AT: Washington Monument State Park | 5-Mile Out-and-Back Hike

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### 📍 Meeting Point: Washington Monument State Park Visitor Center Parking Lot

📍 19819 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
🅿️ Large parking lot with about 40 spaces — plenty of room to park

## 🚗 Shuttle to Trailhead:

We’ll walk or carpool (~0.5 miles) from the visitor center parking lot to the Appalachian Trail Parking Lot at 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769, the official trailhead where our hike begins. This smaller lot holds 20–25 cars but is more limited, so we’ll leave cars at the main visitor center for convenience.

### 🧭 Trail Access:

• Trailhead Location: The AT trailhead is located near the parking area of Appalachian Trail Parking Lot, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD.
• Trail Information: For detailed trail maps and information, refer to the AllTrails guide.

## 🌲 Hike Overview:

Join us for a refreshing 5-mile out-and-back hike on the Appalachian Trail starting from the Washington Monument State Park parking area! We’ll hike 2.5 miles out along the well-marked white-blazed AT trail, enjoying shaded forest paths and gentle elevation changes, then turn around and head back the same way.
This beginner-friendly hike is a great way to explore a peaceful section of the AT and log official miles toward your 2,000-miler goal.

## 🗺️ Trail Details:

• Trailhead: Start: Appalachian Trail Parking Lot, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD.
• Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail northbound
• Hike 2.5 miles out, then turn around and hike back
• Terrain: Mostly shaded forest trail with some rocky and moderately hilly 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: Available only at visitor center before shuttle to trailhead
• Estimated Finish Time: Around 3:00–3:30 PM

## 🗺️ How to Find the Trailhead from Visitor Center:

• Park in the visitor center lot at 19819 National Pike
• Walk/car shuttle about 0.5 miles to Appalachian Trail Parking Lot at 6620 Zittlestown Rd
• Trailhead is clearly marked near the parking lot — look for white blazes
• The AT trailhead is just steps from the parking area, starting as a dirt path heading into the woods.
• Follow the white blazes northbound (to your left if facing away from the AT parking lot) to begin your hike.

## 📸 Highlights:

• Beautiful Appalachian Trail forest scenery
• Moderate climbs with rewarding views
• Perfect for new hikers or those building endurance for longer treks

## 📚 For Your Research:

#### 1. 📍 AllTrails – Appalachian Trail from Washington Monument to Pen Mar

Detailed trail maps, photos, and user reviews
🔗 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/appalachian-trail-washington-monument-to-pen-mar

#### 2. 📍 Maryland DNR – Washington Monument State Park

Official park info and trail details
🔗 https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/washingtonmonument.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://mishkilovesyou.carrd.co