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Details

An annual tradition, this 43-mile backpacking journey is a chance to reconnect with nature and challenge yourself on the trail! We will be hiking the Appalachian Trail, southbound, from the PA line into Harpers Ferry. This trip will consume all day Saturday through Monday. On Thursday, you won't feel guilty with an extra serving of everything!

Hiking the Appalachian Trail from Pen Mar Park to Harpers Ferry, which covers the entire Maryland section of the AT, offers a mix of scenic views and historical landmarks. While Maryland's section is often considered one of the easier parts of the trail due to less elevation gain and generally smoother terrain, it still provides a rewarding experience.

It is required that you have the ability to hike 3 very long days 10-18 miles, into the evenings, over rocky terrain. As it will be dark early, the last couple of hours will be by headlamp. The evenings will likely be cold, possibly below freezing, so you will need proper gear. If you are unsure about your ability, please do not sign up as you would impact the group and be asked to depart the trip at a road crossing. The good news is that we have over 100 days to begin training and the PATC has lots of great hikes on Meetup!

Highlights we will pass:

  • Pen Mar Park
  • High Rock
  • Devil's Racecourse
  • Raven Rock (Cliffs and Hollow)
  • Annapolis Rocks
  • Black Rock Cliffs
  • Washington Monument State Park
  • Pine Knob Shelter
  • Dahlgren Chapel
  • Gathland State Park (War Correspondents' Arch)
  • Ed Garvey Shelter
  • Weverton Cliffs
  • C&O Canal Towpath
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
  • Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Visitor Center (optional!)

Trip

  • Trip Difficulty: VERY DIFFICULT. Everyone will begin on waitlist in order to be verified(*). When signing up, make sure to fully answer the questions.
  • Miles: 43 with approximate splits of 15/16/10.5
  • Elevation Gain: 6,000ft
  • Descent: 7,000ft
  • Group Size: 4-6 people
  • Weather: Expect freezing temperatures overnight
    Nighttime Hiking: Due to the high mileage and short days, I expect that the last 2-3 hours will be by headlamp.
  • Cost: $30 estimate for shuttles, collected prior to moving off Waitlist.

(*)Waitlist Explained

  • As this trip’s difficulty rating is Difficult or above, everyone who signs up will begin on the Waitlist. This allows for the hiker leader to verify that you have the necessary gear, knowledge and physical ability before moving you to Going. A Difficult or higher trip is not the place to push your abilities for the first time, and we don’t want a single person to negatively impact the entire group.
  • If there is a fee for this trip, typically for either a permit or a hiker shuttle, that needs to be paid prior to moving from Waitlist to Going.
  • If there is a question during signup, it must be fully answered (not just a “yes”) or you will remain on waitlist. If there is room at the end, I will reach out for the answers to the questions so I can move you to Going.
  • If you have "No Showed" on hikes previously, you will remain on the waitlist until the end.

Maps & Current Plan
FarOut App (paid) -- This is what I will be using for navigation.
AllTrails: Appalachian Trail: Pen Mar Park to Harpers Ferry
PATC Map 5-6: AT across Maryland and the Catoctin Trail
Tentative plan is as follows. It is subject to change (and usually does).

  1. Saturday: Pen Mar Park to Pogo Campsite. If we arrive early to Pogo, we may decide to continue on to Annapolis to shave a couple of miles from Sunday.
  2. Sunday: Pogo (or Annapolis Rocks) to Crampton Gap Shelter
  3. Monday: Crampton Gap Shelter to Harpers Ferry

Backpacking Trip Essential Requirements & Expectations
These items outline specific requirements and expectations for all participants on our backpacking trips. These are in addition to the PATC Liability Waiver and are crucial for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone, especially given the remote nature of these trips.
Please read carefully. By registering up for a backpacking trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to adhere to these requirements.
1. Self-Sufficiency & Responsibility:
* This is a group trip, but we operate on a self-sufficient model. You are responsible for your own well-being and preparedness throughout the trip.
* You must carry all your essential equipment, including shelter, food, a first-aid kit, water, and water purification supplies. Sharing some items with a partner is acceptable.
2. Navigation & Preparedness:
* You are expected to understand the trip's difficulty, including total mileage, elevation gains and declines, type of terrain, and daily splits.
* You must be in good physical shape and capable of completing the planned itinerary.
* You are required to have your own printed maps, as well as a compass and/or GPS, and know how to navigate. This is particularly important if you miss the group's morning departure.
* If you have a medical condition that could become relevant during the trip (e.g., carrying an EpiPen or inhalers), you must inform the hike leader in advance.
3. Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety:
* All participants must follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
* You must have an established method for securing your food from bears at night.
4. Group Dynamics & Punctuality:
* Leave your dog at home for backpacking trips. Service dogs are welcome with paperwork and a leash at all times.
* If carpooling, please bring cash or use Venmo to offset the driver's gas expenses.
* Punctuality is essential. Be on time for carpool departures and be ready to leave campsites at the agreed-upon times.
* If you tend to move slowly in the mornings, please allow extra time to be ready for departure.
* Bring a great sense of humor – it's an essential piece of gear!
5. Communication:
* We will be in a remote area that may be out of cell service.
* If you have any questions or concerns before or during the trip, please ask the hike leader.
Understanding the Risks:
Please be aware that backpacking in a remote area, potentially out of cell service, involves inherent dangers and risks. Your preparedness and adherence to these guidelines are vital for the safety of yourself and the entire group.

During signup, there are some questions that need to be answered. If you don't answer all of them, you will remain on Waitlist.

Questions
David M (“Square Feet”) is leading this hike and is a PATC certified Hike Leader, member of PATC Trail Patrol and Backpacking Committee Chair. David is certified in Wilderness First Aid. PATC’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, so if you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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