Mason Dixon trail. Challenging 12ish miles and 3,100' of elevation

Description:

The Mason-Dixon Trail is a 193-mile hiking trail that connects the Appalachian Trail in south-central Pennsylvania with the Brandywine Trail in eastern Pennsylvania, passing through Maryland and Delaware. The trail offers a variety of landscapes including farmlands, forests, river views, and historic sites.
This hike will traverse some of the more challenging sections in PA. It will be an out and back hike starting from the Apollo County Park and ending at Star Rock. Total miles about 12+ and 3,100' of elevation. Definitely one of the more challenging sections with various terrain and multiple rolling hills. This is a new to me hike, but I did a lot of research to select this section of the MDT and look forward to exploring it together.

Style will be as follows:

1. pace about 3.2-3.5 on flats, slower on hills
2. limited stops as it will be cold and goal is to keep moving, but brief stop at scenic viewpoints totally ok
3. those off the front or way off the rear are on their own. I will cater to the main pack

NOTE: the parking lot is small, so I have to limit attendees and carpooling is suggested. PLEASE do not sign up if you are not 90% sure you can make it. Too many people sign up and drop last minute which prevents others from coming. Be considerate...:)

GEAR REQUIRED:
1- Proper footwear- hiking boots or trail runners
2- Appropriate clothing for conditions: layers, wind and rain protection based upon forecast. Extra socks for wet weather hikes or hikes with stream crossings.
3- WATER or other source of hydration; food/snacks as needed and suggested for hikes over 8 miles
4- Electrolytes for longer hikes
5- Hiking poles and backpacks as needed.
7- Must pack micro spikes on all weekend hikes December through March. Ice and snow always possible.

WEATHER: All winter hikes are dependent upon safe travel conditions to and from the hiking area. We will hike in existing snow and very light rain. Heavier, cold rain will cancel

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION: Apollo County Park, Boyds Run trail parking on Shenks Ferry Rd. Coordinates: 39.9032857576038, -76.39842378050241

GUEST and ATTENDANCE POLICY: All attendees must be members of Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes to ensure that those in attendance understand exactly what they are signing up for. Please be courteous and change your rsvp in a timely fashion if you can no longer attend an event. Repeated no shows or a history of signing up and dropping off excessively when there is a waitlist will exclude you from being moved off of future waitlists and special events
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Please plan accordingly.
NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.