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

Weverton Road to Ed Garvey Shelter

Since the weather is starting to improve and the days are getting longer, we decided to do our first day hike of the Appalachian Trail for 2008. We traveled over the Route 340 bridge from Virginia into Maryland, and made our way to the Weverton Parking Lot, which is right off of the main highway about one mile from the bridge.

The first section of the hike is probably the most difficult, a quick ascent up to the Weverton Cliffs. The elevation change is pretty dramatic for the Maryland Appalachian Trail; you go from around 250 feet up over 1000 feet fairly quickly. Remember this will be a welcome descent for us in June during the Maryland Challenge. Once to the top the Weverton Cliffs provide dramatic views of the Potomac River and then the Loudoun Heights of Virginia.


Looking over the Weverton Cliffs towards Harpers Ferry

We continued another 2 miles to the Ed Garvey Shelter. There was still some snow on the trail, and where the snow had melted it was fairly muddy. I was surprised at the number of other hikers. Maybe the weather brought out the crowds, but we saw over a dozen different groups on our six-mile hike. Once at the shelter we ate a light lunch and relaxed for a bit.

The shelter itself is very nice. There are two levels and ample room to sleep ten. When we arrived there was another couple, who had spent the day clearing trees from various campsites around the shelter. They had also built a fire. It was great to be able to warm ourselves by the fire before venturing back to Weverton.


Ed Garvey Shelter

As I mentioned this was a relatively easy hike today, but nice to finally get out of the house and into the outdoors. Look forward to lengthier hikes as the days begin to grow longer.


Appalachian Trial as it Descends towards Weverton Road

What is the Maryland Challenge

I wish I could take credit for the idea of hiking the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail in one day. However, the inspiration comes from a Washington Post article. The terrain is rather gentle with rolling hills that reach 1800 feet and only moderate elevation changes. Additionally, with enough daylight the trail can be traversed within the day.

Although the idea has probably been discussed for a few years, it was not until this winter that I made a decision to hike the trail. Hopefully, I will have some company. I have chosen a late June hike – June 21st to be exact. There are several reasons for choosing June, usually the weather is comfortable and the days are long. A North – South hike from the Pennsylvania border until Harpers Ferry, WV seems to be the best course. If for no other reason than Harpers Ferry is a lot closer to my home in NOVA.

Currently, my goal is to begin training outdoors in March. I will focus on area hikes between 10 – 20 miles, and keep everyone updated.