[SkateDC] Maryland Heights Hike Saturday (1/16/10) at 10 AM [Off Topic]

[George Marinkovich]

Hi guys,

A group will be hiking Maryland Heights this Saturday (1/16/10) at 10 AM.  

Right now we're a group of four, so there's plenty of room for expanding that.

The weather will be pretty good for wintertime: mostly sunny, high 46.

All are welcome to join us.  In fact, please forward this note to anyone whom you think might be interested.

We start hiking at 10 AM from the Maryland Heights trail head.   That's 10 AM real time, not 10 AM skating time!   I would really like to begin hiking no later than 10 AM, so please plan on being at the trailhead by 9:30 AM. 

This is a 5.3 mile hike, but takes anywhere from 3 to 4 hours due to an elevation gain of 1,600 ft.  

This website will answer most of your questions about the hike:

http://www.hikingupward.com/OMH/MarylandHeights/

The website above is where you should get Google Map directions if you are driving.

However, if you want more of a challenge, here's some location info:

The Lat./Long. coordinates are: 39.32920, -77.73169

The nearest intersection to the trailhead is:  
Harpers Ferry Rd & Hoffmaster RdKnoxville, MD 21758
Please remember to bring water with you.


Since Maryland Heights is in a national park (Harpers Ferry National Park), there is a $6 entrance fee per vehicle, $4 per person (other than the driver).  Exact cash needed as it's a self service operation.

In the event that both the small parking lots are filled by 9:30 AM, you can park at the Amtrak station in Harpers Ferry lower town.  My advice is to stop by the trailhead first and then go to the Amtrak station as a backup.  You can try giving me a call on 301.367.8374 to see if the trailhead parking is still available.  Here are directions to get to the Amtrak parking lot from the trailhead:

http://tinyurl.com/ylkvuye

Allow about half an hour to walk from the Amtrak Station to the trailhead.

If someone needs a ride or wants to carpool I can possibly pick someone up at Shady Grove Metro station.  Contact me directly if this is something you're interested in and we'll work out the details.

Enjoy,
George