Last Updated: 11/18/08

Welcome to a web site full of information on hiking in the Mid-Atlantic Region (PA, MD, VA and WV) ... topo maps, 3-D maps, elevation profiles, GPS data, directions, trail notes, photos.... everything you need to prepare for an excursion into the wilderness. Information for 170 hikes and over 2003 trail miles are now available. Venues such as, but not limited to, Shenandoah National Park/VA, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, VA and WV, the Monongahela National Forest in WV, state forests throughout PA, Green Ridge State Forest in MD and regional, state, county and federal parks throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are represented.

"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bulletin Board

Hike schedule update: The schedule now runs through 01-01-2009.

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Latest Published Hikes

Riprap Hollow Loop, VA

Turk Mountain Circuit, VA

Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, VA

Austin Mountain-Furnace Mountain Loop, VA

Berma Road - C&O Canal Towpath, MD

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More Photos

M. R. Hyker's Latest Adventure(s)

11-01 to 03-2008: I was joined by Shortstack, Barb, Judge N. Amy, Ted E. Bear, Indiana Moser, Cognac Jack, Waffles and Single Malt (AKA Chuck). This trip was basically an out-and-back of the first 10 miles of the AT-Hog Camp Gap to Reeds Gap Shuttle hike. We wanted to add an exploration of the Lovingston Spring Tr.

The plan was to hike 7 miles into the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter set up a base camp and day hike to Spy Rock (a mere 6 miles round trip but with a fair amount of elevation gain.) We started with a steep climb up to Tar Jacket Ridge. We were rewarded by nice views of Pompey Mt and Mount Pleasant, Cold Mountain and the Religious range. You could even see Spy Rock and the Priest in the distance (See left of photo.).

It seemed whenever we crossed a road we ran into cross-country marathon runners. We descended to Salt Log Gap only to climb up to the top of the next ridge with nice views from Eric's Rock. We descended again, crossed some small streams and climbed to our home for the weekend. We had plenty of time to set up camp, collect water and firewood and eat dinner before dark. We had a great fire that night and shared in some refreshments that some of the hikers carried in.

Since the day hike was going to be short we prepared for the trip at our leisure. We started on the Lovingston Spring Trail. At the junction of the woods road that made up the bulk of this blue blazed trail we turned right and followed the unmaintained part to its junction with the AT at Porters Field. There is a nice camping area there. We decided we would look for the nearby Rock Spring on our return. Shortly after crossing Porter Field we began a steep climb up an old rocky haul road to a flat grassy area shaded by trees. We made it! we turned right and walked to the base of Spy Rock. We left our trekking poles behind and began our climb to the top. We were rewarded by a grand 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. We hung around at the top for about an hour eating, taking photos, sunning and taking power naps. (The time change had everybody's biological clocks messed up.) On our way down we unsuccessfully tried to find an easier route. It was not in vain, however, because we found another nice view. This one looked down into a nearby valley.

We returned to Porter Field , searched for and found Rock Spring: a pool of crystal clear water flowing out of the base of a large boulder. We also found a large poly footprint, a brown nylon tarp, a 6-pack of coke, a 6-pack of bottled water, an empty Gatorade bottle, assorted power drinks, a carton of cheese crackers, a 5-pack of Italian Sausage and a 300+ page rain-soaked survival manual. This place was too nice to leave like this. We drained the beverage bottles, used the ground cloth to fashion a bag and carried it all back to camp. We were back at camp by 1:00. Some of us took power naps (That would be me.), others read and snacked and still others collected fire wood and "processed" the trash we collected from Porter Field. We were joined that night by 3 backpackers who were hiking from Petite's Gap (south) to the Tye River (north). We built another huge fire and finished off the invivements. It was then that Chuck got his new trail name: Single Malt. The official bequeathing of the name was done the next morning.

Speaking of which, it drizzled off and on that night and we awoke to a pretty dense fog. As we ate I decided it would be unwise to explore a new trail (with dark blue blazes) in a situation with poor visibility. We packed up our wet tents and began retracing our steps of the first day. By the time we reached Eric's Rock the fog had burned off. The morning went quickly. By 11:00 o'clock we found ourselves hiking across the summit of Tar Jacket Ridge and descending to the Big Purple Goose for the ride home. This was a great way to end my backpacking season.

Saki's Photos and Trip Report

10-25-27-2008: I was joined by Hardcore, Skywalker, Jess, The Mad Hatter, Treebeard-I am, Trlhiker and Waterbug,. After driving through heavy rains and a one hour traffic backup because of an accident we arrived at the trailhead. The plan was to hike in 2.0 to 2.5 miles and set up a base camp at Cow Camp Gap and then do a 12 mile figure 8 day hike combining the Cold Mt Loop and the Mt Pleasant Loop.

About half way there we ran into a large group of teens and adults who were heading to the same shelter. We arrived at about the same time. After a brief discussion we opted to take the large tent site above the shelter. Despite high winds and wet wood Skywalker managed to create nice fires both nights.

The next day we ate breakfast, re-hung the food and set off on our day hike. It began with a long climb up the Hotel trail to the AT and then some switchbacks to the summit of Cold Mountain. Along the way we visited 2 teaser vistas. I let everyone go before me as we broke out onto the highest bald. The views were just as fantastic as last year. We could clearly see Pompey Mt and Mt Pleasant which we would be visiting in a couple of hours.