AT: Rocky Run Shelter Trail; 5-Mile Out-and-Back Hike

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

### 📍 Meeting Point: Rocky Run Shelter Parking Lot

📍 Location: Off Reno Monument Rd, near Lambs Knoll, MD, and provides access to the Appalachian Trail leading to the Rocky Run Shelter.
Address: Appalachian Trail #8, Middletown, MD 21769
📍 GPS Coordinates: 39.4622° N, 77.63075° W
🅿️ Small parking lot — limited spaces, carpool if possible! Folks willing to offer drive, please post in the comments section.

## 🌲 Hike Overview:

Join us for a peaceful and scenic 5-mile out-and-back hike starting from the Rocky Run Shelter parking area along the Appalachian Trail! We’ll hike 2.5 miles northbound on the white-blazed trail through beautiful forest terrain featuring gentle climbs and shaded paths. This is a great moderate beginner hike with natural views, perfect for building endurance on the AT.

## 🗺️ Trail Details:

• Start at the Rocky Run Shelter Parking Lot
• Follow the Appalachian Trail northbound for 2.5 miles
• Turn around and return the same way
• Terrain includes forest trails with some rocky patches and moderate elevation changes
• Total distance: ~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 on a short, non-retractable leash, please walk ahead or behind the group so that folks dont trip on your dog.
• Trail is well-marked with white blazes
• Bathrooms: None at parking lot — plan accordingly
• Estimated Finish Time: Around 3:00–3:30 PM

## 🧭 How to Find the Trailhead from the Parking Lot:

Park your car in the Rocky Run Shelter parking area off Reno Monument Rd. Look for white blazes on nearby trees marking the start of the Appalachian Trail. Begin hiking northbound following the well-marked trail.

## 🏁 How to Know You’ve Reached the Endpoint:

When you reach 2.5 miles, you’ll come to a clearing or trail junction marking the turnaround point. Look for trail signs or markers confirming distance. Use your GPS or phone app to verify distance. Take a break, then follow the white blazes back.

## 📚 For Your Research

• Rocky Run Shelter – Wikipedia
• https://trailhiker.org/HCHikes/ATshelters/ATshelters/rockyrun.html
• https://dnr.maryland.gov/parkquest/pages/southmountain.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