Holiday AT Hike! First Hike of 2013! Cramptons Gap to Harpers Ferry!
- January 1 · 10:00 AM
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Start the New Year Off Right - On The Appalachian Trail!
An Easy Side of Moderate 10 Mile Hike from Crampton's Gap to Harpers Ferry!
Get off your rear and get it in gear for the new year (Hey, I actually rhymed there for a minute!)
For those of you who really prefer to stick very close to home...if you make a trip for ONE hike this year (take note it is the first day of the year too), this is it!!!! If you have always wanted to experience a hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT)... this is a perfect taste of what it is all about and we will have four paces offered today between the smaller groups.
The 9.8-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail leading from Crampton's Gap to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is one of the most popular and rewarding AT day hikes in this region, with good reason. It features a secluded forest ridgetop, an exhilarating vista pitching straight down into the Potomac River, and the historic Chesapeake and Ohio (C and O) Canal Towpath. Crossing the Potomac from Maryland into West Virginia, we pass from the Northern states into the Southern, from the Union into the Confederacy, from one culture and climate into another. We will hike the trail from north to south so the hiking is fairly easy with minimal climbing but note the distance.
Click Here for photos from a recent trip!
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this park and is right near the start of our hike. The Appalachian Trail where we will be hiking traverses the park and goes right by the base of this famous archway. Maryland has a total of 37.5 miles of the AT hiking trail. The park includes all of Crampton's Gap, which was the southern most gap fought over during the battle of South Mountain. Fought September 14,1862, it was the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland.
Trail Information
Nearby City: Burkittsville, MD
Length: 10.2 total miles
Trail Type: Point-to-Point (we will have shuttle service)
Skill Level: Moderate ONLY due to the length of the hike, otherwise an easy hike.
Duration:Varies according to the pace of the group you are with. It usually varies between about 3 and 6 hours including time to enjoy the views. If you have a time you need to be off the trail then please contact the hike leader to discuss it so we can help you make an informed decision as to if this is a good hike choice for you today. This is not a hike to be rushed.
Natural History Features:South Mountain; Civil War Correspondents Memorial, Weverton Cliffs; Potomac River.
Social History Features:George Alfred Townsend's Gathland Estate; Crampton Gap Civil War Battlefield; Glenn R. Caveney plaque; C&O Canal; Goodloe Byron plaque and footbridge; and of course, Harpers Ferry.
Trailhead Elev: 900 feet
Top Elev: 1100 feet
Pace Options
Pace Option 1: A "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be about 2.0mph and great for people who take tons of pics or just looking for a peaceful walk in the woods but this is not a stroll.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph-3.0mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).
Pace Option 3: A VERY vigorous paced group of up to 4mph, often referred to as "The Justin Pace" so no complaints about this pace being too fast because you know what you are getting into.
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Carpool Information
There are 3 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area
To carpool from the Baltimore area, you can arrange to meet people at Savage Station . Click here for directions to Savage Station. Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.
Annapolis Area
To carpool from the Annapolis area, meetup at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpool .
DC Area
To carpool from the Metro DC Area, meetup at the Centreville Park & Ride. Click here for information.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations such as the DC area, 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 Where we Meetup for this Hike.
Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool Time from Savage is 8:30 a.m.
Annapolis Carpool Time is 8:15 a.m.
Centerville (D.C.) Carpool Time is 8:30 a.m.
Gear Suggestions and Information Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Please note that our holiday weekend hikes are not refundable due to too many people backing out of the at the last minute before the refund cut-off and keeping others from being able to go. Sorry, but this is the only way to help make sure that there is a good turnout and our leaders not offer to lead a hike on their holiday in vain...or they might be burned enough that they will no longer offer to lead them. Since we have made holiday hikes non-refundable it has boosted attendance rate significantly and often have perfect attendance, yay! Please note that our refund policy is always listed just beneath the price, and you are required to check a box that you agree to it before you can pay, so I put it in three places to avoid any issues. Thanks so much for your understanding and have a great time.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Fido is Welcome on This Hike!
Be sure to take the hike leaders numbers with you just in case!
Steve: [masked]
Mike: [masked]
Tim: [masked]
Sandy: [masked]
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Lindsay Orlin
Great hike today - thanks Steve! and thanks to the Rick who stayed with me at the back of the pack, and had the best trail mix to boot! and to Priya's friend who helped me down the switchbacks!
3 · January 1
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Rick O'Donnel
Almonds, Dried Cranberries and Dark Chocolate! Sustaining family and friends hiking for years.
3 · January 1
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Betsy Levin
It was wonderful (didn't rain, sleet, or snow) and Steve G. did a great job as leader. This was the very first Mid-Atlantic hike that I did -- Jan. 1, 2012. Today's hike -- Jan. 1, 2013 -- was my 40th hike with Mid-Atlantic. Hooray for a terrific group.
7 · January 1
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irina rickard
I do remember you, Betsy, while ago, we had hike together, I was very impressed by you today, nice job!
2 · January 1
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Kellie Carlisle
WOW! Very impressed and proud of you Betsy. Thanks you so much for your kind words. They touch my heart and lift my spirits. I really enjoy having you as a member of our group.
3 · January 2
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Sandy Balliet
I always love this hike, today's hike was great a little snow on the ground to make verything fresh, and of course the people make this hike great.
4 · January 1
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Rick O'Donnel
Great hiking pace and very pleasant with the snow filling in on the trail.
4 · January 1
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Devon Alexander Stoney
What an amazing hike! Thank you guys for organizing and thank you Priyanga aka What What for making this such an amazing hike at a great pace! Until we meet again! Hike on!
5 · January 1
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Alliyah
Looking for a ride. Im in Bethesda, Md, if anyone is drivign form the area, or can meet for a pick up at any of the red line metro stops.. Thanks!
December 26
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Rici
Am looking to carpool from the Rockville/Shady Grove/White Flint/Grosvenor metro area.
December 18
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Shmuel
I have room for both of you, Rici and Pujack. You can join at 8:15am at the top of the escalator at Bethesda Metro (it's under a building where buses stop).
December 31
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Pujak
Shmuel: is anyone else coming to Bethesda station? If not, maybe we could meet at Quince Orchard Park n Ride right next to 270 (400 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878) ?
December 31
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Lindsay Orlin
I'll also be at Centreville P&R at 8:30. If anyone is interested in driving with me; I'd be happy to take you. No need for gas money as I'm doing the hike anyway......
December 28
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Lisa
Lindsay & Robert, I'm planning to meet you at the Centreville P&R at 8:30. I can drive too, but will ride with Lindsay if I am not needed
December 31
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kimmie
I interest in carpool from Centerville P&R, will be happy to contribute for gas. Thank you.
December 26
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kimmie
Jisel, Thanks for your phone number, let's meet at the Park and ride will be great..thanks again for the offer.
December 31
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.December 31
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Vickie S
Can I carpool with someone from Laurel, MD or anyone wants to meet at the Savage station? Thanks...
December 29
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Mark Bulla
I live just off of I-95 and 198. There's a park and ride at VanDusen and Old Sandy Spring road that is convenient. We could meet there at 8:30 - that should give us plenty of time to get there by 10.
December 29
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Cindy G
I am driving through Purcellville and route 690 if anyone is interested in meeting in Purcellville or Hillsboro to carpool.
December 27
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Richard
I'm in Montgomery County... Rockville/Gaithersburg area. I can take 2 or 3, or pick someone up at a metro station.
December 27
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.December 27
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Betsy Levin
Bonnie isn't going, Shmuel, so could I get a ride with you from Bethesda metro station?
December 26
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Sherry
Hi Betsy, Nick and I are happy to give you a lift for this hike too, if you like. Best, Sherry
December 25
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Bill Peters
Comfortable with any pace. Would like to get ride from College Park, Silver Spring, or Rockville areas.
December 15
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Betsy Levin
Pace 2 -- sorry, I forget to put it in when I RSVP. Is anyone driving from DC? I would very much like to carpool. Thanks, Betsy
December 15
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39 attended
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kimmie
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Mike
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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David Smith +1
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Shmuel
Certified Hike Leader
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Barb
Certified Hike Leader
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Jim S
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Tippi
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irina rickard
Certified Hike Leader
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Sarita K
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013
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Stuart Tate
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/14/13
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Priyanga +1
Certified Hike Leader
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Becky R.
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Bill Everett
Checked-in -
Jisel +1
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Your organizer's refund policy for Holiday AT Hike! First Hike of 2013! Cramptons Gap to Harpers Ferry!
Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.
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