I-70 Footbridge to Dahlgren Chapel

This is a good 10-mile hike, from the US 40 parking lot to Turner’s Gap. This portion of the Appalachian Trail takes in two historical markers, the “original” Washington Monument and Dahlrgren Chapel. Today was a very cold day as the temperatures dipped below freezing and there was a fairly strong wind throughout the hike. It rained heavily the day before and we were not sure what the trail conditions would be like. Therefore on Sunday morning, Matt and I began our hike towards Washington Monument from the US 40 parking lot.

It is about a 3-mile hike south to the monument. There is a slight elevation change towards, but nothing strenuous. The trail itself is in excellent shape being relatively clear of rocks and debris and very wide almost three people wide at points. It took us a little under an hour to reach the Washington Monument. Now this monument was built in the early 1800s and lays claim to being the first monument dedicated to George Washington. It is at one of the higher points along South Mountain and provides for excellent views in either direction.


The Washington Monument

After a brief break, we continued along the Appalachian Trail this time going downhill towards Turners Gap. Once again this portion of the trail was in good shape and did not seem to be harmed by the recent rains we had the night before. After another 30 minutes of hiking we arrived at Turners Gap.


Me in front of Dahlgren Chapel

Turners Gap is along the Old National Highway. There is a nice church here Dahlrgeen Chapel built in the late 1800s. This section of the trail is the halfway point between Penn Mar and Harpers Ferry. It will be a nice break on our Maryland Challenge. However, this time we turned around and headed back to our cars at the US 40 parking lot.



Matt at the I-70 Footbridge