Training Hike: South Mountain Ridge from Washington Monument State Park

This will be a medium-to-strenuous, 12.6 mile, out-and-back hike along the beautiful South Mountain ridge. Chrissy Monta and Dave Lemen will lead the hike.

We will start shortly after 08:00 AM when the park opens, hopefully not later than 08:15 AM, and head north on the Appalachian Trail, which intersects with the parking lot near the museum. You'll see the earliest monument to our first president, constructed by the citizens of Boonsboro, Maryland in 1827, after a short climb. Later, you'll get to wave to cars and trucks zooming under you from the AT foot bridge that crosses I-70. Then you'll experience the amazing overlooks from Annapolis Rocks and Black Rock Cliffs, which will be our turn-around spot.

If you're not ready to hike the full 12.6 miles, you can do just the six-mile section from the I-70 bridge to Annapolis Rocks and back. Let us know if you're interested in that option, and we'll provide more details on when and how to get to that trailhead.

The South Mountain area saw heavy fighting during the Civil War, and the museum at the Washington Monument is well-worth visiting. There are tables and play areas as well if you want to relax and picnic afterward!

What to bring:

• $2 cash per vehicle for the park entrance fee
• Appropriate clothing for the weather (e.g., a light rain shell, if that's in the forecast)
• A hydration bladder and/or bottles for at least 3 liters of water. There is clean water available at the start of this hike, but no easy refill opportunities along the way.
• Extra socks
• Snacks or a small lunch, salty and sweet items to keep your energy and electrolyte levels up
• Sunblock - most of this hike is under tree canopy, but we may take a break out in the open sun, and, well, it's better to be safe than burnt.