AT Leaf Peeping! Pine Knob-Pen Mar County (Devils Racecourse) Part 1 of 2
- October 14, 2012 · 10:00 AM
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Appalachian Trail Leaf Peeping Hike Series! Part 1 of 2 - Pine Knob to Pen Mar County (Pine Knob to Wolfsville Road with Shuttle Service) with Optional Post Hike Meal!
The three fine, west-facing vistas of Annapolis Rock, Black Rock, and High Rock plus a peculiar river of stone called the Devils Racecourse are the highlights of this hike through northern Maryland. This AT section, mostly along the flat-topped South Mountain ridge a long 17.7-mile overnight trip or it can also be neatly divided into two day hikes of 8.3 mi. and 9.4 mi. with the midpoint coming at Wolfsville Rd. (MD17) which is just what we are doing.
Natural History Features: Part 1 of this hike will also pass the Pine Knob Shelter, Hemlock Shelter, Top of South Mt. (Pine Knob), Annapolis Rock, Black Rock Cliffs, Caves, and sweeping views. At one point we will have Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia all visible.Part 2 of this hike, a later date already on our calendar, includes Hemlock Hill Shelter, Grove Creek, Little Antietam Creek, Devils Racecourse (a rare boulder outcropping with a river running beneath it, and it's shelter, Buzzard Knob, Raven Rock Hollow, and last but most certainly not least, the magnificent sweeping views from High Rock which is a popular hang gliding launch location.
Social History Features (Part 1 and Part 2 Combined Social History Features -- Part 2 is already on the calendar so click here to check it out and RSVP now) Site of historic Black Rock Hotel; Pen Mar County Park; Mason-Dixon Line which is marked by a sign on the trail.
Trail Information
Nearby City:Hagerstown
Length: Part 1 is 8.3 (this hike) and part 2 (Click Here for Part 2) is 9.4 miles
Trail Type: Point-to-Point (we provide shuttle service)
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 5 hours
Trailhead Elev: 1,200 feet
Top Elev: 1,895 feet
Recommended Direction: S to N
Note to Leadership Team: For this hike, please use PATC Md. Map #5. The hike "plan" is in "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States, Hike number 3. The hike is also accessible via our groups trails.com and everytrail.com subscriptions with templates and pictures. If you are in need of the map, book, or logons, just contact Kellie and I get everything to you, but you should have received everything when you joined our team as a perk.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Gear Suggestions
Here are some suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Carpool Information
There are 3 carpools for this hike!
Savage Station Carpool (South of Baltimore)
Click here for directions to Savage Station.
Baltimore I-70 Park and Ride @ Security Blvd
Click here for directions to the Park and Ride.
DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centerville location.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to the trailhead. Due to lack of parking space it is highly recommended that you carpool for this hike, actually make that - beg you...pretty please.
Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool at Savage is 8:00 a.m.
Security Park and Ride Carpool is 8:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time at Centerville is 8:30 a.m.
Optional Post Hike Lunch Information and Menu
We will have an optional hike lunch at Cozy Restaurant as they welcome hikers and have a fabulous buffet for a great price. I will ask for a show of hands of who wants to join us there for a bite mid-way through the hike and contact them with how many will be attending the lunch so you can decide on the trail.
We have a guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive and encouraging with no pressure on speed but focus on safety while leaving no trace .
Fido is welcome on this Hike ONLY with prior approval so we know his trail experience!
Let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Jim: [masked]
Lei: [masked]
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Jim Wetzel
Hey Molly -- Thanks -- We copied the directions right out of the book but as you stated they are exactly reversed. I also added the GPS Coordinates for Google Maps -- So folks can get precise driving directions from wherever they are.
October 26
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Molly
I hiked the Pine Knob to Pen Mar trail today with a friend and we discovered that the directions to the trailhead posted for the Oct 14th hike were incorrect. The directions for From I-70 W and From I-70 E are backwards. You all probably figured this out already, but for those who want to do the hike on their own make sure that is you are coming from I-70 West, to take the Myersvile exit, go right on 17 then left on 40.
October 20
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Priyanga
After a chilly start turned into a beautiful day for a hike. Thanks Jim for leading! Looking forward to part 2...
October 14
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Edie
Rosette - we have room in our carpool out of McLean, near Arlington - just off North Glebe Rd. Let me know if you want to join and I will send the address.
October 14
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.October 14
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Jim Wetzel
Folks -- If you have a large vehicle and you can get to the Trail head early it would be much appreciated. With 30 people we need to drop off 6 cars at the endpoint to shuttle everyone back. It is about a 30 minute process to do that. If we can start that process at 9:30 we can actually be on the trail by 10:00!
October 13
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Kevin
Jim,
I’m on the wait list, but I can be there early if you need. I only have a sedan, but I’d be glad to go hiking tomorrow and I’m more than willing to shuttle. Let me know if you’d like me to be there, despite being on the waiting list.
Thanks,
Kevin
[masked]
October 13
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Jim Wetzel
Kevin,
Sorry -- if you are on the wait list we are full. This hike is restrictive due to parking /shuttle situations and the number of people a leader can effectively handle. It will be offered again so there will be plenty of other chance to do this one.
Jim
October 13
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Kasia
Is there anyone who is driving from DC area (or somewhere near a train stop) who I could catch a ride with? Thanks.
October 13
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rachel caplan
Kasia,hi, if you can be at the Wheaton metro stop by 8:15 tmrw morning, there's one more spot in my car. hope you can join us! write back if you are interested and want my phone #
October 13
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David March
I'll be at Security Blvd. P&R and can offer a ride to the trailhead, if anyone wants to handle directions. All navigators welcome.
October 13
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David March
Tried to delete this. But it didn't work. I'll be at the Exit 80/I-70 Park & Ride (West Friendship) at 8:30a.m. with Lei et al.
October 13
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Lei
Anyone up for carpooling from the Rt 32 / I-70 Park and Ride? aka http://goo.gl/maps/4YZmA
October 7
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Andy Moser
Lei--I'm coming from Annapolis and would like to meet you at the 32/70 Park and Ride. Would 8:15am work?
October 10
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David March
Hey, are you guys meeting at Exit 80 P&R off I-70? If so, I can meet you there? I was going to meetup at the Security Blvd. stop, but I'm not sure if anyone is going to be there. Most people are coming from D.C.
October 13
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Jim Wetzel
I would refer you come to the trail head; its only 15 minute away; That way I know who is present and the car situation. It is crucial that we have the right amount of cars (and right sized) there that can bring all the others back.
October 13
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.October 12
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Tracy
Edie - I sent you a message to coordinate logistics. Let me know if you didn't receive it. Thanks!
October 12
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James
I'll be traveling from Silver Spring/Wheaton area. If someone wants to car pool together please drop me a note. Thanks! :)
October 12
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rachel caplan
hi James, I am coming from Silver Spring-- write me a message with your address or approximate location and i will hopefully be able to come get you before I pick up Priyanga
October 12
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rachel caplan
hey Priyanga, if you could ride the red line a few stops to the Bethesda metro station, that would be a huge help. thanks!
October 10
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Kathy
Hi,
Are there sections on this hike where you are walking high on cliffs? I don't like heights, so thought I should check.
Thanks.
KathyOctober 5
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.September 27
28 attended
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Priyanga
Certified Hike Leader
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Walid
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Ryan W +1
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Selma Halman
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
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David March
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
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Your organizer's refund policy for AT Leaf Peeping! Pine Knob-Pen Mar County (Devils Racecourse) Part 1 of 2
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Refund if requested prior to 48 hours of hike start time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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