AT: I-70 Footbridge Overlook; 5-Mile Out-and-Back Hike on the Appalachian Trail

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### 🕧 Time: Meet at 11:30 AM | Hike starts at 12:00 PM sharp

### 📍 Meeting Point: I-70 Appalachian Trail Footbridge Parking Lot

📍 Appalachian Trail Parking – MD 40 Lot, Myersville, MD 21773
Address: Approx. 11175 Baltimore National Pike, Myersville, MD 21773

🅿️ Free gravel lot located just off US-40, on the east side of I-70 underpass, on the north side of US-40. Look for signs for the Appalachian Trail access. Holds about 15–20 cars. Folks please offering to drive to carpool, please use the comment section to communicate.
📍 Google Maps Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/TCSGeDgWgxPvUvFP7

If this lot is full, lets all still meet here, and figure out how to coordinate a volunteer based shuttle service from The Washington Monument State Park Visitor Center Parking Lot, which is 5 miles from this location.

## 🌲 Hike Overview:

Join us for a 5-mile out-and-back hike on a unique stretch of the Appalachian Trail starting at the I-70 Footbridge! We’ll begin at a quiet forest trailhead off US-40, then walk across the iconic footbridge over I-70—one of the only places on the AT where hikers cross a major highway.
Beyond the bridge, the trail winds through peaceful woods with gentle hills, rocky patches, and fern-lined paths. It’s a great intro hike for beginners or anyone collecting AT miles—just enough challenge to feel like an adventure, but short enough for a relaxed weekend outing.
We’ll hike 2.5 miles north on the white-blazed AT, then return the same way. This is a great intro hike for those aiming to collect miles toward the AT 2,000-miler badge, or just looking for a peaceful walk in the woods.

## 🗺️ Trail Details:

• Start: I-70 Footbridge Parking Area (MD 40 Lot)
• Route: White-blazed AT heading northbound
• Hike: 2.5 miles out, turn around, and return the same way
• Terrain: Forest trail with mild elevation and rocky sections
• ✅ Total Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back
• ✅ AT 2000 Miler Miles Earned: 2.5 miles (one-way distance counted)
• ⏱️ Estimated Total Time: 3 hours (including rest breaks)

## 🐾 Additional Notes:

• Pace: Easy to moderate
• Dogs: Allowed — must be on a short, non-retractable leash
• Trail Markings: White Appalachian Trail blazes
• Bathrooms: None on-site — plan ahead
• Weather: Check before the hike and dress accordingly

## 📸 Highlights:

• Walk across the Appalachian Trail’s famous I-70 pedestrian footbridge
• Quiet, shaded forest sections north of the highway
• An easy and achievable hike with official AT miles

## 🗺️ How to Find the Trailhead:

• Look for the gravel parking lot on MD 40 (Baltimore National Pike), just east of the I-70 underpass.
• From the lot, take the short access path to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and follow it north across the footbridge.
• You’ll immediately cross the pedestrian bridge over I-70, then continue into the woods for 2.5 miles before turning back.

***

## 📚 For Your Research:

1. AllTrails – Appalachian Trail: I-70 Footbridge to Pine Knob Shelter
2. Hiking Upward: Appalachian Trail – I-70 to Annapolis Rock
3. CNY Hiking – AT Maryland Overview

## 🛑 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