Hiking In Maryland to Harper's Ferry

[bd29162dc]

We are planning a hike starting at Pen Mar working south to Harper's Ferry. We will be setting up camp near Pen Mar. Any suggestions? Some distances may be not close to shelters...what about stealth camping? Any regulations? Please help.

[cryptobrian]

You should be OK if stealth camping ... the only restricted area that comes immediately to mind is around annapolis rocks, which is now off-limits except in the designated areas. I hiked this section last year and found the water at PenMar (out of the faucet) to be undrinkable ... even after filtering could barely get it down and it made both myself and my hiking partner sick. Your first shelter will be Devil's Racecourse where you can get some decent water. This is not a very nice shelter to stay in though ... it's proximity to a road has made it a popular party spot apparently as when we arrived it was littered and filthy, covered grafitti, etc. Ensign Cowell is quite nice, on the other hand, and makes a good location for the first night after departing PenMar.

Feel free to peruse the photos/journal (strong language caution)/maps from my hike of that section here:

http://www.stinkypigs.com/BackPackin...on/default.htm

Enjoy!

[Brushy Sage]

Actually, camping along the AT in Maryland is not permitted except at designated campsites. I learned this from the MD Dept of Natural Resources (rangers) while doing volunteer trail work there.

[Goon]

"Camping is restricted to a one-night stay only at established shelters, the area immediately around shelters, or designated campsites. "

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hike...land_regs.html

[A-Train]

There are shelters and campsites almost every couple of miles in Maryland. With the gentle terrain there is really no reason to need a stealth site. Also state parks with water, drink machines and pay phones too.

[Moon Monster]

I agree with A-Train and the last 3 posts generally--there should be no need to stealth in Maryland. Shelters average about 4-5 miles apart; I think there are around eight sections. Plan your days accordingly and please observe posted regulations.

That said, there is already a thread in the archives that speaks to most of this. Check out: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3414