AT Section Hike Across Maryland (HAM) Part 4 of4! Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry!
- February 16 · 10:00 AM
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Appalachian Trail Section Hike Across Maryland (H.A.M. Part 4 of 4)
A Moderate 10.2 Mile Hike from Crampton's Gap to Harpers Ferry!
Get off your rear and get it in gear and join us for the final leg of our AT section hike across Maryland, otherwise known as the H.A.M.!
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.
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: January 12th- Pine Knob to Pen Mar County (Click Here to RSVP Now)
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: Todays Hike- Cramptons Gap to Harpers Ferry
Trail Information
Nearby City: Burkittsville, MD
Length: 10.2 total miles
Trail Type: Point-to-Point (we will have shuttle service)
Skill Level: Moderate due to the length of the 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.
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 Fattlefield; 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
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!
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 the trailhead 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 remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have a guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back to help 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!
Sandy: [masked]
Eric: [masked]
Ethan: [masked]
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Ravi
Sorry for the last minute no show. I woke up with flu like symptoms and blew threw my alarm. I hope everybody is having a great time!
February 17
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Kellie Carlisle
Barb, congratulations on a fantastic job! Welcome to our leadership team:)
February 17
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Sandy Balliet
What a great day, a little snow to make it interesting, great people to keep it moving along and of course the meal afterwords to keep us talking. Eric it was great catching up. Barb you did an excellant job jumping in and taking a group for us.
1 · February 16
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irina rickard
Had wonderful time! Love our diner time and stories afterwards.Glad to see Erick after his AT trip.
2 · February 16
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Enas
Anyone coming from Rockville/Wheaton/Silver Spring? Please let me know if I can catch a ride. I don't want to hold the spot from those waiting.
February 10
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Xiaotong
Sami, three of us are meeting at grosvenor at 8:30. The kiss and ride area. You are welcome to join us.
February 15
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Aileen
Anyone want to provide a packing list of things I should bring? I've never hiked w this group before and want to be prepared :)
February 15
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Cathy Nestoriak
I am going to head up from Rockville and I live near the metro/27o if anyone needs a ride. Debating about taking my dog.....
February 13
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Sami
Hi Cathy! Would you have room for one more? I can meet you at the Rockville metro or any metro stop actually
February 15
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Ian Faigley
Will be driving from the Bethesda area with my dog. Can comfortably take one other person, and can meet up anywhere between Tenley and Medical Center metros.
February 13
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Bill
Hoping to find a ride from any Metro accessible point. Happy to pay help pay for gas.
February 15
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Kelly P
1. I can drive anyone from Union Station.
2. My pace is 2.5mph, but I'm happy to go faster or slower.
3. I have a dog.
January 8
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Patrick
Thanks for getting back to me Kelly. I just realized I have a conflict with another event this weekend.
February 12
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Sandy Balliet
Will be at tbe rt32 & i70 park and ride at 8:30am if anyone would like to carpool
February 13
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Vikash Kadiyala
Hey guys, new here!!...Any one can tell me how you get pre-approved for the strenuous hikes? I have been looking around, cant find any details about it.
February 13
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devp
Will be driving down from owings mills. If anyone is interested to carpool, let me know.
February 13
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Kellie Carlisle
How to Move from the Wait list to a “Yes” - 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.February 13
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32 attended
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Ethan
Certified Hike Leader, EMT
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Lori B +1
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Becky R.
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Ian Faigley
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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irina rickard
Certified Hike Leader
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Barb
Certified Hike Leader
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Your organizer's refund policy for AT Section Hike Across Maryland (HAM) Part 4 of4! Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry!
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: ONLY If your RSVP is changed to "no" PRIOR to 48 hours before hike time!
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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