AT Section Hike Accross Maryland Part 1 of 4! Pine Knob to Pen Mar
- January 12 · 10:00 AM
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Appalachian Trail Section Hike Across Maryland (H.A.M. Part 1 of 4)
Pine Knob to Pen Mar County (Wolfsville Road to Pen Mar County Park)
The three fine, west-facing vistas of Annapolis Rock, Black Rock, and High Rock plus a peculiar river of stone called the Devils Racecourseare the highlights of this hike through northern Maryland. This AT section, mostly along the flat-topped South Mountain ridge can be 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. This is the first part of the 2 part hike and also part 1 of our 4 part AT Hike Across Maryland (H.A.M.) series (part 2 of this hike is also part 2 of the H.A.M.). At one point we will have Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia all visible on todays hike!
Dates of Our Appalachian Trail Section Hike Across Maryland (H.A.M.) A Four Part Series of AT Section Hikes!
H.A.M. Part 1 of 4: Todays Hike- Pine Knob to Pen Mar County
H.A.M. Part 2 of 4: January 26th! - Wolfsville Rd to 70 (Click Here to RSVP Now)
H.A.M. Part 3 of 4: February 2nd- Crampton Gap, Fox Gap,Turners Gap (Click Here to RSVP Now)
H.A.M. Part 4 of 4: February 16th- Cramptons Gap to Harpers Ferry (Click Here to RSVP Now)
Part 2 of Pine Knob to Woflsville Rd takes up on the AT right where we left off with part one we recently hiked and features; Hemlock Hill Shelter (w/privy), Grove Creek, Buzzard Rock Hollow (Buzzard Knob), Little Antietam Creek, Devils Racecourse, Devils Racecourse Shelter (w/privy), High Rock (if we are lucky today, hangliders will be launching from High Rock), and towards the very end of todays hike, a sign marks the Mason-Dixon line and the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Natural History Features for Part 2: High Rock Vistas and Devils Racecourse boulder field (pictured right).
Social History Features for Part 2: Pen Mar County Park; Mason-Dixon Line
Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience for everyone on the trail and not just our group. For this particular hike you have 2 to choose from so you can hike with others of a similar pace. Paces should be based on your preference but also please know your limitations.
Pace Option 1: A slower side of moderate pace but NOT a stroll as we will keep moving, which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be about 2.0mph and a great option for those who like to take a lot of pictures.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph-3.0 which is a little faster than the pace of an average hiker.
PLEASE put your pace preferences in your RSVP!
Special Note:
There is an unaided, (no stepping stones) stream crossing across Little Antietam Creek. Depending on water depth at our hike time, the river could be higher than the tops of hiking boots. Please plan accordingly by bringing water shoes or other appropriate gear to safely and comfortably ford the river.
Trail Information
Nearby City: Hagerstown
Length: 9.4 miles
Trail Type: Point-to-Point (shuttle cars)
Skill Level: Moderate
Trailhead Elev: 900 feet
Top Elev: 1100 feet
Facilities: There are two AT shelters on todays hike and they both have privies. Also, at the end of the trail there are rest rooms, snack bars, and water fountains.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Gear Information
Here are some suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Carpool Information
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore area, you can arrange to meet at Dorsey Station. Click here for directions to Dorsey Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from an additional location, 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
Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time is 8:30 a.m.
Optional Post Hike Meal
There will be an optional post hike meal after this hike!
Please remember we hike the pace of the group and it can vary. We take breaks as necessary and have a guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps make certain 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 and encouraging with no pressure on speed but focus on safety while leaving no trace .
Fido is welcome on this hike with prior approval from the hike leader
Sandy: [masked]
Steve: [masked]
Mike: [masked]
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Christine Rinehart
Sandy and Mike were wonderful, as always. Extra special thanks to Tim and Steve for corraling Shadow when he decided to join the faster group after the stream crossing!
2 · January 14
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Lauri Zell
Great day! Thanks for leading Steve and more so thanks to Tim and Rolo for hanging in the back with me! Slip sliding away!
1 · January 13
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Steve G.
Glad you both managed to get to the trailhead on your own. Hope you enjoyed the hike!
January 12
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Steve G.
Great hike, greater hikers!
Thanks everybody for coming out today! What a great day for a hike it turned out to be once the fog cleared! Thanks for your patience with me and my slight 'technical difficulties'! Hope you all had a great time!
Extra special thanks to Tim for sweeping and keeping an eye on the misplaced pooch!
1 · January 12
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Kelly P
Anyone want to carpool from Rockville? I have a dog. Safeway, 14939 Shady Grove Rd, Rockville, MD 20850
January 11
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Cassie
Hi all,
I'd like to join in your carpool from shady grove park and ride too!
I'll be there at 830. Thanks!January 11
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Maggie Snowel
Okay so Rockville Carpool from Shady Grove metro. Meet at 8:30, anyone is welcome, we can sort out cars there! see you all saturday!
-Maggie
January 8
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Daniel Corini
Lol. Just try to meet up on the west side (355 side) its the side without parking structures. Should be easy to spot packs there haha.
January 11
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Singi
I'm leaving from old town Alexandria by 8am, if anyone wants to ride along, let me know.
January 8
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Kelly P
I'll be driving from union station. Do you want to leave one of our cars in Rockville? I have a dog.
January 11
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Jean
Anyone like to meet at route 32 park and ride off of route 70? Will drive because I'm bringing my dog. Will probably stay for the meal afterwards.
January 7
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Sandy Balliet
Vickie there will be quite a few of us meeting at the 32 park and ride so please come and you will be able to ride with someone
January 11
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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.January 10
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Sarita K
Steve - I was able to click on the link and get to the directions. Make sure they click on the words "Click on"
January 7
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Kellie Carlisle
Sarita, thanks for pointing this out. I updated it to where the entire "entence" is now clickable as it should have been in the first place (that is why it was hard to tell where you could click and not click..my mistake). Sorry about that and thanks for keeping me on my toes even though you didn't realize it-grin. Enjoy the hike and please do let me know how it goes!
January 10
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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.January 4
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Kellie Carlisle
Lauri, you do have to be logged in to be able to click the links. Hope that is all it wsa. Please contact Steve or myslef if you are still having trouble as we are here to help!
January 10
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Liz Jordan
Hi ... Looking forward to the hike! What do you recommend for water boots/shoes? Thx
January 7
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Kellie Carlisle
Hope this link helps, Liz. Feel freee to contact me at [masked] if you still have questions after reading through this information I put together. http://www.midatlanti...
January 10
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Daniel Corini
Im going to wear my salomon snowcats. Good light waterproof winter hiking boots. What sort of boots do you have to wear?
January 7
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Kellie Carlisle
There is a link in the listing under the heading "Gear Suggestions" that covers that very well. If you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact either one of the hike leaders or myself as we are here to help any way we can. For coneninve, here is the link, but we should have it the link in every hike listing.. http://www.midatlanti...
January 10
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Kellie Carlisle
Chrissy, a spot just opened up. Hope you get in. Almost everyone from a wait list gets in our hikes becuase of how our wait list works and people have plans change often. Be sure you are on the wait list if for no other reason than to make sure you are notified when there is a spot open. This is becuase 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.midatlanti...
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.January 10
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Nieri
Anyone going to carpool from Centreville Park & Ride? I would like to catch a ride if possible. I will help out w/ gas and toll. Thanks.
January 2
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Daniel Corini
Look at maggies post for the rockville details. Would be easiest for me if you can meet us all at shady grove metro. Let me know if you've got no way to get there though.
January 9
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Angela Calle
If anyone would like to carpool from Silver Spring/ Takoma Park area, let me know. We could meet at the Takoma Park metro parking lot.
January 8
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Vickie S
Hi Angela, can I carpool with you? I can meet you at the metro parking if your offer is still good. Thanks, Vickie
January 9
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Steve G.
Hey everybody, I updated the page with the directions to include gps co-ordinates for the meeting spot.
I notice that when using the street address listed on the directions page in Google maps, it marks the pointer as 'approximate' and puts it approximately 1 mile south of where we meet., on the correct road So use the gps co-ords if you can.
We meet in a gravel lot across the street from a county park. The gravel lot shows up clearly in Google maps satellite view. The park has gazebos and pavillions and kiddie swings and such and is kind of hard to miss, both on Google and from your car.
1 · January 9
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Angela Calle
Daniel and Maggie and anyone else, see you at the Shady Grove park and ride by 8:30 am. --Angela
1 · January 8
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Angela Calle
Daniel, do you and any others want to meet at the Takoma Park metro parking lot? I can fit 3 in my car. Let me know. I am guessing that an 8 am departure time is best. As I haven't scouted the route out yet, I am not sure if this is out of your way. --Angela
January 8
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Ronit
I'm the extra one, will be there at 8:30! Hope we can work it out like Daniel mentioned. Thanks everyone.
January 8
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Udayan Joshi
Hi.. I just saw the conversation exchange. I am new to this part of the country and will be driving to the trailhead. Also, I just joined this group. If thats not an issue, let me know and I will be willing to assist. Ud.
January 8
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Angela Calle
Daniel and Maggie, I am not familiar with the Quince Orchard park and ride so I vote for meeting at the Shady Grove Metro park and ride as Daniel suggested, unless that doesn't work for you, Maggie. Unless I hear otherwise, I will plan to be at the Shady Grove metro park and ride just before 8:30 am so we can leave by 8:30 am. I drive a gray Honda Civic Hybrid. My cell phone # is [masked] if you need to reach me hike day. --Angela
January 8
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Maggie Snowel
Shady grove is fine. Ronit will be joining us too. So i think that makes 4 of us? I can drive if need be. Blue subaru outback.
January 8
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Alicia
So, it says overnight trip, but then it says shuttle bus will be ready at the end of the trail to take hikers back. So just want to clarify is this a overnight or no? I would love to go since I got some new hiking poles for Xmas!
January 8
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Sandy Balliet
Part 2 is Jan 26th, this hike is not a loop we shuttle cars from one end to the other before we begin the hike.
January 8
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Angela Calle
Daniel, Maggie, Alicia, I would be happy to meet up at Shady Grove Metro's park and ride with the plan to leave by 8:30 am. If this works for any of you, let me know. --Angela
January 8
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Alicia
Is there like a park, or store we would meet at? And at what time. The spot is only 45 mins from where I live according to gmaps. Is it just a 9 mile hike? I am just trying to be ready since its my first time.
January 8
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Daniel Corini
Theres park and rides @ Shady Grove and further south in Rockville at town square. Either would work for me. Yes part 1 is 9.4 miles and Rockville is about 55 miles from the trailhead, approx 70min drive. If we meet at either of the metro's then we should probably meet at 8:30.
January 8
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Steve G.
I'm trying to diagnose the trouble some are having with the link to the trailhead directions. Can somebody (anybody) who is not a hike leader, confirm whether or not you can see the directions? Many thanks.
January 7
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Steve G.
If you're worried about the stream crossing, here's my own personal recommendation:
Don't panic, bring a towel. Seriously.
You can always take off your boots, sling 'em over your shoulder, cross stream (yes, it will be cold, but it'll be over in a minute). Dry off with your towel, replace boots.
I wouldn't wear water shoes unless it was warm enough for my toes to dry in the air. Not looking likely for Saturday.
As a slightly less drastic measure, you can always just bring an extra dry pair of socks to change into if your first pair gets soaked.
January 7
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Daniel Corini
My plan was just an extra pair of socks or to barefoot it if it seemed to deep for regular waterproof boots ;D. Long as your feet end up dry before your moving again then its all the same really haha
January 7
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35 attended
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Maggie Snowel
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
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Lauri Zell +2
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Daniel Corini
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Tim Waggoner
Certified Hike Leader
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Sami
Checked-in -
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Sarita K
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013
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Kolie
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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A former member
Your organizer's refund policy for AT Section Hike Accross Maryland Part 1 of 4! Pine Knob to Pen Mar
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Full refund with no questions asked if you change your RSVP to a no PRIOR to 48 hours of hike time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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