Pine Knob Ramble (MD AT)
May 25, 2015 22:09:25 GMT -5
Post by AegisIII on May 25, 2015 22:09:25 GMT -5
Photos
At the end of January, I wanted a short hike, because it was cold and windy, with 4-6 inches snow. So I decided to revisit a couple of overlooks I had been to a few years before. My hike started at the Appalachian Trail crossing at US-40/I-70. The big lot was about a third full even in this weather.
I first headed north on the AT, past the shelter, and up to the summit of Pine Knob. The trail, unsurprisingly, was well packed; and a smattering of fresh snow allowed traction over the packed ice. Here I turned onto an obvious, old woods road west of the AT. It'd seen some use in the snow before me, as I followed a small hill up and then down. Continued straight at a four-way junction, and headed towards a three-way junction which this time I could not find (snow, I suppose).
So anyway, I headed north and climbed a small boulder field. After that, I bushwhacked my way north, following the rim of the mountain as best I could, soon making a circuitous path to the first overlook. Because of the snow, I did not wander around here to get the best shots.
After the first overlook, I continued north to the second overlook, again following the mountain edge, passing through a boulder maze or two. The second overlook is at the top of a triangular talus slope. A good expansive view of the Hagerstown Valley and the mountains beyond is the reward. Sideling Hill is in the distance. I took as many photos as I could take, as I was exposed to the full brunt of the wind here.
For the way back, I headed east away from the edge, finding someone else's tracks to follow back to the area of the woods roads. There I started heading back downhill through the snow, sometimes with tracks, sometimes not. I took a side trip to visit the three old lean-to's. I decided to explore the way beyond; mostly following tracks. The woods road did continue, but I'm not sure for how long due to the snow. Perhaps further than I went, but probably not. I then headed down to the woods road along the shelter level.
I first headed away from the shelter, along and by some long stone walls, old farmsteads likely. This woods road was fairly level, and sometimes wide. I crossed some stone fences, until as far as I could tell the way ended. So, turned around and headed to the Pine Knob Shelter from behind. And then an easy jaunt back on the AT back to the parking area. Passed a good number of people along the way back.
At the end of January, I wanted a short hike, because it was cold and windy, with 4-6 inches snow. So I decided to revisit a couple of overlooks I had been to a few years before. My hike started at the Appalachian Trail crossing at US-40/I-70. The big lot was about a third full even in this weather.
I first headed north on the AT, past the shelter, and up to the summit of Pine Knob. The trail, unsurprisingly, was well packed; and a smattering of fresh snow allowed traction over the packed ice. Here I turned onto an obvious, old woods road west of the AT. It'd seen some use in the snow before me, as I followed a small hill up and then down. Continued straight at a four-way junction, and headed towards a three-way junction which this time I could not find (snow, I suppose).
So anyway, I headed north and climbed a small boulder field. After that, I bushwhacked my way north, following the rim of the mountain as best I could, soon making a circuitous path to the first overlook. Because of the snow, I did not wander around here to get the best shots.
After the first overlook, I continued north to the second overlook, again following the mountain edge, passing through a boulder maze or two. The second overlook is at the top of a triangular talus slope. A good expansive view of the Hagerstown Valley and the mountains beyond is the reward. Sideling Hill is in the distance. I took as many photos as I could take, as I was exposed to the full brunt of the wind here.
For the way back, I headed east away from the edge, finding someone else's tracks to follow back to the area of the woods roads. There I started heading back downhill through the snow, sometimes with tracks, sometimes not. I took a side trip to visit the three old lean-to's. I decided to explore the way beyond; mostly following tracks. The woods road did continue, but I'm not sure for how long due to the snow. Perhaps further than I went, but probably not. I then headed down to the woods road along the shelter level.
I first headed away from the shelter, along and by some long stone walls, old farmsteads likely. This woods road was fairly level, and sometimes wide. I crossed some stone fences, until as far as I could tell the way ended. So, turned around and headed to the Pine Knob Shelter from behind. And then an easy jaunt back on the AT back to the parking area. Passed a good number of people along the way back.