Hike: Pen Mar to High Rock and the A-T

(Bus hike) Pen Mar (MD) to High Rock and the A-T.
The original hike for February 1 was on the Roller Coaster in Virginia. Ten inches of snow and half an inch of ice later, this hike also has become infeasible. As a replacement, we will hike:
From Pen Mar in MD to High Point Overlook on the road and then proceed 2 miles on the A-T to Devil’s Racecourse Shelter and back to the bus.
The portion of the A-T that we hike is relatively flat and rock-free. There will be up to 8 inches of snow and ice. Microspikes are recommended. Hikers can choose to go beyond the shelter for added mileage. However, the trail becomes rocky with a bed of leaves between the snow and rocks. Hikers venturing on their own should go with another hiker.
Another option for added mileage on a flatter portion of the A-T is to walk North on the A-T from Pen Mar and back to the bus.
An option for avoiding the roadwalk is to take the A-T to High Rock. Hikers choosing this option should return from High Rock to the bus on the road because the A-T in this section is rocky and steep. The hike is 8-miles long with 1,000 feet of elevation. Longer hikes are at hiker discretion.
We cannot guarantee any trail conditions as it will not be until Saturday that we can scout the area of the proposed hike. We are sorry for not being able to offer a more enjoyable hike. We have already scouted two hikes and have had to discard both due to concern over hiker safety.
PATC map 5
Fare: $33.

Map can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JNg-sXDc5SUxjFGdF7qCDN4lx0P5bC22/view?usp=drive_link

MD Hike

• DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am.
• Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro - Google Maps Metro station at Tuckerman Lane off Rockville Pike in Bethesda (just north of the Beltway) Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available.

RESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.

FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.
Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.

COVID, FLU, RSV PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE