Pen Mar to Harpers Ferry
I’m getting ready to embark on an adventure.
That’s a snapshot of my journey from Saturday-Tuesday on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Shane and I are hiking 40+ miles, starting in Pen Mar, MD/PA and ending in Harpers Ferry, WV. We’re hiking/camping our way through the state of Maryland, AT style!
Hiking the full AT (2,100+ miles) is definitely a lifetime goal of mine. We’re starting with section hikes. Maryland is the closest to us, so it seemed natural to start here. I’m so flippin’ excited.
We’ve spent the last couple of weeks prepping for this inaugural AT trip. We’re hiking/tent camping, so all food/life/shelter supplies will be divided between the two of us and carried in our hiking packs. I’m putting together a post about food and supplies since it’s taken a careful bit of consideration on our parts and is worth documenting separately.
This is a first for me – hiking/camping for several days. Shane, an Eagle Scout, has done this before and has been absolutely amazing with details I wouldn’t even think to consider. For example: did you know that dryer lint can help start a campfire? Or that it’s best to prep and label food in meal quantities so you’re ready to throw items into a pan without the hassle of measuring?
We’ve mapped our trek in fairly equal daily hikes – we’ll average about 10 miles per day (that’s the plan).
Shane’s mom has graciously offered to drive us to our start point so we can leave the car at the end point. The logistics of getting to and from the trail has been the hardest part to put together! Harpers Ferry is a great start or end point, since you can take a train or bus from there to major cities.
I’ve made a reservation at a B&B in Harpers Ferry as a birthday treat (my birthday is next Tuesday!) to conclude our trek. I think we’ll both be grateful for the shower and warm meal opportunity before getting on a train to D.C.
I’m so excited for this adventure!
that’s a pretty walk…have done it from both directions. You’ll have a great time.
I’m so excited!
Feet, feet, feet. Take care of your feet and everything else will fall into place. I done about 200 miles of the trail in PA and NJ. Nothing in MD but it looks exciting! Have Fun!
Good advice! Comfy socks and sturdy shoes, check check!
It looks like you did this trek recently…are there places along the way to charge my phone? I know it sounds like I’m trying to stay connected, but only with a few that I love.
Thanks
Yes! There are a couple of places you can charge your phone: the Washington Monument Park area (has bathrooms, too) and the Dahlgren Campground (bathrooms and a hot shower!). I highly recommend this trek for a first-time hike/camp trip!
One thing I did was to keep my phone mostly off (except to take photos) and I told friends/family that I would connect with them at 7 p.m. That way, you don’t have to worry about your phone dying, since it’s off most the time anyway. Good luck!!