AT Day Hike: Gathland State Park - Out N Back - 5 Miles - Easy

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### 🕧 Time: Meet at 11:45 AM | Hike starts at 12:05 PM sharp

### 📍 Meeting Point: Gathland State Park Parking Lot

📍 14587 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
🅿️ Free parking available at the lot

## 🌲 Hike Overview:

Join us for a peaceful and scenic 5-mile out-and-back hike on the Appalachian Trail starting from Gathland State Park! We’ll hike 2.5 miles north on the AT through shaded forests and gently rolling terrain, then turn around and return the same way.
This is a beginner-friendly hike with moderate elevation changes—perfect for getting comfortable on the AT while enjoying historic and natural surroundings.

## 🗺️ Trail Details:

• Start: Gathland State Park Parking Lot
• Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail northbound
• Hike 2.5 miles out, then turn around and hike back
• Terrain is mostly forest trail with some rocky sections
• Total hike length: ~5 miles out-and-back
• AT 2000 Miler Miles Earned: 2.5 miles (one-way distance counted toward your goal)

⏱️ Estimated Total Time: 3 to 3.5 hours

## 🐾 Additional Notes:

• Pace: Easy–moderate, with breaks
• Dogs: Allowed, must be on a non-retractable short leash, and walk a few yards ahead or behind the group.
• Trail is well-marked with white blazes
• Bathrooms: None at trailhead — plan ahead
• Estimated Finish Time: Around 3:00–3:30 PM

## 📸 Highlights:

• Historic sites related to the Civil War near Gathland
• Beautiful wooded trail with wildflowers in season
• A peaceful section of the Appalachian Trail ideal for beginners

## 🗺️ How to Find the Trailhead from Gathland State Park Parking Lot:

1. Park your car in the main parking lot at Gathland State Park (14587 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD).
2. From the parking lot, walk toward the War Correspondents Memorial Arch—a large stone arch visible from the lot.
3. Look for the marked Appalachian Trail entrance near the arch, where you’ll see white blazes on trees and signs indicating the AT.
4. The trail begins as a dirt path heading into the woods just behind or beside the arch area.
5. Follow the white-blazed trail markers northbound (to your left if you’re facing away from the parking lot) to start your hike.

Some links to do your own research:

#### 1. 📍 AllTrails – Gathland State Park to Rocky Run Shelter

Includes the section we are doing (first portion of this route).
🔗 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/appalachian-trail-gathland-state-park-to-rocky-run-shelter

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#### 2. 📍 CNY Hiking – AT Maryland: Lambs Knoll (Gathland to Rocky Run)

Good trail notes, shelters, and maps specific to this section.
🔗 https://www.cnyhiking.com/ATinMD-LambsKnoll.htm

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#### 3. 📍 Maryland DNR – Gathland State Park Info Page

Trail access, park rules, history of Gathland.
🔗 https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/gathland.aspx

## 🛑 RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT

By joining this Group, RSVPing to an event, or participating in any Group activity, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Assumption of Risk:
   You understand that hiking and outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to falls, injuries (such as sprains, broken bones, or muscle strains), exposure to wildlife or environmental hazards, illness, disability, or even death. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks associated with participation.
2. Personal Responsibility:
   You agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, decisions, and well-being at all times during any activity or event organized or shared by this Group.
3. Release of Liability:
   You hereby release, waive, and hold harmless the Group, its organizers, hosts, and members from any and all claims for injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to personal property arising out of your participation—whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
4. Group Disclaimer:
   You acknowledge that this Group is an informal gathering of individuals who enjoy shared outdoor activities. The Group and its organizers do not provide professional guidance or supervision, and participation is strictly voluntary.
5. Waiver of Legal Action:
   You agree not to initiate or pursue any legal claim against the organizers, hosts, or members of this Group for any incident, injury, loss, or damage connected to your participation. This includes claims arising from negligence, carelessness, or any other cause.

About Us: https://mishkizen.carrd.co