I feel that it's worth the extra effort.<br />
<br />
Cat Rock is a huge pile of rocks, and if you're interested in getting a better view, you'll have to do some rock scrambling to climb to the top. There are large crevices and cracks, so please take your time and be sure of your footing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXf11f6xhZTagSENMhIguZNuzHXTIL5qZwOtSG7aQl7ewzDskF9f8aHCkR8Pknv2fZd51PS0jbo802uV40SnOWTSdVQebtog1lkuR3hSfkmDxCOGMwaJrVDdvsgMIX7n5cbJ91N_sR1I/s1600/20160612_114445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXf11f6xhZTagSENMhIguZNuzHXTIL5qZwOtSG7aQl7ewzDskF9f8aHCkR8Pknv2fZd51PS0jbo802uV40SnOWTSdVQebtog1lkuR3hSfkmDxCOGMwaJrVDdvsgMIX7n5cbJ91N_sR1I/s640/20160612_114445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84KjUcuWC02JI5IorofQgZnGJUKT6Sw96XIF9ztLKR8w72j7Z_RBXF37RZi2vWuNWcYLh5hHsnUqomiHcWu3zXnKOVHLh8USO-V-NKyPvDyzxz6TXz6CQZH4ix-M3xOqEGQ7iNen14d0/s1600/20160612_114448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84KjUcuWC02JI5IorofQgZnGJUKT6Sw96XIF9ztLKR8w72j7Z_RBXF37RZi2vWuNWcYLh5hHsnUqomiHcWu3zXnKOVHLh8USO-V-NKyPvDyzxz6TXz6CQZH4ix-M3xOqEGQ7iNen14d0/s640/20160612_114448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0886bf6tB0dbmMJWIpuAwflwrOVxxB77ZyVHFthSxTa-mnNT_480iGKwdKVSDvEBLsLLVwnkEb_GL58V8UgQTAfNpi4B42zzXPFEW0BmDUrD8yfEHYdxEZVvL_IrgeVIFZoO8RXUwp1M/s1600/20160612_114640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0886bf6tB0dbmMJWIpuAwflwrOVxxB77ZyVHFthSxTa-mnNT_480iGKwdKVSDvEBLsLLVwnkEb_GL58V8UgQTAfNpi4B42zzXPFEW0BmDUrD8yfEHYdxEZVvL_IrgeVIFZoO8RXUwp1M/s640/20160612_114640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBeWvcFHlWVc0J5TTCYsbSyj8vwiShOkHHAi1VwrD8HYqNWQIxrfS2S0Nt0w3gtq6ggCz-nrAlreIGnJEtPjg4EqthFa5V-QjNChyphenhyphenMnoodnrsCVPqggDJQxImqhXsjGuAeqHmV3jOuY4/s1600/20160612_114642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBeWvcFHlWVc0J5TTCYsbSyj8vwiShOkHHAi1VwrD8HYqNWQIxrfS2S0Nt0w3gtq6ggCz-nrAlreIGnJEtPjg4EqthFa5V-QjNChyphenhyphenMnoodnrsCVPqggDJQxImqhXsjGuAeqHmV3jOuY4/s640/20160612_114642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYzn0krKxIboBFnaQ5WwBHUbPvBIEKImbhd6U47lL8YuELjhf7meX0i2eL1pWm8aQc1H35V3irLTw-kCfhs8C36IAlVSHkXepk-09F30eg64CRImyDzWuE4UrKYVRUyNOn4JXFNdykyk/s1600/20160612_114903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYzn0krKxIboBFnaQ5WwBHUbPvBIEKImbhd6U47lL8YuELjhf7meX0i2eL1pWm8aQc1H35V3irLTw-kCfhs8C36IAlVSHkXepk-09F30eg64CRImyDzWuE4UrKYVRUyNOn4JXFNdykyk/s640/20160612_114903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
...and of course, the panorama view from (almost) the top:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiSAWNCmuvgUz-pAebtnB3ZHct6PCmPboVPASgKH14s1TC9ijqoy5F3EL1CQVy5fOp9AOKSouhdywyORL3KSJt7gp3izYjQBCqlqBr2Xu61iHEVVQjHF9KRHZbfE1x4nFKOyZMq0Vhyphenhyphenk/s1600/20160612_115354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiSAWNCmuvgUz-pAebtnB3ZHct6PCmPboVPASgKH14s1TC9ijqoy5F3EL1CQVy5fOp9AOKSouhdywyORL3KSJt7gp3izYjQBCqlqBr2Xu61iHEVVQjHF9KRHZbfE1x4nFKOyZMq0Vhyphenhyphenk/s640/20160612_115354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnKtnl96i3-piZcHhcDQLfw4-36Rm9k7HKUz-mrc8W9yKkEZgreCWkX53b1IncjI4c216VrskjM53XfPgpod9YZqbG_gGCFCAmEarTSpgokFFA4TwcthmljiJHkuDlp2PlI3Wh6B67lY/s1600/20160612_115124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnKtnl96i3-piZcHhcDQLfw4-36Rm9k7HKUz-mrc8W9yKkEZgreCWkX53b1IncjI4c216VrskjM53XfPgpod9YZqbG_gGCFCAmEarTSpgokFFA4TwcthmljiJHkuDlp2PlI3Wh6B67lY/s640/20160612_115124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Getting there:</h3>
Set your navigation app to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/TgmtgUy1C262" target="_blank">Manor Visitor Center</a><br />
-from the Baltimore area: Head west on Interstate 70, and then take exit 53B in Frederick for US15 North. Follow signs for Cunningham Falls SP Manor Area, which will be on the left as you're heading north on US15.<br />
<br />
Daily use fee is $3, on the honor system most days.<br />
<br />
<b>Other nearby places of interest:</b><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KTkzxTa3GXA2" target="_blank">Catoctin Iron Furnace</a><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/4x1wgkFef422" target="_blank">Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo</a><br />
<br />
Happy Hiking!hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-34649073009276100222016-09-07T17:27:00.000-04:002016-09-07T17:27:39.842-04:00Pen Mar Park to High Rock<h3>
A tough hike with a worthy payoff...</h3>
<div>
So I've been trying to chip away at sections of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, and since I've done a couple of the middle sections, including the hike to Annapolis Rocks, and a hike from the Washington Monument to the I-70 bridge, I thought I'd do a border crossing this time. There was also the challenge of climbing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quirauk_Mountain" target="_blank">Quirauk Mountain</a>, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland (as well as the highest point on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Mountain_(Maryland_and_Pennsylvania)" target="_blank">South Mountain</a>).<br />
<br />
The northern terminus of the AT in Maryland is at Pen Mar, in the northeast corner of Washington County, MD. The town of Pen Mar sits just south of the Mason-Dixon line.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, to get up on top of South Mountain, you first have to travel to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pen_Mar_Park" target="_blank">Pen Mar Park</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxZCeKhNxwgHw35waX-107xvQ90jN5KU_ZmUp9Iyg8kI3s4afVpBN7ce9q9n-hZB0LsLAEaoTXrue05DGqi1rrUT-_Q_aU2IY3NvTdOuOh5I6LdhlmP6Qkgkf9gFWtzJpZAckJidp66E/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxZCeKhNxwgHw35waX-107xvQ90jN5KU_ZmUp9Iyg8kI3s4afVpBN7ce9q9n-hZB0LsLAEaoTXrue05DGqi1rrUT-_Q_aU2IY3NvTdOuOh5I6LdhlmP6Qkgkf9gFWtzJpZAckJidp66E/s640/IMG_8748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, <a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1995-04-16/features/1995106218_1_mar-park-pen-mar-amusement-park" target="_blank">Pen Mar Park was quite the destination for tourists</a>. The site hosted an amusement park and resort, served by the Western Maryland Railroad. People rode the train from Baltimore to enjoy all that Pen Mar had to offer. Pen Mar once hosted huge crowds: up to 20,000 people on a summer weekend!<br />
<br />
The park eventually began to lose money, and was torn down in 1943, and the city that profited from the amusements became a quiet town on the Mason-Dixon line. The Pen Mar County Park as it is today (more or less) was established in 1977. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMzgV_X-HFdho9L5Tujl9vkVsav9AlNXIhOHiQo4OSZUJEWEELExd1Ucn2k7FyjkqXwJ-xbDvFQJec7WRwRICeFBm3uUSwqPU8ogJUv8UL8p0tEaH9yhSWODgyn-0N6KeTN_Y15fIc_k/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMzgV_X-HFdho9L5Tujl9vkVsav9AlNXIhOHiQo4OSZUJEWEELExd1Ucn2k7FyjkqXwJ-xbDvFQJec7WRwRICeFBm3uUSwqPU8ogJUv8UL8p0tEaH9yhSWODgyn-0N6KeTN_Y15fIc_k/s640/IMG_8749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tCMOka7-SSIXA3jqBCzH4B0Xut_v2Q_gC3c_qU1ZpOOYJpxnxJRmhX16SMo8rNNk8pxyglzRu20V-TZEAiUolrcgJyDHWrl98gASSw_3d-ca8xUX1u8niMfakDR2PV0q6oy1Ahj1Llk/s1600/IMG_8750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tCMOka7-SSIXA3jqBCzH4B0Xut_v2Q_gC3c_qU1ZpOOYJpxnxJRmhX16SMo8rNNk8pxyglzRu20V-TZEAiUolrcgJyDHWrl98gASSw_3d-ca8xUX1u8niMfakDR2PV0q6oy1Ahj1Llk/s640/IMG_8750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I arrived at Pen Mar and parked in the gravel lot across from the Park. The sign denoting the Appalachian Trail is near the overlook, visible from the entrance.<br />
<br />
Clearly if you're going to drive all this way, you should head north into Pennsylvania, just to cross the border. You can always tell people you walked from Maryland to Pennsylvania and back!<br />
<br />
The path north takes you about 100 yards to a T-intersection of sorts. Turn left and be careful crossing the train tracks. There will be a sign showing where the AT is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VCQIF2oKoaQR03UEhXa4SUfXjKrfc5CRbcc6z-K53gwZNvysqRXqJxMaRrFGFgnLGJWb9tOSrYT-RqiHVRxaMG-A8Y2yekjRsi3RZrQfTpBZTtoUpp-teCH9XrwzcOtWFxN1d6cXusY/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VCQIF2oKoaQR03UEhXa4SUfXjKrfc5CRbcc6z-K53gwZNvysqRXqJxMaRrFGFgnLGJWb9tOSrYT-RqiHVRxaMG-A8Y2yekjRsi3RZrQfTpBZTtoUpp-teCH9XrwzcOtWFxN1d6cXusY/s640/IMG_8755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just a few steps into the wooded area, and you're at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason%E2%80%93Dixon_line" target="_blank">Mason-Dixon Line.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZp_7wzCmJDp2pMLxxN56IHv6MELu95UxKikMIQMPlTDdlmo1EJffT7JEvm4MnJXYSWz9yMiAY4wM6tw9lKuvJi2pH3uw4jPMFVXPw8lcCCbqINRQdyaG-z7denFXQg1bY8dMDxCCLvU/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZp_7wzCmJDp2pMLxxN56IHv6MELu95UxKikMIQMPlTDdlmo1EJffT7JEvm4MnJXYSWz9yMiAY4wM6tw9lKuvJi2pH3uw4jPMFVXPw8lcCCbqINRQdyaG-z7denFXQg1bY8dMDxCCLvU/s640/IMG_8758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7oBLJeJSr9kPncY_Lhpwvvri5ikxMEoyfZUk0rxFlS_SHzyZEkN3jNBwtJl1d8lHLBgb0m884DosVyJJWx7GVM895jTX009Kd5rO3P6dVHHXjwZB4ULIrmfKCIm4cpHpofV8Z6bzO7c/s1600/IMG_8760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7oBLJeJSr9kPncY_Lhpwvvri5ikxMEoyfZUk0rxFlS_SHzyZEkN3jNBwtJl1d8lHLBgb0m884DosVyJJWx7GVM895jTX009Kd5rO3P6dVHHXjwZB4ULIrmfKCIm4cpHpofV8Z6bzO7c/s640/IMG_8760.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to admit that this was another 'feature' of this hike that drew me. I'm very interested in history, and this boundary between the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason%E2%80%93Dixon_line#Symbolism" target="_blank">"North" and "South"</a> is definitely an important historical marker. The line has its origins in a boundary dispute between the colonies of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn%E2%80%93Calvert_boundary_dispute">Penn family and the Calvert family</a>...which of course are now Pennsylvania and Maryland.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqjobPfgguKUryCYyPVM8o48srWVJuFAsAiGVS1hsVP2bQTD0SV-74o7Ye53SogXqY3CmKYQ0aw7JDxj8uDXtT_PavTglcwVsnu1T_63bxt9UpLiZEgnEB8gJ8a7AEW8yv7CaPLoOYeY/s1600/IMG_8761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqjobPfgguKUryCYyPVM8o48srWVJuFAsAiGVS1hsVP2bQTD0SV-74o7Ye53SogXqY3CmKYQ0aw7JDxj8uDXtT_PavTglcwVsnu1T_63bxt9UpLiZEgnEB8gJ8a7AEW8yv7CaPLoOYeY/s640/IMG_8761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Who knew that the Mason-Dixon Line had a post box?<br />
There's a guest book inside the box, but I didn't leave my name.<br />
<br />
From here, the AT turns to the right, and goes by a sign and under a power line cut before a road crossing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQuJiBVMgliSMu1kkD4xLqzY_uzzC39rNdrkeZ4H4XBNDTHiY0aIpjRqW948sHNodB9dnx5-6ErJNMmVz99H29IJFYAfm1-Kd3QtbffEgMV9V9HdeDsb23nh-hRfMpJEGBvF4c6mIHR4/s1600/IMG_8762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQuJiBVMgliSMu1kkD4xLqzY_uzzC39rNdrkeZ4H4XBNDTHiY0aIpjRqW948sHNodB9dnx5-6ErJNMmVz99H29IJFYAfm1-Kd3QtbffEgMV9V9HdeDsb23nh-hRfMpJEGBvF4c6mIHR4/s640/IMG_8762.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3MMrJpuJLWGjtKpB5oT0LmKBWKABYjpaLuVGv2XrFGVzcFLWzbbC-3PwT2BNeeS9Q75gNU-Do03_bif-vwBOm3Id_If8bXDO6HlPU7BR_ccSoCmNQKLzCZrxaaT2DFHE_4GCV8lH7Oc/s1600/IMG_8764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3MMrJpuJLWGjtKpB5oT0LmKBWKABYjpaLuVGv2XrFGVzcFLWzbbC-3PwT2BNeeS9Q75gNU-Do03_bif-vwBOm3Id_If8bXDO6HlPU7BR_ccSoCmNQKLzCZrxaaT2DFHE_4GCV8lH7Oc/s640/IMG_8764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJQ3v5wGfQXQ2Czk0ySvuFSM_G7LKAwOMgZX3iNCbIZyHmzEbQAZqrii8k6kFbM7yTgzTFxE4og-4dJbVLFT1HmYXitBz59bOBFJEWOabyXF5FBmgXCch5YgL57NA6T-92qOxGfM7euk/s1600/IMG_8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJQ3v5wGfQXQ2Czk0ySvuFSM_G7LKAwOMgZX3iNCbIZyHmzEbQAZqrii8k6kFbM7yTgzTFxE4og-4dJbVLFT1HmYXitBz59bOBFJEWOabyXF5FBmgXCch5YgL57NA6T-92qOxGfM7euk/s640/IMG_8765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't cross the road here, so this is as far as I went into PA. I turned around and headed back toward Pen Mar Park.<br />
<br />
The hike from Pen Mar Park to High Rock on South Mountain is approximately 3.1 miles (one way) and for the most part, is relatively easy. However, for the last 0.8 mile, there's an approximately 500-foot ascent which will test your legs and endurance.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for you, I didn't take any pictures while on the trail itself, because I was busy navigating rock fields and then climbing the mountain. Fortunately for you, I did pull my camera out once I reached the High Rock Overlook. The last mile might be really difficult, but the view is definitely worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxa12dkZJk7_HaxfdO1OIGKju2QRh6GNDXonxudnyVAOTyxydmpx1fdk9M8iEQa5RZvzBXa2Qv49hcckzek7LSuWjjMGm5YxQVXw706DEQFkIK-h-JEZI5VS1tqvc3lEK6PjpBFmHHto/s1600/20160828_122955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxa12dkZJk7_HaxfdO1OIGKju2QRh6GNDXonxudnyVAOTyxydmpx1fdk9M8iEQa5RZvzBXa2Qv49hcckzek7LSuWjjMGm5YxQVXw706DEQFkIK-h-JEZI5VS1tqvc3lEK6PjpBFmHHto/s640/20160828_122955.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from High Rock on Quirauk Mtn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeifT12jxf2Bsg4vKfGz_sredf1FsoIt_D6p759NcEwto2SQwZNw1SGyVeZ9sCF7T-HwMd7xuyYX5Aio9Jq-yyeG_TS4aK7izj1u0QN3LL_EXmAHNMf0te3yW7KU5z_7E6Xm8Go8ut5ps/s1600/IMG_8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeifT12jxf2Bsg4vKfGz_sredf1FsoIt_D6p759NcEwto2SQwZNw1SGyVeZ9sCF7T-HwMd7xuyYX5Aio9Jq-yyeG_TS4aK7izj1u0QN3LL_EXmAHNMf0te3yW7KU5z_7E6Xm8Go8ut5ps/s640/IMG_8773.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgXUTija9rtdpkOARqEPt6HoqBDZMx9hAY5vS4q3kwjayn4RmjVJDfpkyzYrttgdgZYBX2quTOTrlqvu_69tssuW579Y1FlWUfXE7S31aCJYaP6q-qM-nyEjPbEG5WySzXHJQnGy5ewU/s1600/IMG_8774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgXUTija9rtdpkOARqEPt6HoqBDZMx9hAY5vS4q3kwjayn4RmjVJDfpkyzYrttgdgZYBX2quTOTrlqvu_69tssuW579Y1FlWUfXE7S31aCJYaP6q-qM-nyEjPbEG5WySzXHJQnGy5ewU/s640/IMG_8774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaS1JimXGrspr3sN9uLidha4DfvwlTw5Y7EzIyYjSGtVugdiPTiTTV-ePdWV00wBEPtBEasQ8X2S0nFfLmovquKWjY6Y0WaaCUdsQKULnSFnSrU6NimT3NSLO_JFc6PVUKRcN2DHsBpA/s1600/IMG_8767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaS1JimXGrspr3sN9uLidha4DfvwlTw5Y7EzIyYjSGtVugdiPTiTTV-ePdWV00wBEPtBEasQ8X2S0nFfLmovquKWjY6Y0WaaCUdsQKULnSFnSrU6NimT3NSLO_JFc6PVUKRcN2DHsBpA/s640/IMG_8767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcciuamKqrErKSU6FPtd95UX3Yd6nISnsmvcv4zS7CrR396HxGJ62463J2tsL41WJq-v-i8GduxjtQGNrcx-p0TwpIcsBcc93nNUeAlYnDXJLmrguNhrB2eahYE06e2ilP1UQckX4Sx_Y/s1600/IMG_8768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcciuamKqrErKSU6FPtd95UX3Yd6nISnsmvcv4zS7CrR396HxGJ62463J2tsL41WJq-v-i8GduxjtQGNrcx-p0TwpIcsBcc93nNUeAlYnDXJLmrguNhrB2eahYE06e2ilP1UQckX4Sx_Y/s640/IMG_8768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uJiS6jIzjhbZCykGAQaWAskHIW2f_mF6I1xK4x_KDt4GL5r4fdezSepCgMZ010Y3HwVMxGB6sNgbiU34BeQPyhF1Gx3yDzTIHucMn-Q2bwiASfxrI77A5UCysJ_x7DTdnPuSPUSh5KA/s1600/IMG_8785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uJiS6jIzjhbZCykGAQaWAskHIW2f_mF6I1xK4x_KDt4GL5r4fdezSepCgMZ010Y3HwVMxGB6sNgbiU34BeQPyhF1Gx3yDzTIHucMn-Q2bwiASfxrI77A5UCysJ_x7DTdnPuSPUSh5KA/s640/IMG_8785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqNQUCYvPyV4oHIFKz-MIqffmm_hwOcj0iZpjJoYgvn-IObECzlVhO-2aXC5bGwjC19Zyn4STMZyoXYM1mt3u0HZ_c4zwRiGzHgEqHy2eGT5lfWkXXcACoRxJphzOI1-q0Av_WmzlbTo/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqNQUCYvPyV4oHIFKz-MIqffmm_hwOcj0iZpjJoYgvn-IObECzlVhO-2aXC5bGwjC19Zyn4STMZyoXYM1mt3u0HZ_c4zwRiGzHgEqHy2eGT5lfWkXXcACoRxJphzOI1-q0Av_WmzlbTo/s640/IMG_8787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-wlpsHyt0zhWim_nxXO7coEmVBO9hVIRpJAdm83Bccr9Tg43XlZyFmljXdw4J7YA0qxWZOUWAxXbWqi35suL0q1uymooQGbl5V61M30R6uao8rHWZb_qQlvqcGEObRCz0BcqWuD0Iec/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-wlpsHyt0zhWim_nxXO7coEmVBO9hVIRpJAdm83Bccr9Tg43XlZyFmljXdw4J7YA0qxWZOUWAxXbWqi35suL0q1uymooQGbl5V61M30R6uao8rHWZb_qQlvqcGEObRCz0BcqWuD0Iec/s640/IMG_8790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpi1lHEkWcPxl5MbqolZ55T96y_mazoIcfflfhyhISl_nsETIpdBt2rnnVf4nMRhq_vbHTtYX3jNZh-q-s7msPWz5v7oJfKiBEYYhArUovIf2PspV7-cJidB9IWj7RcWgH6hFjD6J_Mo/s1600/IMG_8791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpi1lHEkWcPxl5MbqolZ55T96y_mazoIcfflfhyhISl_nsETIpdBt2rnnVf4nMRhq_vbHTtYX3jNZh-q-s7msPWz5v7oJfKiBEYYhArUovIf2PspV7-cJidB9IWj7RcWgH6hFjD6J_Mo/s640/IMG_8791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6g_59W_0CCdraAOk7_rRPShBhbQZFGnSXQtWD3XYGSfeAaU6DB_Gdekrzl6vh5s34bcuUze0Y1j_82yhpediaW-H7RjPbCWpAr9I9xLJnY6agaGZX1SV-LpWdasz0bdlx9Ed5xkimE/s1600/IMG_8789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6g_59W_0CCdraAOk7_rRPShBhbQZFGnSXQtWD3XYGSfeAaU6DB_Gdekrzl6vh5s34bcuUze0Y1j_82yhpediaW-H7RjPbCWpAr9I9xLJnY6agaGZX1SV-LpWdasz0bdlx9Ed5xkimE/s640/IMG_8789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSI14vAvJEgp0UJSa8O_DCJM3ujqMfz1MFi5u7XitXB3CoiiqoEeDzkSo5Z1Wzs8CptPT7kUCjQdYExlnapIDOdUoWefixVDpCFuSINBLD2UVWP0TOCoTGBCZl2EgBn2eVSf29YYCmME/s1600/IMG_8772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSI14vAvJEgp0UJSa8O_DCJM3ujqMfz1MFi5u7XitXB3CoiiqoEeDzkSo5Z1Wzs8CptPT7kUCjQdYExlnapIDOdUoWefixVDpCFuSINBLD2UVWP0TOCoTGBCZl2EgBn2eVSf29YYCmME/s640/IMG_8772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A couple of notes: the climb up to High Rock is very rocky and steep, so make sure you have good footing and go slowly. The platform at High Rock used to be a launch point for those brave enough to take to the sky in a hang glider, but I've found out that hang gliding without a permit from High Rock is now illegal. I think I'll keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. Otherwise the platform is tagged with all kinds of graffiti, and I've heard it gets slippery when wet, so be careful!<br />
<br />
Bonus: Here'a <a href="https://vimeo.com/129357732">video of High Rock</a> from a drone!<br />
<br /></div>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-51215559446533205192016-08-29T18:52:00.000-04:002016-08-29T18:52:37.411-04:00Greenbrier State Park<h1>
Lake in the mountains: Greenbrier State Park</h1>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqFkP3mC9JXzIPWU4ZTU-mIItvjY5l9OCszKQh10tOcIPrVHiP4QqVC9IwvYEKP8egCsJRi6KcrU9tWLqL2rd3Z31OSX5cMxqLXytlcgWCulJO0FQXlfyA_lEED1fOQ_IoEuce-aAQcU/s1600/GSPsign.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqFkP3mC9JXzIPWU4ZTU-mIItvjY5l9OCszKQh10tOcIPrVHiP4QqVC9IwvYEKP8egCsJRi6KcrU9tWLqL2rd3Z31OSX5cMxqLXytlcgWCulJO0FQXlfyA_lEED1fOQ_IoEuce-aAQcU/s600/GSPsign.JPG" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/greenbrier.aspx">Greenbrier State Park (GSP)</a> is located not far from the Appalachian Trailhead on US40, the starting point of my <a href="http://hikingwithhammer.blogspot.com/2015/07/annapolis-rock-hike-on-appalachian-trail.html">previous hike to Annapolis Rock.</a> Simply continue past the parking lot, cross the bridge over I-70, and the park entrance is about a half mile on the left.<br /><br />
GSP is a nice state park that offers numerous camping sites, fishing, boat rentals, several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and a beach for swimming during the warm summer months. For this outing, I chose the 4.5-mile "Big Red Trail" circuit hike.<br /><br />
A couple of notes about the trail:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Difficulty:</b> Moderate to Strenuous, depending on your fitness level. Much of the hike is fairly level or gradual ascent/descent. There are a couple sections of steep climbs, and a steep descent toward the end. The composition of the trail adds a bit to the difficulty, and I felt it could have been a little better maintained in spots. Both the steep climb and descent had plenty of loose rocks. Wear boots with good ankle support and bring a walking stick.
</li>
<li><b>Solitude:</b> Obviously during the summer months, the beach is going to be a popular destination, as it was on the Friday I was there. The trails, however, seemed almost totally deserted. I came across one mountain biker while hiking, and a small group of kids later in the hike coming from one of the side trails from the campground.
</li>
<li><b>Other:</b> There is a fee to enter the park. <blockquote>
Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day weekend, weekends and holidays $5/person; Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day weekend, weekdays $3/person; May and September, weekends $3/person; Labor Day-Memorial Day $3/vehicle. Out-of-state residents add $2 to all day use service charges.​</blockquote>
<b>Warning:There is a section of this park that becomes a hunting area during hunting season(s). I believe these areas are marked with signs. If you hike at Greenbrier SP during hunting season, please make sure you wear blaze orange.</b>
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWfz_DMvzg5X7PQxFHC5tIbSlah4ld05MKa8XHQU99Jq3rbKgxW1gftY77jM26LVMBBvBXyDBaaAfHfp9zAlPMC_VcGx6fgxC2p28JtBJ2CxgrTN-oeH1uOqw70WyKgPnnjgf_IlsoFw/s1600/GreenbrierStateParkTrails.tiff" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWfz_DMvzg5X7PQxFHC5tIbSlah4ld05MKa8XHQU99Jq3rbKgxW1gftY77jM26LVMBBvBXyDBaaAfHfp9zAlPMC_VcGx6fgxC2p28JtBJ2CxgrTN-oeH1uOqw70WyKgPnnjgf_IlsoFw/s1000/GreenbrierStateParkTrails.tiff" /></a><br />
I started my hike from the northern side of the lake, walking across the earthen dam to get to the trailhead.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8qOMJI7BXg6FA_aV2akwnFmedf-Ne99MmCMxgytm5tlaZ9dXA8jB3nLgYBHFvMiLTui1dhvY4swoRMS3CZexhyE-ZucS1e080gzU5R38YtmGb3C0vb27Vaax7r6cvMPBU_KvCC4BMj0/s640-Ic42/IMG_7746.JPG" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rHAgU3ViAMN6VxFRDUotc_uqKYkTbSMwgZmRm5WUsWUJ7gXem017uajjETsAnsxC5VsKiYxAb8OX06UmH-Cf9woTOV_JxBhdp5jAJAl_UIuWB9SSTnIVu1y6JNXYYdCWpQcL5gHSenY/s640-Ic42/IMG_7749.JPG" /><br />
The trails are marked well, and there are signs at pretty much every intersection. Obviously, follow the red blazes and you can't go wrong.<br />
The Big Red Trail starts with a gentle climb along the side of the hill. <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52FQJMgX2HOAd5UKTd5Ww_YW90hHlpHHTbetFGG9UggFYeNBLxl-GFXLyAwdFiuPJStWPlZCcWDYhDcEXlieRa-D2RD5OdSke9naGUeR89WIahoO9UXZ0S0P3ARUyV3Fy2jEjyvB0zDc/s640-Ic42/IMG_7757.JPG" /><br />
Near the top, you'll come across the "Copperhead" side trail.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Uf8PCMh_5-1bnvXVZ0FEVCOWLAe9wVGDaGC1RwvLzS8gxRRKXJC0g_NMWv-miiAs7PLrCaSnaKfq9_YcLF-LbW70k-LOQ2KDNzqAJUInvELw4C8WM3FbbypbadYvNJUA2myR5sRyOPI/s640-Ic42/IMG_7760.JPG" /><br />
Note: some of the display maps show a "short cut" around the Red Trail dog leg section. This section was closed for rehabilitation, so you'll be taking the long way. Enjoy it!<br />
The trail winds down the back side of the hill, until you come to a T intersection with the Blue Trail. Take a right here.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJJM2Ib6TmUOrj-Xydp2VlbVDypEBnNGZMOtvoTD-Vbmv7wTN7EpKFmWA6w8dbjGI_bDw8qrCarYmVFF-8-C4Zk07CrX11ioIAPxkGgfT6BexgYmGVmVFOG2jNqpvHre6jPzUduti53U/s400-Ic42/IMG_7775.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-26VbtMS-teb1lw2MZCZI0ofPHwtvqgIzp3fe8Z314vP979tvuJW3ZDxFGjJiJTgxH6UOI8_C12yeBmQpVmQIvJGtEajp8r0J-3xbS2Az0tTCaayJW6Z-SYGIvx3ChjE-JR1uu8o_4U/s640-Ic42/IMG_7773.JPG" /><br />
There's another left turn ahead. According to the maps, going straight would lead you out of the park to a road. After turning the forest becomes a little more dense and close.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IaSO7FOmwqhudfXUaaQDrA5SfT7GQucNEFLdxJZpnvjhcTeBJMaz_B5tOKji5-Jd8OU6tfEZFIoN1EiygIZPl85S_vyFfM5XDe53KbKFhZTnLev8XbwfFtkKUCoqO6U3XdlieWyQPco/s640-Ic42/IMG_7781.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbSZ2rjOUkMz0LcXuZ2ki41yo0du-9ZQ_e_7ZH6IBI27wXh0-XNACaBriUd72SNB9leDA4zpWsjVt3gqfktvVu4CM0fG_ubCAhqOzF3-mLEl4dJd68j7wuS1FoepXPkIDxP0R15jcUdM/s640-Ic42/IMG_7788.JPG" /><br />
Eventually, you'll come across a small stream, outflow from Greenbrier Lake. The stream was too wide to jump across, so I just trudged on through.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQscgBdNXoiHyRgBfpsbJ-L61qdpQaCMROdOpS4kerp2LeALAIEtJLvExHPcF0vyWVfO7Bd4kXRAiX2uFwMnHcARiDwq0do9ieeFtSo6qYg79OMNjPbw1EsI1P6knYUS8kRBZs5BLIADI/s640-Ic42/IMG_7793.JPG" /><br />
The steepest climb on the Big Red Trail comes after the intersection with the grey-blazed fire trail. <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgomeZKzm9gyFEKM7AvEcoVCJhCuvGrAfG6wfqi0RT9QB08s22IYa6RnjX0dGGWhiTJKL_nX7HW6SzCwuWD1k8Y_2fQCgYJxlVsJLcfLd7jp38KkTWEPxrYLVIQT13z1qUldkTUTFL-w/s640-Ic42/IMG_7797.JPG" /><br />
The rest of the Big Red trail is fairly easy, continuing along the ridge line. <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZHBgBG-VhEkoX3HGwR3VrHy1577HRBb739stUo6HJWsHheASyHC-1wFhbQLZNN2zeXdYS2jArWuS3o7v56Ohb4dtImukRiTz10_m2nQ91B2w43W_XK7Qcj-6fixtc_bobkn5b9G8cnI/s640-Ic42/IMG_7833.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiYDVALkH7kTrKzw3o0FwKQx5LiPsfFdbDfOqNyqI2gVSzF1yY7fXAI_8fpdb5veYGrjPkAPgYSAfwX_kQQ44e_wprNM4InPfY8PgKZ4_2xmqSTjKetKNTcXQJ14yPLA4TSx4ghNg4yQ/s640-Ic42/IMG_7834.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmynyVYi-nSmFJVJe5tQp8W9s8DOny69r2iwIOF88smcFtRjtnwKKyjW1ixtlTIrVx4L31sV0yUq540D4ZutJk6LTDXqyhLk4gKlLiG3qTCuPIGJzi7HYZBxJBES5cHSqZ_Sgiku8xsg/s640-Ic42/IMG_7845.JPG" /><br />
However, the descent down from the ridge back to the lake is steep and rocky, so take your time.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjwxkA2fZdWkBisYHsftYGsnJhVYVeVmgg8akqCh8JlEVqymjZ-0sdj0i9A2O69HV7kVWFvpupgTMy1r9teeKhofQ87WO811dg2d0xI2FKkAegBLXIELZUDulfJ1F2sypU4xVO3D9HeA/s640-Ic42/IMG_7869.JPG" /><br />
Once you reach the bottom, you're treated to a nice view of the lake and the ridge of South Mountain.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78F3g7AftbE4E3zUvkc5MorhEQWvjZ014UQCq_nGMu3IIYg9AFX-7djAQFMo9Uu75ivv-GCgq_EpDQ8rbJujKXS3hIyC9H_s5uuAPksYeAvWE-0Bx7BM0orQG3tCgZh5U6oprq-Ii-qE/s800-Ic42/IMG_7887.JPG" /><br />
You can also see Annapolis Rock from the side of the lake.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU7HsgFjVrXbEOMRFz0weJNqng_NEYiOe19OvkThVaTrdy8ahD7mKjeaj_MjcyMSOE9wDaDQiA747jak3TI2mD5hlGjrVjCKrDCtabLHn1y4NgVjPPyQZZW5OsGpmx6GWnrZIFbaZclg/s800-Ic42/IMG_7895.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfmUTJkvFhmWZQRkx17B4-cm8v_mJturuFmIL1fDZTxfR-QLYP_OHh9rjlgAwJcJ9sWnq3McQ4Ml7QOBNBrMC94aY1i9COT1uF3YUUuJUBJGcJhyphenhyphenmUoPexvEjZGC0u1p_BHqpIcKMQ6A/s640-Ic42/IMG_7909.JPG" /><br />
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA39.5360209 -77.62210909999998939.511528399999996 -77.662449599999988 39.5605134 -77.58176859999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-71640512159963248722015-07-05T20:18:00.003-04:002015-07-11T17:09:07.889-04:00Annapolis Rock Hike on the Appalachian Trail
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ArGJ-Uf5ko2Txa1Fw3RkdlnUQJ6fxqctNTFdWDYqgCb_DbAF0hLeJzyNM7CEOdJ2WfXfOK0WwiG_L1KhVBvUwPDV2Z7xfjwOBnO_SOoo3IccugZg3o8ETe81tY-aGt9BUqxTPRgTeXE/s1800/every-day-is-friday-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ArGJ-Uf5ko2Txa1Fw3RkdlnUQJ6fxqctNTFdWDYqgCb_DbAF0hLeJzyNM7CEOdJ2WfXfOK0WwiG_L1KhVBvUwPDV2Z7xfjwOBnO_SOoo3IccugZg3o8ETe81tY-aGt9BUqxTPRgTeXE/s800/every-day-is-friday-quote.jpg" /></a>
<p>
I've been planning to get back on the AT for some time now, but sometimes life unfortunately gets in the way of living. <p>
I was initially going to do this hike from <a href="http://hikingwithhammer.blogspot.com/2014/07/washington-monument-state-park.html">Washington Monument State Park</a>, but felt I should probably try it first from the AT Trailhead on US40, where the AT crosses over Interstate 70.<p>
After a bit of an argument with my google maps navigation, I was able to finally reach the trailhead parking lot. If you're coming from eastern Maryland, take I-70 to exit 42 to get onto Highway 17 (Myersville), and follow your google maps navigation to get to US40.<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF7Tw0nL8xH2NpQOwhdNJQGG0B6UXU0l0rmW82z320ejyFLTowEZu68TP8i2NrsdUNV_a3mm-0d7hLxnVNrRFiw7M6RQfLuO57uoDblIe1Cy6bA8yNfmG_c8kW_H3nPYZVYpqPPxjU-Q/s1600/AT+trailhead+US40.tiff" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF7Tw0nL8xH2NpQOwhdNJQGG0B6UXU0l0rmW82z320ejyFLTowEZu68TP8i2NrsdUNV_a3mm-0d7hLxnVNrRFiw7M6RQfLuO57uoDblIe1Cy6bA8yNfmG_c8kW_H3nPYZVYpqPPxjU-Q/s320/AT+trailhead+US40.tiff" /></a><p>
<h2>Notes</h2>
<li><b>Difficulty:</b> Moderate to strenuous. At times the climb is fairly steep, and many sections of the trail are rocky. I definitely recommend hiking boots or shoes and a <u>walking stick or trekking poles</u>. Also, the trail was rather muddy in spots after several days of rain/storms, so bringing a spare set of shoes and leaving them in your car might be advisable.</li>
<li><b>Water:</b> Of course, always bring water with you whenever you hike. I will note that there is a spring at the Annapolis Rock camping area, but you will need to purify it before drinking. Since this is about a 4.5-mile hike, I brought about 3L with me, and even drinking conservatively, used at least 2.5L.</li>
<li><b>Pets:</b> Pets are allowed on the trail, but make sure you bring water for them.</li>
<li><b>First Aid:</b> After a second outing on this trail, I'm going to recommend you bring along a good first aid kit <em>with an ace bandage or two</em>, along with a handkerchief or towel (or both). A sprained ankle at the rocks means a pained 2-mile hike back to your car.</li>
<p>
<h2>Trailhead</h2>
From the parking lot, a section of old road leads you to the trailhead. It's well marked and hard to miss.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZR4KuBdXQZu_zG5Bz-GmbXEKMlDHVb-zohIPPKyIHnvGpk9I6adP3P6UcKWCS9l6t_VSHlxZGqcDzKzJmYexfxSWxCfSxeEW-0Wt6Zer5knzuzR-l5rDiNUhCChQ7b4LrvmWkq4nwbk/s640/IMG_7615.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7I3ORP_7-I23bLFlkOsAZ3vkIsKFeZckU6Bb6FgBg-02gH6UkbA7xYnUBNABTdvvJyd9zHGTQ7gBl9N-pFFOdDb_-ZhRW_OHYg1HIeXmA9WH3jZfcNKqRcckbUwULfstJmKb3jeG975s/s640/IMG_7745.JPG"><br>
Since it was there, and since every time we drive to Iowa, we pass under it, I decided to cross the foot bridge (and back again) over Interstate 70.<br>
<i>looking back toward the footbridge</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow28Xssky_LfrHJZYv5b5tJWJp-iYXlnf4DcrwSd3rIbTjYlpBGOcnqVNWSbEWQeIwTW7uG6-EOhyMu_9giETOh7V6sjYESO5iVvC_uTsoDtDGhmOSjUqt5PEc6yTz_pA_WcjwQoqgo8/s640/IMG_7742.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcxuZCp6NSvx6yE8wFnKmXOdZTqtYDG4eq7EEfrAqGhPKkbLyUwYtX5Y4hN6tniYZ9-ANn7cPpnwj_UuvW4RWa9X-u7T1KC4W4UEewX5kcCqAIaciHPaN2nr8KL_scErwj-ijY1cUqJM/s640/IMG_7617.JPG"><br>
Continuing in this direction leads you to the aforementioned Washington Monument State Park and the first completed monument to our nation's first president.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCfdjeAoZ8gcg1UYNx2M36MawByNycpgHu_UIQNHnVHqEQkiZc8j5NKaZc1pqzhf_h4FSG15dNysAX5NKPFBXKfJ1h5PQKPkYYYCRuigNQU-wjaODVEtpPJMikd1K18rBR_zi-O2iGEk/s400/IMG_7618.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H-Gs_XQ2hCK_UETf0nBAPtqksoPs6yQ1SE49PXiO_Nt4WPkKBCU8-4cfFRN3xUwtQnx3DLDfSp3eD1ROwinLU59UrdU81pD5mUaeoDjJUijdBy9crDv2Mq-UE-7D2iWQ12zLvlSk6cg/s400/IMG_7623.JPG"><br>
Back to the north bound side of the trail, which passes beneath US40 and turns up the mountain.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7mEo6CPTfCPOaSckEQQ5WMjiocaJhzA1WaIshIrVrkBgCrmwJ8oj2PwSVtdpfTfN8kA7u9DtZM8HxJ2OI1hRpTiYqZcmNMu7IETe-IK56m8_HWa0hEyh77LAwrWEvdG9OCZ3CtjYFQ0/s640/IMG_7629.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFSL7Q62BDjg3ibDi4YztoI6v5bsOfRf_3aPpGA-z3482JUK7JUpqp02fXeUbRrO2WWRy3xM9ym3IPr2u2G2cx3jcblQ9SqPQU8l_e8tcsbJfeLbknW5nSUjoHGOKtTLHNiHkYKMyZUY/s640/IMG_7630.JPG"><br>
After you pass through a power line cut, you'll hit the first side trail to the Pine Knob Shelter. Side trails from the AT are blazed in blue.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHnE1hzlfr5lZjWTtnw_AfR_ZdHSFkovZm7NPGx9O6FcKcKUfzX1duKZs-ZsGifsD4ekQ7YV8qD6jc6YurXr8dEB8_wVz9oh9oWavUjvLWSRP-MzFqd1eP6_yvedC0QTbrkjOkZDj4Kc/s400/IMG_7635.JPG"><br>
You'll bear right here and continue up the mountain. The trail will become significantly steeper and quite rocky. Take your time to navigate the rocks- this is where a hiking stick or trekking poles come in really handy.<br> <i>Note: I unfortunately didn't snap any pictures of the steepest sections, so you'll have to take my word for it.</i><br><p>
Once you reach the top of the ridge, the trail becomes much flatter, and...FERNS!<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6qrPrH_GBCpryQLkCgsl6TbeTc1T6qzYD3gcAWrJpvX0FA5jR1EQBnrhn550GQUtTHLbhbJcm2C-OTG6ZIzEIRj-DvNQ265wnUR-AXT9xi6nNEV4ECScdMRoJg9pJ_w0SdsUsa9sYPU/s800/IMG_7645.JPG"><br>
The trail is fairly flat here - a nice reprieve from all that climbing you just did. There were some spots that got really muddy from all the rain we've been having, but there were paths beaten around the worst parts. This is your reminder to have a second pair of shoes and socks waiting for you in the car.<br><br>
At about the 2 mile mark, you'll reach the side trail to Annapolis Rock. To reach the vista, you'll descend about two-tenths of a mile.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFoXkHA-NBUcqDilznwbdRieRDHhMFzFNAZDCIPy__Vcdezn6I4bLN_3XazaqVBUo8s3qe9FEh0qV8hWL3nQmebTBVK_ckiEUShh_E2Czy6bCtkf3oWk6ZV7UeABuag8G7gU-oeX-5hw/s800/IMG_7654.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEydmeXI1f-8pFt56GstMTr7qht9xUxT6lb7LDsnc_yaFUM1dzr4-sMYUloR5ihrVxtbAwGW8Yn7yVU-mWuv5N5gePCYQijlW3tEZXoLWCA1pLRutHy1EQ2im2w_Osw4Vs_plD7oZTNy0/s800/IMG_7655.JPG"><br>
There are also camping sites at the Annapolis Rock area, as well as a site for the caretaker/ranger. These <a href="http://www.patc.net/PublicView/Custom/Volunteer_files/Trail_Patrol_Pages/Ridgerunner.aspx">PATC trail patrol "ridgerunners"</a> provide support to hikers, educate the public on the "leave no trace" and minimal impact hiking ethos, and conduct light trail maintenance, among other duties.<br><br>
Although I didn't hike to it, there is a spring in the Annapolis Rock camping area. If you're just doing a day hike, you should bring plenty of water with you. <b>Do not</b> drink from the spring without using some sort of water purification first. Even spring water could be contaminated.<br><br>
Ok, enough with the talk: here's what you hiked over 2 miles to see:<br>
<i>Looking south toward Greenbriar Lake State Park</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxuF-rDVaN8MbLvSlKhZRz2dVWBNq2wuWOgLcP3N4zS6NqVmuyhCG-JKOpfdaL0aHEq8whRSqDZctI7LCwGdvpuX1u8HkIQjXRfTppex7DK64ovE44ZdDKrvm96ullgCpBht0OTZEdzk/s800/IMG_7673.JPG"><br>
<i>Looking west</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKp8zBEFIDFoDrHVAhJ1GIfz-l6Yn3zGYtibOofjzwyhyphenhyphen43K24bc3Q-RtlptMBqBWe0LoPyK6ws_bVxT8SBdcimrhHX971whw-VcSx-FQuT7T8yG6cX7ywaIFFnrEToLJOUyrmihQodI/s800/IMG_7696.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBtYCmw4jwAmCvVNWbhNIqx3QN9SMnxVvuKy8LPo9budFTUZL8aqUHbfV2_Kazfkx7nBzU1FEov_yGSctyb9aAUjf7AVzgKD02lXUpZVfRV5B2XP_o1idBjWh7karkG9N7CFpWViKVis/s800/IMG_7682.JPG"><br>
<br>
If you want to add some mileage to your hike, you can head for Black Rock Cliff. Once you return to the AT, head left (northbound) at the intersection. Another mile down the trail, there will be a side trail for Black Rock Cliff. Apparently this isn't very well marked, but you should come across the side trail before the trail descends sharply.
<h2>Final thoughts and recommendations</h2>
If you're looking for solitude (and a parking spot), I recommend you try this hike on a weekday. This is a popular hike, so during the spring/summer weekends, there will probably be a fair number of people on the trail. Parking at the lot on US40 is limited, so arrive early.<br><br>
This would be a great hike in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors, and if I can manage, I'll hike it again at that time.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHbQ_1hQbMSbSHSbw4SIrfF9_APJ2Qi-UcmOraSIL9lSg9WIN36KnUq5S-frxo5og5Dtd7y_VdubLVbu7E5JrGsPv7U4keT_ZUcu5J1Pr2nMi-Vj_bOO-0-xEpvW38sGA6lP0Evgi6A0/s800/IMG_7740.JPG"><br><br>
<b>Happy Hiking!</b>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-51751303396862608202015-06-18T20:09:00.002-04:002015-06-18T20:09:17.285-04:00Greenbelt Park<h1> Greenbelt Park: Urban Oasis</h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iAq3oyP5-9ptHk_f4NaK9nciZPhLFgMxQ-mZ_bmPWvBLNoRjmcJRcsj1g1Y-1ZY7H9eRdlesa1QfndHakbDZNJNXOoBG9D2IfKntO-mcupF3bdAp1NvKu_iJM9qoTXmnIpNIGQdzjZE/s1600/Greenbelt_Park%252C_Greenbelt%252C_Maryland_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="thick" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iAq3oyP5-9ptHk_f4NaK9nciZPhLFgMxQ-mZ_bmPWvBLNoRjmcJRcsj1g1Y-1ZY7H9eRdlesa1QfndHakbDZNJNXOoBG9D2IfKntO-mcupF3bdAp1NvKu_iJM9qoTXmnIpNIGQdzjZE/s500/Greenbelt_Park%252C_Greenbelt%252C_Maryland_001.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://www.nps.gov/gree/index.htm">Greenbelt Park</a></b> sits just inside the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_495_(Capital_Beltway)"> Capital Beltway</a>, and mostly located in between the BW Parkway (MD295) and Maryland Route 201. Open year round, the Park is a nice 'urban oasis' of nature, only a few miles from the nation's capital. In addition to picnic areas and almost 10 miles of hiking trails, Greenbelt Park also has 174 camping sites.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rJfIiadM3dpLAtaqGGEXblk9jcnNhrKZgbSl6nKPc2L_8CuGd1sBsM2krnfXP_-tdn2s3MPKlF9QLKVuZjb2sreHAoeDD8Ij1YeItP0bzqUdVpxewuHyJMe7jhXMZyyC0gwSp4kng5U/s1600/greenbeltmap.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rJfIiadM3dpLAtaqGGEXblk9jcnNhrKZgbSl6nKPc2L_8CuGd1sBsM2krnfXP_-tdn2s3MPKlF9QLKVuZjb2sreHAoeDD8Ij1YeItP0bzqUdVpxewuHyJMe7jhXMZyyC0gwSp4kng5U/s800/greenbeltmap.tiff" /></a></div><br>
<h2>History</h2>
<blockquote>Long before colonial settlers appeared here, trees and flowers covered these rolling hills and wildlife roamed the woodlands.
Algonquin Indians hunted this land in competition with other smaller tribes. A balance existed between the land and its plants, animals, and native people.
Then the colonists arrived. Trees fell and forests gave way to farmland. Wildlife retreated to the frontier. For the next 150 years, people cleared the land, plowed the fields, and planted tobacco, corn, and other crops. The rich fertile soil returned high yields.
The people did not give back to the land as much as they took. The land wore out, producing less each season and farming ceased. The land was left bare and defenseless. Erosion caused many scars before nature could slow the process with new growth.
Since the early 1900's the land has been recovering.
Today the mixed pine and decidious forest testifies to the land's ability to recover.
<br>
The land of Greenbelt Park was acquired by the National Park Service in 1950 under Public Law 643.<br>
-<a href="http://www.nps.gov/gree/learn/historyculture/index.htm">http://www.nps.gov/gree/learn/historyculture/index.htm</a></blockquote><br>
<h2>Perimeter Trail</h2><br>
As posted, the Greenbelt Perimeter trail is a 5.3-mile trail that circles the western portion of the park. The trail is mostly dirt and gravel, with some boardwalks and bridges over streams and runs. A couple more notes:<br><br><ul>
<li><b>Difficulty</b>: Easy to Moderate (due to length). There are rolling hills throughout the hike, but nothing challenging. I brought my trusty hiking stick, but didn't really need it for much of the hike. I wore running shoes, which worked fine, but I probably would have been better served wearing some kind of trail shoes.</li><br>
<li><b>Solitude</b>: I only saw a few people during my hike (and except for a larger group toward the end, it would have been less than 10), so some of the "busy" factor you might have at other trails wasn't there. But, as always, this is subject to change. I hiked on Memorial Day weekend, and expected more people. I was pleasantly surprised.<br>
One unavoidable thing: for much of the hike, you'll probably hear a lot of noise from the highways on both sides of the park, especially 295. At times, you're hiking only maybe 20-30 yards from the either the Capital Beltway or BW Parkway, and that means traffic noise.</li><br>
<li><b>Blazes</b>: The Perimeter is marked with a yellow blaze. However, the only time you really should have to pay attention to the blazes is at intersections (I'll make a note of this later).
<li><b>Other</b>:<li>There are restrooms at the Sweetgum Picnic area, which is where I parked. Otherwise, there are no facilities along the trail.</li> <li> As always, bring some water and snacks with you. <li>There are benches placed sporadically along the trail. Great for taking a breather and having a snack. Unfortunately, they're a little too sporadic; you may go a mile without seeing one.</li> <li> The perimeter trail is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends along, on a leash of course.</li> <li> No bicycles are permitted on the perimeter trail, but horses are permitted. I saw no sign of recent equine activity (i.e. no horse manure) so I'm not quite sure how often it's traveled by horses and riders.</li><li>Bug spray: There was a park warning in effect concerning ticks. Make sure you use bug spray and check yourself (and your furry friends) for ticks after you leave the trail.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<h2>Pictures</h2>
The trailhead, not far from the park entrance. I 'backtracked' from the Sweetgum Picnic Area to get back to the trailhead.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJJkElkKULLJZfQeYAbE31hhKUB5oOOf7TwFRK1E8yEHek4LOj1bML4W4tkNX414RO0MfJjPBOAhg9Og5oikes16-Pg1C1_y5bZpdXGYtpyPK8WUzxPh75dZ4YzXqCvS1LQgCA9ER16Q/s640/IMG_7522.JPG"><br>
Note: Greenbelt Park comprises part of the <b><a href="http://www.discoverytrail.org/states/maryland/index.html">American Discovery Trail</a></b> which stretches from coast to coast across 15 states. There's a section of the ADT that goes through my hometown of <a href="http://www.muscatineiowa.gov/">Muscatine, IA</a>, as well as one of my favorite state parks in Iowa (possible blog post about <a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610122">Wildcat Den State Park</a> later).<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaIrWGD6cPhwEj9a1gce17r-EJyrj0rt32hVtISY690HffzcbzmxbZB5-i1JWhhYH5-ZXES_Eb1PsTpEldvuvSfcGra1S1oza705LWnVpQEThyphenhyphenDSaAu4FTLjrm-NNnIKmSu8dRnqpXHk/s400/IMG_7523.JPG"><br>
At the start, the perimeter trail runs parallel to MD 193.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QqaEhSJH-RiEsndwnQd7EYJjGHjTCo6rwXiIVMX0X6Dk9KbcwvsIGqnqxHa8RXCCgcFXs_Be80TrC5g3dB8hULLQZHRKEaTQflnzDxDJaZ-FzhXpsSb0cQFxZ51IzbdxWBAcHhikArI/s640/IMG_7525.JPG"><br>
As the trail turns near 495, it also comes close to the main park road.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo_hjVyE-zyoTS7kVEM4qKFgtOQ-QFlsW6d2jV168wG02HK0VYeUuOJ8fxFYI0lxN09RAtW5qYOz9zGF7_SUOjxbuCY3ewvdD5OEPDwLCIqIDB-SSmKlP2R9fxCM1uYo00HJ8MJQ_vzY/s640/IMG_7530.JPG"><br>
One of the aforementioned yellow blazes. The trail is very well beaten, so until you get to intersections, you won't really need to use the blazes to find your way.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClF1YjGIFuOK1QQ8q4S_rYQHO-SDnEU4XGU2L4R3b7pjTwP5TcBJ-XdOI_qy-D-b7ywQF8sT_EZ-7dxVgOR3ABpf0YRSlSvKH0998ROcg_iIwhnI2P5z3vOAAAm8JTghPUzLOpTiA9ec/s640/IMG_7533.JPG"><br>
Speaking of intersections, here's the first one you'll encounter. The perimeter trail makes a left here. You'll see the double yellow blaze on the tree, once you make the turn.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGJQPMYGGG_Ne4R7toHq7C-9jMa9qlPEzGK8CK-Zjprff8wec_1Hu_yx0zaEqLp-sRHLEZ1XJBu99WdMmgyjTghQF6ktqh3nQMFbr9BBHuSRTqV1Rn3xBVKm-yAkk7h1n5GVVnUwDTtk/s640/IMG_7539.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLDUEAXfapFbTHYkOXdfi2DO0KbM9kPAKPpFzV_DyKVo2dXgZoAf9M95IZhaYdCekU4GH-3gkal-j7HsgqTKIzKnoA2NNVsB2r14ilvSmMe7N1YuT-i39sEIlSZsG2HLVMPFSvMVhCYM/s640/IMG_7540.JPG"><br>
If the yellow blazes weren't enough, there's a mileage marker every 0.2 of a mile. These markers even have a yellow "blaze" on them as well.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunRZkzms7qjaGGpXC8tRlkNQqwITX2ZT1sElVZcakMPsv3jIwFrNbsMC21wHYltcUcnRUqZ03gY0sLPDj-RQ9emf5IvjqUyBx6GiJXzCrRr9PSYQgpYoAZhaiwF5ahpla-MtGaKVX8zE/s640/IMG_7542.JPG"><br>
The trail winds up and down rolling hills, but there aren't any long strenuous climbs.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQONS6br2sHF0JC5KD1A1D2Uij1azRgOEFDIULJ559-Os_4OcTQFsD9fKzv8y5yTkRc037Dq3wrKRD5pXEr9-vSi6bMVADaUvIQpPwNMtMPKEJ96o1oV83l_40_DqLzEmwDOpd-FqA-8/s640/IMG_7544.JPG"><br>
At times, you're a stone's throw from 295.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j8zNbOkGoGADZPoqZmGJ4_OyTrGMiOqhNweFepB5VoM_gTARjcgS6ok2jjKDP7dq7_E881ZoQ8QnIKApFCl9JvTykyQ0TQFc-_xorl0YKCAmdPVcVsGIWnAvwqhfAXihb4UiSN5wQis/s640/IMG_7547.JPG"><br>
You'll enjoy plenty of shade for most of the hike.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeaSxkkxOJO5UeEBvy2j5xkocZZI2F4jzXnx3EPz55ViOI2XaKLS_fTqFnmIuSm5KM6f8bWgQLke35CXyklRuZls9cy5kUmTQlYFcYRc8m6WNpxxb46sqCWUf1FRNHz585PPQdSg__o8/s640/IMG_7553.JPG"><br>
The boardwalk here needed a bit of upkeep, so mind your steps. For much of this section of the hike, which runs along Deep Creek, the forest floor was covered in green.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5ymWzrMZQIUCTrvBhsLOwEq_gEw33DTZ7X_HSoMAC9BbLkLAoPkrd9mOpCDBlf-2k4fEZbN9zAN8X_uNdIPhdjJQ1X1VHUa5vRil1VduxfG36dwTotNYDltYMaGaPgHRzF0CjsT3e5k/s640/IMG_7574.JPG"><br>
Lunch stop here!<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLOy468CJg3e24V_9HHC0QewkZVBbzppsYIUr9ifg8Dp-SbaX4IpBQ0aI6If6GqkFhx-dGeLMyZ0WCd6AZXAqCLaA68cleSQrulVJVJ8CCaKkBzRJtP2SKgxW5U-hxPzxKwdyAXpfU8c/s640/IMG_7578.JPG"><br>
This sign seemed like an oddity, but shows that you can even get to Greenbelt Park by using the DC Metro's Green Line. Following this trail would take you to the College Park Metro Station.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrwNN1N740g4qjSX6GBqBZJ8uR_wiooM0-Mv-tgBGVDozEW-SGP77vQYH1MmJ1qjFE_EYO-Bs6Satv_9kvwfIP316YZKEJ9sQGro5xNoySaVHXsRW876RIK_IPwrRNkHKbNnW39XOHOI/s640/IMG_7583.JPG"><br>
The trail turns back toward the front of the park here, but there's also a split toward the campground. Make sure you take the right trail!
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh640ykyWypn8BUv09JVLIIWwKX5srjkHJFZzaF9ez3aC1c4Bc6vruJ4vKpuXZds4UGzl3sYBzxfZzch2Wvj-bpqphrYAmhDy-0K5K9pBPrkvK9MothWvIWsoRC7n9ngN99xAdYaRJM3dI/s600/IMG_7585.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg58h_kBxtmzj8yTUgaj6ior3cQPj-kBdBTwyvjXixSsGt6n0BA7iZ8AgzByBI5Hbz8tKUXrKAspEBt8BW1_ZPp6a-TUJlCy6ZnM_mrm53Aih0FyDED37EKQ2dEK98tQU57QjTGqXMJM/s600/IMG_7586.JPG"><br>
The rest of the trail is pretty straightforward. There are connections to the Blueberry and Dogwood Trails off the main trail, if you're up for some extra mileage.<br><br>
...and that's it! 5.3 relatively easy miles down. <br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2lXnkTxEG1kFpauhL-hJDjFeJfez31be145O0NQ9HY1Dqckso2HMlHZC1omoQpuW-BZVieFTsRfsVTbXEzy3VK3xWZI6yN3Y1wyPifgcNpheR9NI0FnY2akyOy8FBhBiN4pXD0iiHzs/s640/IMG_7611.JPG"><br><br>
While it's not the most scenic of places I've hiked, Greenbelt Park is a nice place to go which is relatively easy to get to, free, and close. Go for an afternoon on some of the shorter trails, or for a day for the Perimeter trail. <br>
<br>
Happy Hiking!
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-76156006709338873742015-05-25T22:35:00.003-04:002015-05-26T06:01:25.456-04:00Repost: Great Escapes: 7 of Iowa’s Best Hikes<h1> Seven of Iowa's Best Hikes</h1>
I've only hiked at Wildcat Den. Probably will be a post forthcoming.
<h2><i>**reposted** from Iowa's DNR website:<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/insidednr/socialmediapressroom/newsreleases/vw/1/itemid/2705">LINK</a></i></h2>
<blockquote>
Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610130&idAdminBoundary=483"><b>Yellow River State Forest</b></a><br>
For backpackers looking for a backcountry experience, head straight to northeast Iowa’s Yellow River State Forest. At Yellow River, you can enjoy long hikes with varying elevation, and even camp primitively. With about 32 miles of trail, it’s easy to feel like you’ve escaped it all in this gorgeous setting.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateForests/LoessHillsStateForest.aspx"><b>Loess Hills State Forest</b></a> and <a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610117&idAdminBoundary=213"><b>Stone State Park</b></a><br>
Locals say you can hike and camp primitively for three days in this unique landscape without covering the same ground twice. If the 50 miles of trail in the state forest aren’t enough, you can find more just an hour up the road at the historic Stone State Park on the outskirts of Sioux City. The Loess Hills – a landscape rare in the world – afford vistas not often seen in Iowa. Loess soils are highly erodible but when left undisturbed, they hold solidly, forming tiers which follow the contours and are a sight to behold. Add in the native prairie that abounds in the area and you have a great place to wander while taking in sweeping vistas and discovering precious rare plants.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610148&idAdminBoundary=196"><b>Ledges State Park</b></a><br>
Steeped in natural history, Ledges is known for its picturesque canyon that leads to the Des Moines River. Climb the trails in the canyon area to get a bird’s eye view of picnickers and kids splashing in the creek below. Or wander through the Lost Lake section of Ledges to find a serene overlook of the Des Moines River. While Ledges has just 4.6 miles of trails, the scenery makes it feel like much more. Finish off the day by heading to a secluded hike-in only campsite.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610127&idAdminBoundary=198"><b>Maquoketa Caves State Park</b></a><br>
A trip to Maquoketa Caves isn’t complete without exploring the park’s 15 small caves, connected by boardwalks and bridges. Head to the 7 miles of trails to traipse through prairie or woodlands and take in dramatic vistas. Make a weekend of it and bring the tent with walk-in sites just off the main campground. Take part in an interpretive program to learn more about the park and its Civilian Conservation Corps work.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610131&idAdminBoundary=219"><b>Waubonsie State Park</b></a><br>
Steal away to the far southwest corner of Iowa to take in majestic views of ridgetop prairie and mature woodland along the southern tip of the Loess Hills. Waubonsie offers 10.5 miles of trail in a unique setting.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610103"><b>Lacey-Keosauqua State Park</b></a><br>
Set out on gently sloping trails, including a path around a small swimming lake in this relaxing and peaceful park. Stay over in a cabin for more trips on the 12.5 miles of trail. Day trippers can make a quick trip back to civilization to enjoy restaurants and shops in the villages of Van Buren County.
<p>
<a href="http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610122&idAdminBoundary=220"><b>Wildcat Den State Park</b></a><br>
The trails are all about scenery at Wildcat Den, just a mile upstream of the Mississippi River. Explore almost 4 miles of trail, including a short hike with great views of rock outcroppings on your way to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Check out the restored grist mill or schoolhouse near the historic Pine Creek bridge. Camp at the park, or head over to the Fairport State Recreation Area, just two miles away, to camp along the mighty Mississippi.</blockquote>hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-39392233790579276652015-05-10T11:38:00.002-04:002015-05-10T21:47:13.292-04:00"Worth a voyage across the Atlantic" - Hiking Maryland Heights, Part 2: Stone Fort TrailLast post I mentioned that I hadn't hiked the Stone Fort Trail section of Maryland Heights due to a lack of time. Well, I had plenty of free time on Tuesday, 11 November to complete this section of the trail, and it was well worth it.<br>
<br>
<h2> Trail Map</h2>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYwWMpLcEsWpJEuaDe56Di3YzwS5tzGE-xBdq60oih_IyzqA3X6I-LcpfbtcLW42ususSlFULkMbLKfF564WHuFn4wQNXYhyphenhyphenZTk4mAzNrYEIFR4Mb19F0bLuHaquksR5g-t_Gg5pmxyk/s640/maryland%2520heights.png"><br><br>
<h2>Notes</h2>
Distances:<br>
<i>from the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/upload/maryland%20heights%20trail.pdf">Maryland Heights Trail Guide</a></i>:<br>
railroad bridge to Stone Fort (round trip): about 6 miles (4 hours)<br><p>
Blazes:<br>
Combined Trail: Green Blaze<br>
Stone Fort Trail: Blue Blaze (note: the blazes were light blue; in harsh/bright sunlight, the blue blazes look almost white)<br>
<i>Except for a few spots, the trail is clearly marked, but I included the blaze information anyway.</i><br>
<li>If you can't tell by the photos below, the trail is somewhat steep, in some places more than others. Take your time and bring plenty of water (there are no fountains or water access on the trail at all). Also, make sure you take care of restroom business in town before you cross over the river. <br>
<li>I *strongly* recommend a hiking stick or trekking poles to help you up the side of the mountain. There's plenty of loose gravel, rocks, and tree roots on the trail, so mind your steps. <br />
<li>Parking: There are a very small number of spots near the trailhead, so unless you get there early, you probably won't get a spot. I recommend parking at the visitor center, taking the bus into town, and walking the rest of the way. <br />
<li>The Stone Fort is a nice place to stop for a lunch break, so if you're willing and able to haul some food up the mountain, go for it, but please make sure you pack out your trash, as there are no trashcans anywhere on the trails.<br> <li>You can bring dogs along, but please make sure you clean up after them as well. Leave no trace except footprints.<p>
<h2>Start</h2>
First, you'll have to reach the Maryland Heights trailhead, and hike part of the way up the hill, as I described <a href="http://hikingwithhammer.blogspot.com/2014/11/maryland-heights-part-1-overlook-trail.html">in my previous post.</a><br>
The Stone Fort Trail starts not far from the Naval Battery (described in the previous post) which sits at about 679 feet, and it goes UP to over 1440 feet. <br>
<p>
The start of the Stone Fort Trail.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudFxEoxLxureWpZR8ci7ZQKsYecDi_AuBqnn8jkknUKLIC9HKKC8M1lfuCefTUCa9iTFVjlewiQYd2WRu3n9sF6r1gMLYkdme8avx4o_P8QLAMuaJrlZGp-P-OzSXcPEJXpeiULcXaCU/s800/IMG_7028.JPG"><br>
<br><br>
It goes up!<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKBS6-_kbG5ipAEewTnj3IUzc13OaENIvzabkIxQNUiCNGRGYFrux630xkXCsIxttIyW2_HWBjhvd9iF2qgVgJcJcfXFT0jG8ypGUrjxyO0dY6WaCLLav3Z6Zz-B1aUSvXzn9Rj_JpLw/s640/IMG_7033.JPG"><br>
<br><br>...and up...<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVn6cy__pGnXAiVnbGlrepgz-a107RIPJNmpvJjeyLlYcqol0rPKsZX9o4Ww_hkJU8u4QTdt4c5vwIlS9ARYADJ3BePShyBxjWvZhdxAfEu9BdigZ-dO02Ouo8RKegig20xplFfGZAI8/s640/IMG_7035.JPG"><br>
<br><br>...and up...<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlnZtD8juKqruQScOfwJ7Xq7vx5ZHKlrQ5Rs_3TZECmIV3lOoc3ue1M0eyjoJ0CRDlPoqCjxIN8CKf6IcMsG4P7fNjguTqy31osAb_zNZh9A8AioVH7Cpwv5phtu39i3OKabGwQ8O4Tg/s640/IMG_7046.JPG"><br><p>
During your climb, you'll probably want to stop to rest, catch your breath, and look around a bit. In this picture, you can see the remnants of Dam #3 on the Potomac.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfABAPDdGOgBL6WnFI16sgG-zRnd2HuzydCPP7hd2CnMZQrQPW5Agq1BuwXeZOtYlUvJkd5vUBHI7XoL0To8FbzrB5LXVKgth5pcWKuasDHsmpSsd8RE4n3NHNt6t1FGQO1aw0NJmq-Q4/s800/IMG_7047.JPG"><br><p>
The path you're hiking is basically an old military road. The soldiers used this path to climb Maryland Heights during the many efforts to fortify it in the Civil War. <br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Vav31jrSNViViL8G1HqpJxzcSOOgGWE0jjwuQ3pF0kMMQ95jp4al5K9cGNS6YSwyGblkfzDYrm2dVUkVa4XQkSQo6p2pB-ktlnufhMWSXWV8ulcz82r-0OP8sDKtfaAo2PtyPd-zzj4/s600/IMG_7042.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6nuA17r6_qzVlxeLxXNDDqnvyU5oA-22pvNl3TdbU4q-joVEgpLjLdJ1FAikhr-tFKrasvabAgEpg9nDqWFbj4nMKvWR_bXeW6cPZdp6YoKmviIaRaT8uHiXd54sQrEWhfGMqgXpD3M/s600/IMG_7043.JPG"><br>
Even Lincoln couldn't finish this climb, but you can! <br>
<blockquote>Following the Battle of Antietam, Abraham Lincoln came to Maryland to review the army, including the garrisons on the mountain. He began the ascent, but because of the steepness of the slope, turned around halfway up, concluding any man who <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elk_Ridge_%28Maryland%29">could make the climb</a> would pass his muster.</blockquote><br>
<h2>Military Campground</h2>
Eventually you reach a more level spot on the ridge. This flatter area is where Civil War soldiers lived and worked.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-_gq_odXq6YftK7AgbJM5aoUULx3sXiOK9Z0C1AZbanIWQRpWE8S6pSoAVdHF56_HrTK5On60mUFghSWjxmsb3ceKxrc4EMRn91_ZLp9hpz_E24LDhgKBryAMaZaylgasolTCBAN9FU/s640/IMG_7067.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXblycGN22WIi1vRhQ4mLxPrs222plTItYbA05IhbH74YwC6eXelIhyY4fzKw-coJP-IvNzD1pePX1LLBWtLJmpnng3vtQgz08BNhRkFzmZ4juGdBK5kmJGucOh_KOagzWlLP1u8_6Gk/s640/IMG_7069.JPG"><br>
The campground is bordered by the exterior fort, a rock wall breast works that leads from the top of the ridge down the hill toward the Potomac River.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWNC2HipH21mLrNwQDt9YXV7JU5D6Zexxsn7JW3TCZhyphenhyphenldplfPAs3pTQDps41QEM4EVn1vFCQwW6idty0GBmQjFz73sPwAfLqialmYx72ljP8fYBXtUrwd_obrDzfDldzxoElrJj6sw0/s640/IMG_7079.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOuQrDfdBF-ZffvYZvVVvwCmFlihQA9gRKMZhQZ1sI518Ko4cEHR4SczOlMERrefxPHc8BXUSqxWRh_KobWGtGNmQwvxIYv6UJ-mehEcseql6yNsfxXDVgRe9XBxpa0YRoHYtoNE8_ig/s640/IMG_7080.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ta99JfiA8bKOxZlH_euB9UoQiBbKhtXTSMxm4s0_0gtLkTu2d77f6QZrrDWaZMpV1xo-fVzISXcDX9B2xfjwVn3ngmjOusxfIppDousLMUQtVXLrVzINiaQGBPF4FbEZUL2rf1Dq2_o/s640/IMG_7081.JPG"><br><br>
<h2>Stone Fort</h2>
To the right from the breast works is a set of stairs which will lead you up to the top of the ridge, and the interior of the Stone Fort.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvbp35muG3ELIe065JI-9caMs5470O1J7R1eNJsjTagOikAqsLatTLpdIUgRJvJE7SvhRRuIG1lXd7S2u2r4ggd9QFw6RVuw3_fg_-IsqY_YlO14vKtLPMLeb22TpeFt32gtMFAqlZ-8/s800/IMG_7085.JPG"><br>
Some of the Stone Fort ruins:<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MkpRyjYJKPSnVio87TkBiwpff_Ei4MsMCwL8RsgrT9egczejj-Tlq8I8u6YRR5iKV1xKUZQAT0klLTsvWrjjI19jZ9cBCit-kGbGRMnsO36Mx7cVIe4i56yc5KBIvIYIIX_ltY_jJAk/s600/IMG_7113.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHugkFsJUrXCBMLzji5W9zbvMj-j9_czZ8CbTj7L2ANnmLYHWI0FqgugghPaWpUGHc04-H_BCVjwfywL744OXeb4a-kJm8sI0TG8hPeXlefCzlvaJg2w6LtBK6kJuUyhFGMU36k3YWPv4/s600/IMG_7127.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWy-WIPgiNJ70cwbCP4iVc33WvOhgEOs-N3uCtm-000qMlDlgxbSinfE8xx5SErMavt-nxcEtrgCeGGpBs9mZVCwM1Hp0GTYZVyCrL7avhDhdAiFDHleK4JeVkQYjgsu4H35cdKC_rfkM/s600/IMG_7124.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZJFRQk_YA_95C_4O-x1BlFLcCvJxrRjXDHHBpNVv8S4QYoUivcB0Uh5DtxEhvpxcapUgSPrkNanRBh0mZASoYaATabhvjH82tygvSdu8zmhsET7S3NSL0AG8AUn_zpdLgGPN-4TaIkY/s600/IMG_7107.JPG"><br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZcLUZrBAkR4bk2fjvRJ3K9fkGxm9FpDkPGCgjN2SgBbiT5eTJS8X5tdk_gNH2Rbf1wT8aF2Pv6if5D4GHYZnm3v0mSxAOBAtN3wVesqIWeE41BlEbVu09FU1WnC2GI3zycvpged6CcQ/s600/IMG_7109.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2RLR2-hKlKlJj6aBnlXmNFOrjUPllZmsQl5n1rxLZSXINZrUjDN7c-e55oc50FCMyOpR8bq_DTVlyZ0vBEFxZdN0Gx2OSLYpwJmfA9r9g3aAmqlhpUibE8vQlcCl-Fh7IIdNw1P8lKw/s600/IMG_7115.JPG"><br><br>
There are some nice views of the Potomac from the Stone Fort vista (although a better view was from the 100-pounder battery)<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsRnOLuYESuDgTxvsKWXOsLsoZ3uBw2VIkl6v8RTh6OjoOR55lwAe5NrPecyjlCS-GEe0f2Oy2_FldyHedftJGTxlwGyHa9EMH6TGrf-4gW3TCQigFyhaOYKiKqPcVOlVHGa508jweXg/s600/IMG_7119.JPG"><br><br>
The Stone Fort is a great place to stop for lunch, since it's about halfway through the hike, and you've got a nice place to sit, relax, and take in the view (...and dry out a bit, since you've probably worked up a sweat just getting here.)<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-4kSA5vHfjEVcC7bw-Nw-9IpCotqwvGznMq01YNyqQq9yj4Onnwxfxgfzhsd1sx-404rHmR3dXSRk6s_4YoiHqgAqrCtvGh1Jd0rcb3iYpIBrbSOpuDy2ogXzddLGKFUebOuQCEKICY/s640/IMG_7134.JPG"><br><br>
<h2>100-pounder Battery</h2>
Once you leave the Stone Fort area, the path takes you along the top of the Maryland Heights ridge, winding you through more wooded and rocky areas. At times it was difficult to discern if I was still on the trail, <br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrlMRVJyYlEybBL29S9u8qEFL6l78osWtyGcA4YZQrBIl66mv5ISp33GM1ZeYUIFaL9_YhVTu1Rff3J8xmtbCACYBnEF7p2hiuPWLeTK7sUlguncyxrkRBOVZ7ukyykiD_CvEGZLrHqU/s640/IMG_7170.JPG"><br><br>
You'll eventually reach the 100-pounder battery, site of the heaviest and highest gun on Maryland Heights. As you can see, it would have had a commanding view of the Potomac River and Loudoun Heights (VA).<br>
<br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrk3A9iZ5sYYp1YEPR1m1ow3TxYq8WPYck_kEh1GNLEcbG1V0YTePstA15Y95rOtwzAfognwW-6x5LgHe9iw6FuOEN5G7ULXc1ll4pGvP2QFFcQ6xPyVskaz1NQFAHUg-yHV-B-oS3jY/s640/IMG_7200.JPG"><br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2PigMpM3PgpaYO-nilAZhfJtAo45jyGi8ML71nYAOfmKL2RrnKHkz7LQQNG8CKbe2dvwj1KejQegPeI5FhmhrH_eF5DqioDv0gpPNIjqPuQbbrDvdFFqvs-Q9wajCmLXpUngc4RTel8/s640/IMG_7190.JPG"><br>
From the 100-pounder battery location, you can see Brunswick, MD, and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxLWFneBbfQyMZCSK2ENx_fWLsBnPpdQFiiJNzqIxdrgWT82xVVUCzL6Z-rDm2bjLK3bsr-m46QggfR99cA5v_Kkk2wkf5bDGEmHt3SFw3rYWxWJuIBixGiio0Rvu4w6ftQsZByREt9U/s800/IMG_7191.JPG"><br><br>
A short distance from the 100-pounder battery, you start a rapid descent from the top of the ridge. This part of the trail is very rocky, so take your time and use your walking stick or trekking poles for balance.<br>
Looking back toward the ridge:
<br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkusA14jGBo74QS7Y5fRYZSTt7hOuxYKatNpE1KoTxjVOVw7YeUu2TyWNn87_Hozp_A6-uYIQytebGAGqXHKRUhB1BHZ4o9j6fcgeCLBGBMmWq-3Tb-ika9-w7KTUcWyoh8RgZylwE_4/s640/IMG_7228.JPG"><br><br><p>
<h2>30-pounder Battery</h2>
After descending from the ridge, the trail takes you to the final 'spot of interest' on the Stone Fort hike: The 30-pounder battery. The remnants of the fortification, a moat and rampart, are clearly evident. There's a ramp that allows you to cross over the rampart and explore the battery area.<br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g-7f6EhGhis1BH9cZVNErl9TzJk6irx99Vxb6hsvtxlootDe1PT4PD2J9vXdJcyvhtpuKsTYoVq0GYSCLbrbgcu_4qHrm7EwQ9NtfxidDdmc6c9c1nlEWzNpi6VD8cFx_55Vo9kVdYw/s640/IMG_7227.JPG"><br>Inside the battery<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvrXZu0sAGw8VIzjceIfKkwOqIf5eko05c9B1jqjGbgYAnrw_RPFOZLOaF1QLEgHLjejDQBBcW-nZRQEmyTwQ9Yp8VBXO5RhNxEOcM2So67Ncs7PgsQkG23H4k1zAWhOckNyKkuvvglw/s640/IMG_7241.JPG">
<br>The battery operated up to six guns, able to reach Loudoun Heights in Virginia, and Bolivar Heights, above the town of Harpers Ferry.<br><br>
<h2>The End</h2>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8Fs4sIDghS92bMJBaVI4-_r1nkrXOEWWMFxZ4dbv4fIVvs6IdVQdCf3qhg1AMGV6KtgnBZWSvX3hOe63TBn2z1jaTfAwrNZzZ9iILi3ReQvIS_yVou6UMP9fWMRXt1lJ9geyHJj_DII/s640/IMG_7252.JPG"><br>
After the 30-pounder battery, you'll continue down the hill toward the main trail. The Stone Fort trail connects with the combined trail not far from the turnoff to the Overlook Trail. If you're not too exhausted, hang a left at the trail intersection to take a trip to the overlook if you haven't seen that yet. Otherwise, going right will take you back down toward the Maryland Heights trailhead, and back to town.<br><br>
Stop by one of the shops in town for some ice cream or another snack, you've earned it!
<br>
<b>Happy Hiking!</b>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-78012894588617631422014-11-08T11:14:00.000-05:002015-05-10T18:02:48.406-04:00"Worth a voyage across the Atlantic" - Hiking Maryland Heights, Part 1: Overlook Trail<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgsMtN6_YiF9PWrHMwvuaGJDv-ReDzfT9GTBbXqSzJqg2MkVdtd1zCTRbz0rX45EhDnPyMjoPa0jLejAo25oEO8U_8RBMyUjUH0RPXZ7lqrqSGoMxZjHND5AJ9CqlZFzdTDTnr4D5Twk/s800/IMG_6954.JPG" /><br />
Over 1400 feet high, Maryland Heights offers stunning views of the town of Harpers Ferry, WV, and the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. You might learn a little bit of <a href="http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/harpersferry/harpers-ferry-history-articles/harpersferryhess.html">Civil War history</a> along the way.<p>
Maryland Heights is one of the hikes I've been wanting to do from the first time I visited Harpers Ferry. I finally got some spare time to hike it on a chilly, windy, but sunny November afternoon. I parked at the visitor center and took the bus down to the main town with my pack and hiking stick. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Full disclosure</b>: I only hiked the Overlook trail and didn't get to the Stone Fort trail, since I got started a little later than I wanted.</i><br />
<br />
<h2>
Notes</h2>
Distances:<br>
<i>from the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/upload/maryland%20heights%20trail.pdf">Maryland Heights Trail Guide</a></i>:<br>
railroad bridge to Overlook Cliffs (round trip): about 4.1 miles (3 hours)<br>
railroad bridge to Stone Fort (round trip): about 6 miles (4 hours)<br><p>
Blazes:<br>
Combined Trail: Green Blaze<br>
Stone Fort Trail: Blue Blaze (note: the blazes were light blue; in harsh/bright sunlight, the blue blazes look almost white)<br>
Overlook Cliffs Trail: Red Blaze<br><p>
<li>If you can't tell by the photos below, the trail is somewhat steep, in some places more than others. Take your time and bring plenty of water (there are no fountains or water access on the trail at all). Also, make sure you take care of restroom business in town before you cross over the river. <br>
<li>I *strongly* recommend a hiking stick or trekking poles to help you up the side of the mountain. There's also plenty of loose gravel, rocks, and tree roots on the trail, so mind your steps. <br />
<li>Parking: There are a very small number of spots near the trailhead, so unless you get there early, you probably won't get a spot. I recommend parking at the visitor center, taking the bus into town, and walking the rest of the way. <br />
<li>On a warm day, the overlook would be a nice place for a picnic, so if you're willing and able to haul some food up the mountain, go for it, but please make sure you pack out your trash, as there are no trashcans anywhere on the trails.<br> <li>You can bring dogs along, but please make sure you clean up after them as well. Leave no trace except footprints.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>Trail Map</h2>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyAbr10dpjINrEzkQ1ffINUQa2ZD4QEez0idjkNNE2VmEO1QKvqcM9Id65TdQ7KP8eDEjQ_sbtIN3e-dsrKXsq1nRV4g4xODf5RGVrBEOsfiQ5oNHT_mlL-gwQTyy1tkhCxuNDEhyyTY/s800/maryland%2520heights2.jpg"><br><br>
<h2>
Trailhead</h2>
To reach the trailhead, you have to cross the railroad bridge across the Potomac (part of the Appalachian Trail) and then head up the C & O Canal Towpath. The footbridge over the C & O canal leads (once you cross the road beyond) to the trailhead.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f2iZBBHlNy2Pra5iSzJKfFuYqt7uB6FA0MtMYIvo2EFoZ4OlYMaIvgrNjC53cAjZG72wJhlqVEBEX3JTlEw7ACUuU2sZ57NZS2FTrba1BRYDRq6EyqGuhvta0XfHzX0R-Xo0Z6-a-dg/s800/IMG_6710.JPG" /><br />
The footbridge to the trailhead<br /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NKRQxyljaRmfIE105BCDox9ofBwbJsTpk_t9VdGtG_PhvXdo90ajJ6zEzaZY9nfSJGHt0TIzlpMsdpAMjjprBiYBEEQoN9ZETePaub6YvD_T1JmuTFFQPecuA-Q8vF7pOTQMTzAbp-A/s800/IMG_6713.JPG" /><br />
Maryland Heights trailhead. It goes up!<br /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkN180gkyicF-OGL6e164TMfda4NXUxxhe5NqnViLHuB1mHNMGbc5c37hEQ7ceihBKuWBT_u065ywXb0GsiZJ4EHKa57-1N9ynnhtGRvJ-kdHHutT1aKCWTv4oK2GViEF__RsdSM4ACQ/s800/IMG_6721.JPG" /><br />
The trail winds around the back side of the mountain, then begins a steady climb up toward the turn to the overlook.<br /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZVju4ZjG7p23PbhnQM0qoQfBInEIXkQMbPlzpvIAHgCz-jrZT_lFJZIb_g-Tf8wWhql4-1QcMhtLBqeuznuMDa1gQeFs1DrM6KSkrbo3Kv_zT3H19IGSz-mNhc39xlyGijJipf7pgL0/s800/IMG_6736.JPG" /><br /><br />
<br /><br />
<h2>
Naval Battery</h2>
On the way up the combined trail to the overlook trail, you'll encounter some trail markers and points of interest. The first one is the Naval Battery, seen below:<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLQucO-ppoFORvLZOQH4ho24J5EFn2z5wZznaNT7j_kgQR9iH6pv2RJe00q3XB2tSmSzSJaKwYvov91__7SAX_y8oFKJb16MrdJy3vX7pphyphenhyphenOJZgA2F81vho7APcv79yihhNGXjBY1r0/s800/IMG_6742.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMHGOEKQe31O3FN7CbbyDs-SGINGpVqCxMCdiJOucJVkI72XEaME7hXVVS1lGdxBWvvhzgQLaYZHrrcLt_GxRwLkS3CYr74YaC_NqI6eCKxFOXEKwVfTOF_7eBTWtxsjPRxtZup4s4gs/s800/IMG_6744.JPG" /><br />
As you can see on the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/upload/maryland%20heights%20trail.pdf">Maryland Heights Trail Guide</a>, the trail splits around the Naval Battery, but make sure you take the side trail to see it. The Naval Battery was the first Union fortification on Maryland Heights.<br /> <br />
<h2>
The trail not taken</h2>
Once past the Naval battery, not far up the combined trail, the Stone Fort trail splits off. The Stone fort trail goes up to the summit of Maryland Heights, and is a little more than 3-mile circuit hike, which will bring you back around near the Overlook trail.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu9Q2QsVwCXvni_HIT2iTLocnuKB8fJcdmOmAv-e5z0I4GrQZQ6HIGTTXCbUwh4m2n-g6ZtFM32h6WpDdeGG2ph2e9XYL9KwNFlHpo0eKGatj2XseSIOwMcFjLciwajHBTpEqxnENipg/s800/IMG_6917.JPG" /><br />
The Stone Fort trail branches off.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4OYogovb082SpVvd-IjCZEnDAiw6dhKLUtsXwcpEMHdGJERH4o-B76iD-2u_h6rSMHWfINvfxANI37q7Der4eCTiU1lgXM-AzZr1G0eRVkK5GmfkeXxyyfmV_pHsk3sOY1pwP9dkkws/s800/IMG_6755.JPG" /><br /><br />
As I mentioned before, I didn't hike the Stone Fort trail, but I understand it's fairly strenuous but rewarding. Hopefully soon, I'll head back and hike this one.<br /><br />
<h2>
The Overlook</h2><br>
<i>"Worth a voyage across the Atlantic"</i> - Thomas Jefferson<br>
Note: Jefferson was actually referring to the view from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Rock">Jefferson Rock</a>, but I believe he would have said the same about the view from the Maryland Heights Overlook.<br><br>
The trail to the Overlook actually descends from the Combined Trail to the Overlook cliffs, involving several switchbacks. There were plenty of rocks and tree roots on this section of trail, so again, watch your step as you descend down to the Overlook.<br><br>
Finally, the payoff for climbing up the hill/mountain.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHePOr8kePJjc_d9-ff_Q8V7eWDeMY4mnB74-PnVXucqMrMT01N98N4mCPdCGji_nXlBmwd9iGxpj12cm8dGTDOOT4F82WvmDWgUgbGcRIn70X6piS-9as6ww_T9nEudcHGC25CcdXVJo/s1000/IMG_6851.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiyCKlEmf0Dtlz1c8iZcQj7W3qfhitdKyBFI2XWI1GjcDI8bEoL0Z5OC_XZlwT-ArXgdeI6eq0LAs5UlmXRspBRSySlM48EDfWk11Iii6ECsgN7cYxtg3DpNtkIv9ewBVUR0KbJn95Vk/s1000/IMG_6780.JPG" /><br />Harpers Ferry, WV<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO8tUM64tOc00_JKoOwz9yry9SrKcpKRyfOBHGGzrvl6Un2OAxruXZfRPL38dpKR_S0Ia7KVhGaOlIUr5F5VRigwWSqEyQ5F5fEaQVoq3N1BBfGPR34dyy6NVoiuUak_T6zQoqw1a_Xo/s1000/IMG_6785.JPG" /><br />
The Potomac River. You can see the Maryland Heights trailhead from here.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsSlEVxHaa5O0bBhi-v7A5HcCl5Omn2BiaUkd94dvsp9Y4S0vH5aHhzEMNue-cEaT3RPdF8t9A5BDzbV5e7oyBya4Af4TSciyGLpOh3xvZsP1r1HptMax2GDIzDiaoOUp9yji_RGZJAA/s1000/IMG_6837.JPG" /><br />
The Shenandoah River. The bridge over the Shenandoah is part of the Appalachian Trail coming out of Virginia. The AT then turns up the hill and goes past the church before crossing the Potomac into Maryland. As I've mentioned in a previous post, Harpers Ferry is considered the mid-point on the AT, and the AT Headquarters is located in the town.<br />
<br /><br />
<h2> Other pictures from my hike</h2>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi0h6QE0Hxlgz6jF88qYar4EAZ-Ys8NpO7jyEYMbUbZPCSWjbNJMY2jQU3FPRCDkRRz1oXUkliBFX93T7rgXAdFrdJKZZA7RZDzvzgqCce2nRoJr0vekV1DyTeJUb0xelH_oy3p3PXMA/s800/IMG_6910.JPG"><br>
Coming down the mountain<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL-dYRJgBEla-ITPS794f6AUMWV2-2aVmC8ZwujI98e9AMTG_mc4iQRXPD9lv-bcpGeh7BU88iyb80WSxEK6fRKL1OF_byNY1YU2QhHNIBM-E7bF28JJmiDeo20coQZaE8VipTo1Zan8/s800/IMG_6716.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAhg0LLnfUgmKL3tyTP_Z2_P1PMR3qsxHVsEMRHYdaIKYUrnxDYp_9zjeodS7wdyNXMp5vove5CAc7xAO7n5mh4Z7ME6My9a5jSB7oE9v0ZhH637daYlseIBEs_fyk-s3J0G7vBvUCzs/s800/IMG_6957.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4DfZAyvMoSJEA4yvMZWmX8LMryO_qIoPON3lE63rApHGW9l2672cOFQVNw7gCLlCbdkB7o2GQ9siFTPJXQxKBfXRiLFbjD1oUooNHC7xSKhNLrHtSkIy-6YNe46HoNIMpufATmAKmCc/s800/IMG_6955.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtfpcJa3EsVM8XtYI7iOnFOBOVio6Lb5UfFgqXfeWN_7wuOFrfIexfN6H3rHxNTPUYJrq478DonFmmc2e9l5oMKe5XhlFVagZ7ksk-5-rrMZgiGykoH2UFVAJU8OqEgyzbajtaNYQE4Y/s800/IMG_6989.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCY3SDC_y65W2DcG1bF3SFhmjcVtg2Hp8I24lKVJ7d-OQR_WkFLVQM5iFmZ46r2SFjhVflafLsRWFzC2XiG4vWn5s0gdodvw4yz7gx7pWna2zOwGh3eqflFegupzdNSx145tSZXvLL1Y/s800/IMG_6996.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW93yAQXn7wCLqb7XTIc_B2P0apJUWMIUNdseoAz76hiGjOBJQMZ1RJtXTG9MxxF9RtB3u4oC06cE9xRa_P9e_DxGQHu3MWoUU_sFuPIx3fdMsVuK1DTk1yPCdgVXutk9pb28VsFid1c/s800/IMG_7001.JPG" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFjGOdu_W9UuHZcHGOnhyphenhyphenfTxdCNtqBuJuTbb740j_VVzqHB7eKJbejoIBKfHB34CpBfDLFBDi7CskEjFN8iBxhqNkJHUGgcD2WEPOc-X0vFR3IDYlB72PZkeudpaf5bso_t6nUiFv3Tc/s800/IMG_7005.JPG" /><br />
<p>
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
As it was a windy and chilly day, I bundled up with a long sleeve base layer under a tshirt, and a warm zip up hoodie. I also wore a scarf and hat which I occasionally removed. I brought along an extra fleece pullover and windbreaker jacket as well, but I didn't really need them. I worked up a pretty good sweat hiking up the hill, and in colder weather, I might have been concerned by this. Thankfully, a little time spent relaxing in the sun on the overlook dried me out a bit. This trail is definitely one of the more strenuous trails I've done so far, so if you attempt it, know your limits and take your time. Most of all, enjoy.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeBRUt3lx4EMLxJJtamjKYma49P1oLT5iyAr9n0ofFKvWnmxE7Zk9_3rGGb_qiG0-1eQGvvn2NlgGu8OBslX3UYRVL1peY_hIIVSSOQXk27my3Br5KVoLN30Moi84WRNEf4iyIdSR6ec/s800/IMG_6777.JPG" /><br />
<b>Happy Hiking!</b><br />
<br />
<br />hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0Harpers Ferry, WV, USA39.3253786 -77.738881839.3008126 -77.7792223 39.3499446 -77.6985413tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-70729849461451110412014-10-15T17:11:00.000-04:002014-11-03T17:48:54.879-05:00Theodore Roosevelt IslandA tribute to our 26th president, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm">Theodore Roosevelt Island</a> sits in the middle of the Potomac River between the District of Columbia and Virginia. The island offers miles of trails through woods and wetlands, and is a nice quiet refuge in the midst of the Washington, DC metro area.<p>
The island can only be reached via the footbridge from the Virginia side, so you'll have to park in the parking lot off of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (northbound only). It is only a few minutes' walk from the Rosslyn Metro station so you can take the DC metro if you prefer. Bicycles are not permitted on the island, so there is a bike rack near the footbridge.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WWDYAK25SlDWvziCxKs7QBnTCBmoyW2rC5zFdgd_PmPfa1-rRu7Eg9Kjlo-UaPmjbhkklV0HiiQcdmsKu1SaYicjbBrzfu4rBG2BBwiH9aM0QELr7J3AWE62goRmD5kMe9YUIaAdPcY/s800/IMG_2167.JPG"> <br>
<p> Not far from the footbridge, there's a path that leads to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Plaza. The plaza features a large statue of TR and four large monoliths with some of his more famous quotes.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9r0D8MzL_BXU82R_99XXFd1kulMV5gHstMX6_Suluvqey9FoIeQzDCLgGHZ552b7-IVXhEHp_Emz1DuY_Xo3bQdCrD4Qc85jmDNB_-s6ZwT_sfaVm75tXNlU6Z7xcd4I8uFDH_uOHyM/s800/IMG_2184.JPG"> <br><p>
The various landforms on the island make for an interesting and enjoyable walk. There is a boardwalk trail through the swamp/wetlands area which eventually leads to the rocky outcroppings and a nice view of Georgetown.
<p> <blockquote><i>The island's vegetation is quite diverse for a relatively small area, due to its geological and topographic variety, the frequency of floods, its land-use history (including various periods of landscaping), and its location in an urban area in which many non-native species occur. Most of the island is deciduous forest of various kinds, including uplands, riparian shores, and swamps. There is also an area of fresh-water tidal (estuarine) marsh, and a few small bedrock outcrops of metamorphic Piedmont rock, some along the tidal shore. The variety of freshwater estuarine intertidal habitats along the island's shores is particularly notable.</i></blockquote>
<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCWR6evbfgnElTugFETChQOH4xntLK1y7XBR4LP6e2J0tHWuy3Sgn2EfsSMa1BoyBo-J6IvmvSGm0HrgamdLo72PVr2YlnmF9GB61oer3Jf4HX5DpQFRTL5bLUK119C13dcsKPj8K7YM/s800/IMG_2201.JPG"><br><p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItbWzkgK-9rmiGz_B3RRD9eqyld84rDpaUJaTinsRBedT1S3KJPW6x-JKBZWuNJJAJKrN_5S3BiBEyi9G8UpIgnGgIempqnATEnOtg1Ex89bkpYLvjguB-bRYxCT1pACnYGQAtA7UGho/s800/IMG_2209.JPG"><br><p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uTfTMnWfevbbIlCg75RuyWPIwws8uaOYyXBUA96vFR7RGbxGNzSvGwPmPgUJqXw_lxIKbVWtNXOaaPU1Zqet_5Sx_2sbGxVk59CtMhH6mKaxNPz-znuEjXAVY2z4MHoCoDM4cuOZckQ/s800/IMG_2215.JPG"><br><p>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-86938751576914842572014-07-31T21:43:00.001-04:002014-07-31T21:45:52.737-04:00Washington Monument State ParkNo, not that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Monument">Washington Monument, </a> and not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Monument_(Baltimore)">this Washington Monument</a> either. No, this is the first completed monument dedicated to our nation's first President, and it's on a mountain in Maryland.<br><br>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Monument_(Washington_County)">Washington Monument State Park</a> is located near Boonsboro, MD, on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Mountain_(Maryland_and_Pennsylvania)">South Mountain</a>. The monument was built in 1827 by the townspeople of Boonsboro. Unfortunately it fell into disrepair not long after. The Union Army used the mountain as a signaling station during the Civil War.<br>
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the monument to its present form. It was finally designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1972.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm-uZIcnJWBEABR5noEoxpyMunMb7OFK994XgR30MLoO-jQOJggx7jqJyuFC5JY9TjLHgQcJNTlZfc7YtnwVcMo_pRXTJgtRS8_q4N613jpMH1FlEj7WoyOBylUrZuz711Oig2CgW-NM/s800/IMG_1478.JPG"><br>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Exf5FbIwcbbcsEI-pCbWqpM6vKVWJaA0m8QNVn3ePE4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_zHy-kTwTl5uriydLw2GVO-BX_HzbTOMOvTCM41-QfcQ4_NMJ4mANHOixV6UKBU2hJUT3aRA-enbZoKksaQYErfzQIxTSaWH2UM6m5Fg-wr-jHPAM81uMCKHE27sz4BKmdru9NV-Ves/s800/IMG_1481.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a><br>
Getting there can be a little tricky, so I recommend you check your route on google maps prior to heading to the park. The parking lot is a short distance from the summit, and a short trail takes you to the monument. Along the trail are signs highlighting events in Washington's life. You can take the stairs inside the monument to the top of the tower and enjoy the stunning views both to the east and west. On a clear day looking to the west, you can see Antietam Battlefield.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5K5LLW-y96XTXy0xVx-uqBWTz9KRIz1oMx6MSuV0E5mxO4BHopUPUXPtwi6-FfhbhlK9xreBU6qsq__LfXHUgrpGkVfFlRY29WxO688FQWU7a2q0oKcTk-gyStY-mWwudtDzGq1Q5h0/s800/IMG_1449.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAAlE6Ui81c_vsWGGQ2RHSgvkVXRNVanPzBJVYKnvyHG1WvRST_AlBK1Z7LP6ZevbUDp1yIaxW3YA-rhDLM9BSL6BPu7e6UJJTf80kcRASuGLuBvjXPOTYvIXQiY89ZzKQACOC0fA0Ag/s800/IMG_1467.JPG"><br><br>
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the park, and you can easily include a short hike along the AT as part of your visit. Just follow the white blazes in either direction.<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgVsB7j8xmOBdNyzNuN4UBQxQ1zN185PPWMlxIiwrUj5MIG6pbrYuH9BWsc6J-QvgKDzzs4jPz2Gls5mB170Uie-kOSpOFCpU9_DpUYo9d82jKfRe2cgTp8YYjpEquRTJsmFQmbZW4Rw/s640/IMG_1524.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nNg9WqT6Mm3HPe2y3EZ_8SS_8OM8l7fpXhNdru_87fPOy-ATD-EOuikBKpEWFHVCMpMj4MA83iMretcDtp76rUR_5-o00-7Md6dHeq_WJo2UdrWXk7VSWsoXlF6l_YxAwWm_BE3oZS8/s640/IMG_1439.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0hO71hYZGEy9SFYVPNBqMW-YPfeGss0gsPOazK7vPyrmckrl_F5fmyrJhI6n2sUsuBXAnJIVwrzmMTvWYVR99gyEI9kkEUsYOXmCrWkHopLeQslKYpgTDPwPp3B99fvyh2wOFglRaJM/s800/IMG_1498.JPG"><br><i>along the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpfr4jpbOHnwYtmiAUPkmDDUXjLOJTcSjGf4YXilBAZZKhVc2hN3j1MzsQe6hp7DVE7ytrAuxVSTNJty6sY7TiPQu64Jfk2fJSWnwoF41TC40huqXVmEBWA5Z7ja9McVHio9FQvPs2m4/s800/IMG_1502.JPG">
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-23380502640573912762014-07-31T21:09:00.004-04:002014-07-31T21:10:18.269-04:00Sugarloaf Mountain<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5R61XiTF1hW1JYyrZ8oLSzAoXuvqu4Gpp9r48-Erksl0ffoRpPBZYGCrg91o6x2766ROtFEYQnrWw-JxpfQIDvEAvj8DOQSMCA0b-X2AyJu2-vA87D1nUd56VhJEd5KrveeKnb6wunQ/s800/IMG_4755.JPG"><br><br>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarloaf_Mountain_(Maryland)">Sugarloaf Mountain</a> is a registered National Natural Landmark located about 10 miles south of Franklin, Maryland. It is a good example of a 'monadnock', an isolated hill or mountain which rises abruptly from the surrounding land. Sugarloaf is privately owned, but because of a trust which maintains the mountain and grounds, admission is free. There is parking both at the base of the mountain, and in a couple parking areas near the summit. <p> The mountain was used by the Union Army as an observation and signal station during the Civil War.<br> FDR briefly considered using Sugarloaf as the Presidential retreat, which is now on Catoctin Mountain (Camp David).
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePAqu4SrRB7_MNMVqikv2Qx3l4qLlopc2kULxsydUHTpkqIOPf-3uNe01AxVVv_mnPxx69OdTMSED4RKzv4-Zo3vjkYeOOjUNQEC-bJKbqeUEHA-cu3YLp2JRhfXQ9tifud46DHTaJsk/s1600/sugarloaf+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePAqu4SrRB7_MNMVqikv2Qx3l4qLlopc2kULxsydUHTpkqIOPf-3uNe01AxVVv_mnPxx69OdTMSED4RKzv4-Zo3vjkYeOOjUNQEC-bJKbqeUEHA-cu3YLp2JRhfXQ9tifud46DHTaJsk/s640/sugarloaf+mountain.jpg" /></a><br>
Sugarloaf has a pretty good variety of trails. We hiked up to the summit on the Green trail, which was fairly steep. For much of the green trail, you hike up several sets of stone stairs, including the last rise up to the summit. Take your time and rest as you need to.<br> If you're not as daring, you can take the red trail to the summit, which is still steep in places, but not nearly as steep at the stone stairs. The Yellow Trail, which circles the base of the mountain, is a horse trail, so if you have an equine friend, you can enjoy a nice ride.<br><br>
<i>Climbing the stone stairs on the Green Trail</i>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjdLBIES4xMUbBqx1Z4Hz-Yiwzxsm_HV7vAxzTNrA1R6LydH8CxzTcUJ1kzf_u8FZayNrLLpnnRKuQipuNxPflfGOf06JsyNmkwyX9q6VgdMaSK2uZEyZVnrU7QezJmgrQSJQUnlNNKs/s800/IMG_4766.JPG"><p>
The view from the summit is pretty nice. We were on the west side, so we could see the Potomac River and Virginia beyond.
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kh2f8fye1f2vUoBvMg4sL1pFpeVcRdNbozEerAiYYdw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTCE5qmgx1O_KyqJweY4WVhpyhyZRuOvobdHqg_pjdDl4zmGbB7x0I6P-Let_m625LZ_CmG6t3gPsZvmzUlacoe2LLhxIeolW9O4USdLNKixQf1_PBXZDsIFXpRvRjkkCrB-KtEZ-xE0/s800/IMG_4787.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102399294604771239404/SugarloafMountain5252014?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Sugarloaf Mountain 5-25-2014</a></td></tr></table>
<br><br>
<i> Enjoying the view, despite the Dickerson Power Plant smoke stacks</i>
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ou9zvIC3dhRyoxTe3LFO2lpFpeVcRdNbozEerAiYYdw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6fZYmQb-sqb7_r8JYYhFJ9I0ESrD0csq_SkTpZH-vpQv_SZ5fRogX-wk6KIPZNJ-eAa4beodQjS_PeaGQqYBLYAutblYGHv8C4mYq9AAQn-W8ei-IEkRvlE_Aog7DRZlXptjiSeE8PM/s800/IMG_4774.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102399294604771239404/SugarloafMountain5252014?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLL1s43l8f-o-AE&feat=embedwebsite">Sugarloaf Mountain 5-25-2014</a></td></tr></table>
<br><br>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-20428236217723594252014-05-24T01:06:00.000-04:002014-05-24T01:07:19.646-04:00Catoctin Mountain Park & Cunningham Falls State ParkI'm covering two parks for this post, since they are right next to each other and both great in their own ways.
<p>
<h3>Catoctin Mountain Park</h3>
Catoctin Mountain Park is a National Park located in Frederick, Maryland, near the town of Thurmont. Catoctin Mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Mountain Range. The land for <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm">Catoctin Mountain Park</a> was purchased during the Great Depression and redeveloped into a recreation area by both the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The area had previously been used for producing charcoal. The park is also the location of the Presidential Retreat, Camp David, although this area is obviously off limits to the public. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catoctin_Trail">Catoctin Trail</a> cuts through both parks. Its northern terminus is at the northwest end of Catoctin Park.
<p>
Getting to Catoctin from the DC/Baltimore area is really quite easy. Take Interstate 70W, and then US Hwy 15 North. There will be plenty of signs along US 15. The road leading to the Visitor Center actually goes between the two parks, so you can take the same route for both parks. There's a fair amount of parking at Catoctin Visitor Center (which is <i>past</i> the park headquarters), but if the lot is full, you can drive up the park central road, for more parking up the mountain. The Visitor Center has a video display of the park map, showing the various trails and some pictures. It also gives you average hiking times and difficulty levels.
<p>
There are a number of trails in Catoctin Park, and most of them could be considered somewhat strenuous or challenging for an inexperienced hiker. So far we have hiked the Falls Nature Trail and the Thurmont Vista Trail. The Falls Nature trail runs parallel to the road between the parks and can be easily accessed from the Visitor Center Parking lot. The trail has some challenging parts, but it's not terribly difficult - a fair amount of ups and downs throughout. It eventually leads to Cunningham Falls, a 78 foot cascade and the largest waterfall in Maryland. You do have to cross the road, so be careful here.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbSZjgpWMWlB8ek7xXoTFYZkIhEkPJxlFvwurB63Q87i1XqwYHNYvLzbc4f9XUAudNPV-QkomgZCagYz17T-ZFQiScrCkOIf9ZutVexmCzQO1i0DtJrgHeqcZvqzn9s0rfKMs25xk4dg/s1600/Catoctin+Map.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbSZjgpWMWlB8ek7xXoTFYZkIhEkPJxlFvwurB63Q87i1XqwYHNYvLzbc4f9XUAudNPV-QkomgZCagYz17T-ZFQiScrCkOIf9ZutVexmCzQO1i0DtJrgHeqcZvqzn9s0rfKMs25xk4dg/s640/Catoctin+Map.tiff" /></a></div>
<p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYNMeaLMU-igV4UQP7Z5CCw5CFJwzsxmyI79VO0dioauL1DMeDGQShzqqyJnPm9dOCzqGg99eazMtUPiZyT3WDPCEHOexzkDidMxLjBx-2Cnya2OhE7_1xOQiwQIZOLSeK5dZZUIcyOQ/s640/IMG_2963.JPG">
<p> The Thurmont Vista trail starts right behind the visitor center at 920 feet and goes up the mountain to an altitude of almost 1500 feet. The climb is pretty straightforward, as you just go UP until you come around the side of the mountain to Thurmont Vista. As you can see from the map, you can continue around to Wolf Rock and then to Chimney Rock.<p> <i>Author's note: we did our hike on December 1, so the pictures don't really do the park much justice. I can assure you that the park looks much more inviting in the warmer months.</i><p>
<i>hiking up the Thurmont Vista trail</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hBGiuQDGb1_7AtmE3wSi5hc41ZR4c2x7vE6UAISDmWorN7gAQ2hYUJiWkvfEy8oNfBFrI4fNv_6s7xdlJZE7IRNz3v1s-FaVTkOD87iMeFFEL6U5S836CnB3cedV3Fj-ENC-ycZ_lIc/s640/IMG_2915.JPG"><p>
<i>View from Thurmont Vista</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS4TmvPTVCZbMANYDmF-jq5QiFvEobEiMbRvJuqRvp7acsyFDppjBW10uu0mgCzIRDZwI6se9Kwy1MNAD0hh2XgTwTHgk3wX0UGhKDfRCX7trzNHSfrFpdj9WO-Z1xBBNzHmTIlWyCkg/s640/IMG_2969.JPG"><p>
<i>there's a bench at the vista to take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the view.</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZJEUgzHC7SxrEcPHHZ1_wv7AvEm1TtuYaBKRqalguKQYKyfVpLFtpi_IQzHZQxgPYRGiyJfM0ktshbwRYdLakvFUF1o14HhET0OAZAtCK4UHlAI6eKypR9OO6CEcMaIcjebweN_cytA/s640/IMG_2964.JPG"><p>
<i>looking back down the trail</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAjzEee9uB1eQ0eY0t8ls4XFeMBSH6UbHfdAB6qSkQcBe2v2BstSniKxVa6hnk6tNHhizreFlLUl7HuhbnBIQL0yN65P8q90bDDRvx0xqF68HZmGdfoF9QFLCgQEcjxffGMG3ehRoLGA/s640/IMG_2933.JPG"><p>
Two things to watch out for, especially in warmer months: snakes and ticks. There are two species of poisonous snake that live in the park, the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Please use caution when moving about the rocks on the trails, and don't bother the snakes if you come across them. Combat ticks with a bug spray that will repel them, usually with DEET (follow instructions carefully). You can also purchase permethrin spray - you have to spray your clothing and allow it to dry (don't use it on skin!) and it will kill ticks on contact. (again, follow the instructions carefully) Other things you can do: Wear a hat, tuck your pants into your socks. You may look silly, but it's better than getting Lyme Disease. Wear light-colored clothing so the ticks can be spotted more easily. Make sure you do a thorough check when you get home.<p>
<i>Now that I've convinced you not to spend any more time in Catoctin...</i> There are camping areas within Catoctin Mountain Park, and you can visit the park's website to find out more about them if you're thinking about spending a night or two.
<br><br>
<h3>Cunningham Falls Park</h3>
<a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/cunningham.aspx">Cunningham Falls State Park</a>, adjacent to Catoctin Mountain Park, offers more trails and recreational activities. There are two camping areas, the Houck and Manor Campgrounds. The Houck campground features a beach at Hunting Creek Lake. There's also two trails to get to Cunningham Falls, one is easy (the Lower trail), the other (Cliff Trail) is more strenuous- so you can take it easy on the way to or from the falls. The Cliff trail is very rocky and it is very easy to turn an ankle, so take your time and be sure of your footing.
<br>You reach the Falls on a boardwalk. However, many people ignore the signs and get into the small pool at the base of the falls to cool off. While this might sound nice, I don't condone it. Still others try to climb the falls, and I definitely don't recommend this. The falls aren't spectacular, except probably after heavy rains, but it's a nice feature to see regardless.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzKxY8ziok7l5dkW7m3_BH4Q8dSE1Qv8v8w0d9lWRGfhtZP1hAm3oW_1CxpJg-_7gVjgElO9Wu5lOXLUXpIj9QpRFP3tIX1KEuoQg_Eq_4OQ5wX7OKUUL21qcyqoJDjW_-FsAqUYIilc/s1600/Cunningham+Falls+Park.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzKxY8ziok7l5dkW7m3_BH4Q8dSE1Qv8v8w0d9lWRGfhtZP1hAm3oW_1CxpJg-_7gVjgElO9Wu5lOXLUXpIj9QpRFP3tIX1KEuoQg_Eq_4OQ5wX7OKUUL21qcyqoJDjW_-FsAqUYIilc/s640/Cunningham+Falls+Park.tiff" /></a></div><p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzwunuLzEtlApfS9SC8eiRMBUcskbkdHE_LYYH3kvkiS496bOXsiJPRbSdCaGPl3MzSro-oirs23iNfDMS7SfkKjMjCJJstPOaRihJ1OK46OShb3d_g0G0GTnFM6r1hSqAaHVurL8Wzc/s1600/Cunningham+Falls+Trails.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzwunuLzEtlApfS9SC8eiRMBUcskbkdHE_LYYH3kvkiS496bOXsiJPRbSdCaGPl3MzSro-oirs23iNfDMS7SfkKjMjCJJstPOaRihJ1OK46OShb3d_g0G0GTnFM6r1hSqAaHVurL8Wzc/s640/Cunningham+Falls+Trails.tiff" /></a></div><p>
<br>
<p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2eACgtL6HPhTq1Y6Rj_-xyOI4pI7lkdrZK-RYLn7it-l6d5MvfcVFa5OEuqiWgLmk4XuLqp2msovqz5jFmKEFH5WykuKY3y6olX8ZYKYvUHGT-VDaA1y2udcrzcYFPRgTJH8mISCwJM/s640/IMG_1643.JPG"><p>
<i> the Orange blaze shows the way</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIqzcAONeGpkY0LIGAjYe6FEQXT0UtjGqfncNxaW9f_glasND6DAQSdFVRsG_iFC-RpSw_x5JJfr-YD5xMc9eT2FwL-aovGith9lb70TQjBdHRh9Y5u7upbax_6reCq_PZBhoyWKo7W8/s640/IMG_1653.JPG"><p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc14nBbP5ss_V9Ahfki-5A8wuOgRP9FIaIxyF9nPhMGszZMN2Q3azd0CdmosRa7Mx6AsIamnW9qUE5dGUp82RZ6K5mvVCWFdZ2yzaCAOsn7bip24XJM048wQc1v1k1eDrRVHm6HpuvIyg/s640/IMG_1654.JPG"><p>
<i>The Cliff trail runs concurrent with the Catoctin Trail for a short distance. Make sure you follow the Orange blaze!</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi-lQ8xCQB4DP1nMAC7P0TQceE2Di6W_C3ZPmgAkF8oKVdg9i408bjZ_8xycmrtKwulksYDsCfLzEJU7PK1TSjPHl2wSE45BHJksGe9-4RrKiZYasK7hPCpS5AZkt6pR1t9duttxD86I/s640/IMG_1659.JPG"><p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTn4r7WSQ-Raq0un-OgaaQn3LVlmAAXdPFQM-5K7Z-4m3dhJgVB_e9bhWBmeMs2MBylcxvWBZvXARr-ghskizxUzPN4kz0jahUegSzntv9VgllaQSaskZ76VZa26CwNT_LC7BoktyIbo/s640/IMG_1672.JPG"><p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6ydf8HOGGDQu6x85lIcl1OKH4yr_DxKgEabnlVehjNeSirxBafVZYUmYU7Z-EWII7NLh_jWRqf9f9KNvgG6ZA7igC4f-Uj8j-BeOlNFzKAYuXAUC6AT2eo9RSQosjhGR0wiltRDpX_4/s640/IMG_1691.JPG"><p>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcYPo5t5nXh2SuyJEliWMmuLT6nvzHEnxbBKcH7Ri_JaaqZrPdKvOWUqC6A0NsHwcdDplUjDMsGInLCu1JjbXBT6LH7Fvy48EQhIn_E9tuKRsb9WosaXzH_wpThyphenhyphenj6fDcTK1mI-8UPz8/s640/IMG_1717.JPG"><p>
Hope you enjoyed a small sampling of the pictures. Now go and take some of your own!hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697307229293301741.post-81941881269112867622014-05-20T13:03:00.001-04:002014-05-24T09:06:11.651-04:00Hiking With Hammer- First post- Harpers FerrySo I'm starting a new blog which will focus on my hiking adventures and plans. Not necessarily just hiking, but what I like to call <i>adventures</i>. <br>
<br>
I've lived in Maryland for over 5 years and I love the myriad of trails and hikes available to enjoy in this (and nearby) states. For the first few entries I'll probably show some of my past hikes, but hopefully I'll add to the list over the coming years.<p>
<i>Author's note: Credit where credit is due: most pictures featured in this blog are courtesy of my lovely wife, Heather.</i><br>
<br>
First up:<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpers_Ferry,_West_Virginia"> Harpers Ferry</a><br>
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tAjbSVSG5OqoK8h49-ndFdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ccSR8YDBxIdAk696Ocy4YtgkIWAOc_Zw3As9dr0IlCqUum0jG_RqrJYO6_KHyo-OHzggIgaYNhmkUqJTSb-4azDjcDOS13JRgnAjxlHMTBLKLlUvZ3rLnni7T45aLNoiYTFYHOIyUyo/s640/IMG_1305.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102399294604771239404/HarperSFerry7271302?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Harper's Ferry 7-27-13</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Harpers Ferry is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland meet. Harpers Ferry is probably most famous for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brown%27s_raid_on_Harpers_Ferry">John Brown's Raid</a> in 1859.<br>
<br>
Getting to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm">Harpers Ferry National Historic Park</a> is quite easy. First, I recommend you drive to the Visitor Center, and not attempt to drive directly into town. The Visitor Center is situated a short distance away from the main park and town, but there is a regular shuttle bus service that will drop you off in the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/upload/lowertown08%20all%20numbers.pdf" target="_blank">lower town area</a>. There's lots to see and do in the lower town, including plenty of historical markers, shops, and restaurants. If you go on a weekend, you may get lucky and see some historical re-enactors around the railroad trestle. <i>(see the linked map)</i><br>
<br>
<i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brown%27s_Fort">John Brown's Fort</a></i>
<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigul0jppDtTrdGXwjWh4Tn44JjijqkvjvF431EBOVWoCadCeIFLJB7NgKyymLULQPDvleAXliIgDziAQwkcGKxtFw9qNkpqFs9TZoteLymdZpN-nYL56t_junN_uy2idcgIpY2irefw1I/s640/IMG_1266.JPG"><br>
<i>The Potomac River</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXVNuG4bkTDeywBx6JAsLx_XhVF2GgDXJeQ2IbEo9tciriadWappr1W2lPMaswVxhb2oc8Xa_D9WkMyttMp9mbBZUBFr8Ch7SHBgfFGkb9Tr10b7JUeAViVeOpT7eNQuR22Z3UiBZOAA/s640/IMG_2423.JPG">
<br>
<i> The Shenandoah River. There's a sandy beach here, but be careful on the wet rocks, they're slippery</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcPEGVFBZXo9nYOPnpBVFIjEuv4kI9sbf1STqZHP3g0fv74nMP_aHLJDaIN885tqGdrok5sUnPh-71KewFYcO2KQokz1IBRq_9fky478UKbMXNVPn9oKUCYj9ea_KOiWMtyiF9z6HgpY/s640/IMG_2392.JPG"><br><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmPmOk6hUml27XdmmLVZY5vQsWa06sfqDbtsNp-p7LY4yB31wsQk5wvpvMC1Zz5K5VffJN97NEuGfPR-GcvTt_vPM9-9R_ItRr7NPUCrXbb3rMOyF-XLIq-Xa6kMwq1ubuCS2Qqx84Bc/s640/IMG_2486.JPG"><br>
<i>Union Army re-enactors</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU0rD50ZYjOBdhNkZrZF1Qi5ierpCI1zDY6KoWxBkrtnOOPYJENbi7v0sxGbPFLyna9Jedp167gTYNpecZFpJg2JEvouQA12nsPAbu5l5si_xUa4B9Ynm0_klSNguV-GlWg4CKPi59tE/s640/IMG_1389.JPG"><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWiybZI9drSgnxLa32ScZTyR_SSS-aFSgPjbqY7GgOaCQryFRFUEvijudBReUFtot5uRKtwCZKo2ahBkwVgVS0SBl5lVOBb2TcQLy0Yt4RxSLsoMrXmkT-MF1t-FWaehi0viPctkKCtw/s640/IMG_1244.JPG"><br>
<i>"Sawbones" showing off the tools of his trade</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg2HLdNfCPRL4-lo-C6ZkDGokD-zKuV-ffZ9TD57jy0bUPMt5jrUCWSTZN_gKc04o0tkWS7bVFegIwMIK8ixbz3LoymDQ7CNXDX0gMLTHu4Rxju5q8npAbIDugPtQcRo-jjhFkCsJGik/s640/IMG_1248.JPG"><br>
<br>
<i>The confluence of two rivers, the Potomac (on the left) and the Shenandoah.</i>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHziweHxzBXABxbZpIfyOIh1maYpTg1RGZV3VTQ_ZNCYsFJUFUD1x8vxgwKDzTKqf-maPnX53n5zhhLubeJyipl01AM-LGJBgr9k7kJfjVlddCpDi9WY0IatslsxIAaVZz2Mhm0gXewPg/s640/IMG_2415.JPG"><br>
For hikers, Harpers Ferry has a lot to offer. First, it's effectively the 'halfway point' of the Appalachian Trail. The AT cuts through part of the town, and passes by Jefferson Rock, St. Peter's Catholic Church and down the Stone steps, which can be steep and treacherous. Be careful! There's a footbridge along the side of the rail bridge that connects West Virginia to Maryland. The <a href="http://www.appalachiantrail.org/who-we-are/locations">Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters</a> is in Harpers Ferry, and is located on Washington Street in the main part of town, not far off the AT itself.
<br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pa3b5RlmtiIc_GWSOAcu4ueu4ShJf3Bdz2O7UHhNA0TD6-Lv9ZlnPe3WcZ6E3JUuFfc_ZxG1nu8ZtUjgJQqrRzAkywjrCrGuQ7Ml_2HxxQVl7CTOnk3L_Gwn3wB4DUwFjKtTRseFiNg/s640/IMG_1391.JPG"><br>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Rock"><i>Jefferson Rock</i></a><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HjGZalJ7Z1vp0JLxIcpzhh0UJ0-0zxJt1kO7M6uYWL_-kTr8p30gwCxsIpHMq6X9oug__ufOwPYIoE8-oBXZ7LTm4jm8KW5LbKc2jFLcqpcf6KUvm9uY2BfKwPaunShHQLWOhsM4CtY/s640/IMG_1345.JPG"><br>
<i>View of the rivers from Jefferson Rock.</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvVfM1RpGreI1LM18AdYHIFLOc6Sxg0yGFEVYkg-nMHa9iIz3US8YL1JPiFwMWKe4E9MrtLmxmKObf-32njw3wKvfU-W2Ugthc3XroO-LTIBJfA9KdP5EZNTlJ5dTU1gRUtOHgP44BAI/s640/IMG_1350.JPG"><br>
Once you get to the lower town, you'll probably notice the huge bluffs on opposite sides of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. This is where the Maryland Heights and Loudon Heights trails are, respectively. I have not yet attempted either trail, but I do know that the Maryland Heights trail offers a stunning view of the town below. To get to the Maryland Heights trail head, you have to cross over to the Maryland side and follow Harpers Ferry road upriver until you find the trail head, which will be clearly marked. The Maryland Heights trail can be steep and strenuous, so give yourself plenty of time and make sure you bring water and snacks.<br><br>
<i> Maryland Heights bluff with the railroad and footbridge below</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBRqUr85OCIl3AYw9PDPPfRgP3wlqPOru5c-D01zb1G0V4nHLRfavmleIu4Seyft-bMC3FQGShO_cKybCuva0oISnfozLH22Gqhw6HD84x5TLHNzJ8J0AgAZAmLvApiRpHMpAA7EOIVM/s640/IMG_2413.JPG"><br>
<i>Maryland Heights from below. You can see the hikers on the bluff.</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcV_SXACekZXRycmAb_7K1jgiZ3Kmrgt5PZjjiYa4V9uXiYYBrKye7vfnC4nardQn2eGu43W6d_BxvS8sHH084ds99cQhP_TlxqF5XwOHGPt6wQwDe0KAKrK5BuLogYru3c_vNY5akqw/s640/IMG_2407.JPG"><br>
If you're looking for easier trails, there are several along the Shenandoah River, on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginius_Island">Virginus Island</a>. Virginius Island was once the location of many mills, factories, warehouses, and homes in the nineteenth century. Today you can walk among the ruins of these buildings.<br>
<i>bridge to Virginius Island</i><br>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhRZmyCz8dvbVpigXodZpnm_Eo8TZexrzw8fGR7e1kvD3Xw_dsJnwo1EY11WY42-L72hYgUJu2rGvc3YEUCJupQAa6tuq0JBVYQ-xVUNqixL7VnUfGHNdcEM78RwS_juB2a_Kx6yAArs/s640/IMG_2612.JPG"><br>
Another trail on the Maryland side of the Potomac (one which I will probably cover later) follows the route of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm">Chesapeake & Ohio Canal</a>, which connected Georgetown in DC with Western Maryland. More on the C&O later.
<br><br>
Thanks for reading! Please feel free to comment and/or ask questions!<br><br>
hikingwithhammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596252696607567313noreply@blogger.com2Harpers Ferry, WV, USA39.3253786 -77.738881839.3008126 -77.7792223 39.3499446 -77.6985413