AT Hike and Rock Scrambles! Old Forge-Caledonia State Park (Michaux Forest)
- March 2 · 10:00 AM
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Appalachian Trail and Rock Scrambles!
Old Forge-Caledonia State Park (Michaux State Forest) Easy Side of Strenuous 10.5 Mile Hike with Rock Scrambles!
Driving Distance from D.C. is only 76 Miles!
This park-to-park ridgetop hike of 10.5 miles rates as one of the most delightful day hikes in Pennsylvania. Out of the Antietam Cove area, once the extended Blue Ridge, is gained on what is known locally as South Mountain, where there are several excellent views, an unexpected boggy area, and a good half dozen rock outcroppings to scramblethrough before a gradual descent into the valley that holds Conococheague Creek and Caledonia SP. Chimney Rocks is a must see and we will enjoy several rock scrambles on this hike!
Hike Pace
This hike will be at about a 2.5mph pace. Please take this into consideration when signing up for this hike.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Rouzerville
Length: 10.5 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Point-to-point with shuttle service so we don't have to backtrack at all as we try to avoid out and back hiking. An explanation for how this works is provided on the page where the directions to where we meet for this hike are provided.
Skill Level: Moderate, but there are at least three rock scrambles (up to six depening on what you feel up to) on this hike making it more of an easy side of strenuous combined with the length. Great transition hike for those looking to move up to strenuous hiking.
Duration: 6 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 1,000 feet
Top Elevation: 1,940 feet
Topo Map: Appalachian Trail: Old Forge Picnic Grounds to Caledonia State Park Topographic Map
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking if you want to keep an eye on the forecast for the trail.
Gear Information
Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Carpool Information
To carpool from the Baltimore/Laurel areas, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. 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 meet for this hike.
Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool Meetup Time is 8:00 a.m.
Optional Post Hike Meal
We will have an optional post hike meal to be decided by group consensus, preferably decided prior to the hike so we can head straight there instead of spending time trying to decide when we are all tired and hungry-grin.
Fido is Welcome on this Hike with Leader Approval Due to Multiple Rock Scrambles!
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 means 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.
Please take my number with you just and case and let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Steve: [masked]
Priyanga: [masked]
Sandy: [masked]
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David March
What a great outting with good folk. Thx. to Priyanga, Steve and Sandy for organizing a grand day! Cheers,
4 · March 3
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Steve G.
Awesome hike, and awesomer hikers!
For the folks who came with me, many profuse apologies for missing the side trail to Chimney Rocks. I hope the side trip to the electrical tower made up for it :)
I hope you all had as great a time hiking with me as I did hiking with you. You all are totally awesome! Thanks for spending part of your Saturday with me!
6 · March 2
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Selma Halman
Thanks for driving, Tom . I guess it was a good idea you driving and me sitting at the front passenger seat, the butt warmer of your car felt so good! after a cold day's hike in addition to your hospitality :)
1 · March 3
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Daniel Corini
Would like to carpool from Shady Grove / Grosvenor area. Willing to drive and prefer to go to post-hike meal.
February 26
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Daniel Corini
Thanks guys. I got some good nsaid's from the doc. Should be good by next wkd
2 · March 2
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Chris
Besides another great hike (as always), you missed out on another great Brewery too!!!
March 3
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A former member
My cold seemed to kick-in overnight and I don't think I'll be a great addition to the group in my state.
March 2
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Sandy Balliet
It was so great hiking with everyone. We has a great cold day for a hike, the bits a snow make for a fairy tale trail, so much better than rain.
5 · March 2
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Devon Alexander Stoney
I had an amazing time Thank you Steve G and Sandy Balliet for an amazing time!
3 · March 2
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Selma Halman
Great hike and great people!
Thank you Priyanga, Sandy and Steve for leading the hike.3 · March 2
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Agatha
Is there anyone else looking to carpool from NW? I'm coming from the Friendship Heights area and see that the Grosvenor group is full. I'm happy to help pay for gas. Thank you!!
March 1
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Enas
Just found out I lost my ride :) So if anyone has room from Grosvener/wheaton/rockville/twinbr
rok etc please let me know if you see this early enoughMarch 2
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Priyanga
Due to day before drop-outs, we have space in our car for two more riders. Can meet at Grosvenor metro station around 7:45am. Let me know if you would like a ride. Thanks!
March 1
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Priyanga
Hi Ronit, sure - see you at Grosvenor. With you, me, and Eddie we still have room for one more if anyone else would like a ride.
March 1
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Dave
Am coming from Anne Arundel co. and can carpool from the Savage Station parking lot. If no one replies, I will just go strait to trailhead location.
February 25
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Steve G.
Dave, I'm also in AA county, but since Savage is the opposite direction was planning on meeting up with Sandy in Pkesville (see her comment for details). If you'd like to ride there together, I can meet you at the Cromwell/Glen Burnie Light Rail at 8am. Just let me know.
February 25
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Steve G.
Dave, since I didn't hear from you, I'm just going straight to Pikesville. See you at the hike!
March 1
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Sandy Balliet
Will be meeting 8:30a at the Target parking lot in Pikesville, Exit 20 south of the 695 beltway if anyone from the Baltimore area wants to carpool.
February 25
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Steve G.
You found it, David? I got your message but didn't have pen handy to write down your phone number to call back. See you there!
March 1
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Jeff Hughes
Pulled a muscle so I better rest it rather than aggravate it further. Have a great hike.
March 1
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Devon Alexander Stoney
Noooooo Jeff I was looking forward to see you! Ok well get well soon and I will see you at another hike.
March 1
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Katrina
I have space for one more. Picking up at 730 from Pentagon city metro if anyone else needs a ride.
March 1
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Lori B
I have room if anyone wants to carpool from Frederick. I will be meeting right off of 270/340/15 on Jefferson st if anyone is interested.
March 1
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Lori B
I am planning on leaving at 830 and meeting in the parking lot behind the Mc Donalds just east of the Jefferson st (rt 180 EXIT). Please message me with your contact info and I will provude mine. I have lots of room!
March 1
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Tracy
If anyone is coming from the Sterling/Ashburn/Leesburg area and would like to carpool, let me know.
February 24
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Tracy
Just giving this a bump up in case anyone is coming from western Fairfax county or Loudoun, that is planning to get to the trailhead by going up Rt 15 North and would like to carpool?
March 1
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Elaine Heinzman
Bruce and Devon: I'm in NW DC, close to the Green line, so I can carpool with either of you, whoever is closer to the Green line. Thanks!
February 23
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Elaine Heinzman
Hi Devon. As you may have seen in Bruce's most recent post, he can no longer drive or go on the hike. Please let me know if you have space for me in your carpool. Thanks!
February 28
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Devon Alexander Stoney
Hi Elaine and Conni I have space for both of you. I live in Dupont Circle just 2 blocks north of the South exit. We can meet at 745am it will take a little less then 2 hours to get there so we have a little cushion time. Please email me to confirm (and for my physical address) that you will be there. I will be leaving at 745 promptly. :-) I hope to see you both.
February 28
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David B.
If there's anyone who wants to meet somewhere along 270 to carpool, let me know. I live in Olney so can carpool from there too.
February 28
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Steve G.
Heads up everybody, we will be swapping the start and end points for the hike. There's a much larger parking lot at the Caledonia end, so by doing the swap we'll eliminate any potential parking woes. I'll make another post when the directions to the trailhead have been updated.
I still recommend carpooling. Save a tree, make some friends who will (hopefully) keep you from falling asleep on the way home, everybody wins. :)
4 · February 25
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Steve G.
Ok everybody, the directions to the trailhead have been updated. Please check them out, even if you've done this hike before, because we're meeting in a slightly different spot we did the last time I did this hike (but this lot is larger, and has restrooms, hooray!) If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with me. As usual, email will get you the quickest response, and responding in the comments will get the slowest. Looking forward to seeing y'all Saturday!
2 · February 27
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A former member
I'm happy to meet you in Alexandria for convenience for you. Feel free to email me ([masked]) if you want to chat outside of the room about details.
February 27
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Selma Halman
Conni, I just got email from a hiker who would like to carpool with me. I am so sorry to let you know that my car is full. I will be happy to give you a ride next time. Take care and see you on the hike.
February 27
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Cindy Davis
I just received an email that there is room, yet can't change rsvp. What gives?
February 27
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Steve G.
Hiya Everybody.
I'd like to assume this is obvious to everyone, but we've gotten some questions about it, specifically for this hike, so I'm posting now to make sure its crystal clear:
It is NOT OK to just show up for a hike without rsvping. No. Never, ever, never.It is not fair to the people who rsvp,
It is not fair to the people on the wait list,
It is not fair to the other hikers, and
It is not fair to the hike leaders.So, please, don't even ask.I don't care who you are.
I don't care who you know (even me), or who you think you know.
If you're not on the list, you don't go.Please folks, I make a better hike leader than a bouncer, but can do both if necessary. Please don't make me, 'cause it will make me sad, and nobody wants that. Well, apparently, almost nobody.
5 · February 27
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Thom
I'm in Frederick and can either drive or join a carpool to cut the number of cars. Let me know.
February 24
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Steve G.
Hey everybody, looks like we've got a rapidly expanding wait list on this one, so once again I shall stand on my good ol' soap box:
If you are a no show on a full hike with a waiting list, know that you will have kept someone from attending the hike in your place. That makes me sad, very sad. So please, oh please, keep me happy and don't do it.
If your plans change, please, please, please, update your rsvp.
7 · February 26
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Steve G.
Hey everybody. Please, oh please, if you can, carpool. The lot at the trailhead is rather smallish.
February 21
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Thom
In Frederick, there's the FSK Mall off to the right from the first Buckeystown Pike exit. Take a right at the first light and you'll see the parking lot there.
February 25
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Devon Alexander Stoney
I can carpool from Dupont Circle area and have room for 3 people. I can also meet at a park and ride along the way but I would rather just leave from here. I am 2 Blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro. If you are along the way I may be able to pick you up also.
1 · February 23
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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 20
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34 attended
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Melody
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Eddie
Hike Leader
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Chris Taylor
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/14/13
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Kasey
Checked-in -
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Mike S
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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kimmie
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Tom
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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David March
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
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Enas
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Dave
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Tom
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Selma Halman
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
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Agatha
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Your organizer's refund policy for AT Hike and Rock Scrambles! Old Forge-Caledonia State Park (Michaux Forest)
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 I am contacted or your RSVP 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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