Apr 21, 2007 - 12th Training Hike
Washington Monument State Park to Annapolis Rocks
Time of Hike: 9:00 AM
Distance Hiked: 10.5 Miles
Temp During Hike: Low 55.9 °F High 75.0 °F
Elevation Change: 700 Ft
This proved to be our most difficult hike yet but it was really fun and we were all prepared for it. We started at the elevation of 1600ft in Washington Monument State Park and headed north on the Appalachian Trail. Our route took us 3 miles and several hundred feet down the mountain to the footbridge over I-70 then we climbed another 2.2 miles up to Annapolis Rocks at an elevation of 1700ft.
Not only was this a long and steep hike, it was also our hottest one yet. There was not a cloud in the sky and since the leaves are still not out on the trees we had no shelter from the sun. It was perfect practice for the canyon.
When we arrived at Annapolis Rocks there was a group of people rock climbing so we had to share the view but we also had some entertainment while we ate lunch. It looked like a lot of fun but of course they wouldn’t share their ropes with us.
About Washington Monument State Park and the AT
Washington Monument State Park is the home of the first monument in the country built to honor George Washington. The monument was dedicated in 1827 and is a rugged stone tower on top of the mountain providing an excellent view of the valley below.
The Appalachian Trail, commonly known as simply the AT, is America’s first National Scenic Trail. It stretches 2,175 miles through 14 states with end points in Maine and Georgia. It was conceived in 1921 and completed in 1937. Every year 1000s of people hike the trail, many of them attempting to hike the entire length.
For more information about the park & forest visit:
For more information about the Appalachian Trail visit:
Photos
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