AT: Pen Mar Park; 5-Mile Out-and-Back Hike
Details
About Us: https://mishkilovesyou.carrd.co
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### 🕧 Time: Meet at 11:45 AM | Hike starts at 12:05 PM
### 📍 Meeting Point: Pen Mar Park Upper Parking Lot
📍 14600 Pen Mar High Rock Rd, Highfield-Cascade, MD 21719
🅿️ Free paved parking available (approx. 40–50 cars)
⚠️ Overflow parking in adjacent gravel lot (overnight pass required for extended stays)
📍 Google Maps Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/v3C3xE1J1K82
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## 🌲 Hike Overview:
Join us for a scenic 5-mile out-and-back hike along the northernmost stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland! Starting from beautiful Pen Mar Park, this hike takes us through a shady, gently rolling section of forest right up to the Pennsylvania border and back.
This is the final leg of the Maryland AT—perfect for beginners or those working on their AT 2,000-miler journey. Plus, Pen Mar Park offers one of the most stunning vistas in the state!
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## 🗺️ Trail Details:
- Start: Pen Mar Park (look for AT trail signs near the overlook fence)
- Route: Head south on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail
- Hike: 2.5 miles out, then turn around and return the same way
- Terrain: Wooded trail with moderate ups and downs, some rocky spots
- ✅ Total Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back
- ✅ AT 2000 Miler Miles Earned: 2.5 miles (one-way distance counted)
- ⏱️ Estimated Total Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
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## 🐾 Additional Notes:
- Pace: Easy–moderate, with breaks
- Dogs: Allowed — must be on a short, non-retractable leash, walk ahead or behind the group so that folks dont trip over the dog
- Bathrooms: Available near the pavilion at Pen Mar Park
- Trail Markings: White AT blazes
- Weather: Check day-of for forecast
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## 📸 Highlights:
- Expansive overlook at Pen Mar Park with sweeping views into Pennsylvania
- Quiet, shaded trail along the Mason-Dixon Line
- Historic site with Civil War-era significance
- Completion of the entire Maryland section of the AT if you’ve been hiking along with us!
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## 🗺️ How to Find the Trailhead:
- Park in the upper lot at Pen Mar Park near the large pavilion.
- Walk toward the overlook fence with the stone wall—just past it you’ll see signs and white blazes marking the Appalachian Trail.
- Nearby, you may spot a green metal trail signpost or wooden kiosk showing a trail map and information about the AT.
- From here, we’ll head south along the trail, away from the border and toward High Rock (though we won't go that far on this hike).
### 🧭 How to Stay on the Right Trail
- Follow the white rectangular blazes on trees—official Appalachian Trail markers guiding the way.
- The trail is mostly a clear single path; at forks, choose the direction with white blazes.
- Look for occasional wooden signs or junction markers confirming you’re on the AT.
- Blazes are visible at eye level or slightly below, even on rocky or leafy terrain.
- If you lose sight of a blaze, stop and carefully scan nearby—markers are usually a few yards apart.
- Staying alert to these blazes ensures you’ll stay on the correct trail all hike long.
### 🏁 How to Know You’ve Reached the Endpoint
At 2.5 miles, look for a clearing, trail signs, or a junction.
Use a GPS or app to confirm distance.
## 📚 For Your Research:
## 🛑 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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
AT: Pen Mar Park; 5-Mile Out-and-Back Hike