6.5 miles, 5 rating. Suitable for advanced beginners to intermediate hikers.  Mostly rocky ridgetop surface through deciduous woodlands.

Gathland State Park is home to a large stone monumental arch dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents. The land was owned by George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. Several buildings and structures were designed by Townsend in the late 1800s, two of which remain today and one of them is a museum. We will begin our hike southbound on The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) which passes through the park. We’ll traverse the mostly rocky ridgetop surface through deciduous woodlands as we make our way to the cliffs. We’ll briefly stop at the Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter which is supposedly very nice. The cliffs rise above the Potomac River at South Mountain’s southernmost portion. They offer a panoramic view of the Potomac River Valley including Buzzard Rock and Short Hill Mountain in Virginia. We’ll descend about a mile down a series of switchbacks to the Weverton Park-n-ride and shuttle back to Gathland.

 As with all WWO hikes, there will be a leader and a sweep, and no one will be left behind.

There is limited space, so please register early. Although this hike is FREE for Premium Members, you do need to register. After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and start location.