McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 10/13/2024 | AT Mile 1173.9 | Day Total: 44.1 miles | Gain: 7305 ft

Today’s the day of the 4 state challenge! I will be attempting to hike 44.1 miles crossing into four states (Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia)

My alarm went off at 2:30am this morning. I didn’t sleep great last night. I keep turning and throwing my quilt off me because I’m sweating. The temperature didn’t dip down much last night. I was packed up and hiking at 2:55am after getting a picture next to the Mason-Dixon Line.

I walked up the trail for a second time (first yesterday evening) to Pen Mar Park. The view I had yesterday is now filled with city lights.

I saw a ton, like 100’s of deer this morning. Sometimes half a dozen sets white eyes lift up from the leaves on either side of the trail. It was a little freaky at first but I eventually got used to them.

The climb up to High Rocks Ledges was rocky, steep and sweaty. It’s not as cold as I would have liked, today’s one of the hottest days of the past week or two. The high is going to be 78.

Once I was past High Rocks Ledges I saw what I thought was a deer. I’ve been saying “Hey Deer” to all the ones I see but this time the deer replied “hey”. Turned out to be a person and they had their dim headlamp on in their tent. I was surprised to see someone up this early.

I was coming down into Raven Rock Road and saw one set of deer eyes. Then about 20 yards away another set, but these eyes were green… I turned my headlamp on high and it was a bobcat! Kinda scary… I was able to get a picture… The bobcat was patiently sitting on a log. I’m just glad it was tracking the deer and not me.

I walked over a hill and down to Warner Gap Hollow where I plan on filtering water. I frequently checked behind me to see if the bobcat was following. Thankfully nothing.

I walked through some large grass fields right as the sun was beginning to rise. It was beautiful!

I took a short break at Ensign Cowall Shelter. I’ve been listening to Billy Joel the whole morning. It’s playing out loud on my phone to give me peace of mind. The idea is that it will make any animal aware of presence and run off. But now that it’s light out I’m switching over to an audio book and headphone.

I got back up onto the ridge and had again some beautiful scenes of the sun!

Made it to Black Rock Cliffs just before the day hiker crowd showed up. This was one of the best views of the day.

I passed a TON of day hikers on their way to the cliffs. They were evenly spaced out so every minute I was passing another group. I’m just glad I got there before the crowd. The hiker crowd didn’t die down until I made it to interstate 70.

Shortly after I walked by the original Washington Monument. Lots of visitors here.

I ate lunch at Dahlgren Backpack Campground. They have running water, restrooms and picnic tables here. It would make a great place to camp but I’ve got bigger plans…

After lunch I passed a good view to the west. Maryland seems to be a popular place to hike because there’s been 100s of day hikers.

I walked through Gathland state park. There were a few ruins that I passed but more notably the 19th century estate.

Just before heading down to the canal into Harpers Ferry I passed the side trail to Wevertom Cliffs. I didn’t make the side trip because it’s a quarter mile and a crowd of people were making their way up and down the mountain. I can only imagine how overcrowded the view is.

The easier part of the day was the near 4 mile walk along the Potomac River. It was clear of rocks, roots and completely flat!

I eventually made it into the Heart of Harper’s Ferry. There’s a train tunnel right before that I thought was pretty cool. It’s even got “Harpers Ferry” on the top.

Lots of people walking around town. It’s very pretty and all the buildings have cool architecture. I loaded up on water for the night at a spigot behind John Browns Fort. My backpack just gained like 7 lbs.

The ATC center closed over an hour ago so I hope to visit it tomorrow. I’ve got just 4ish miles until I’m done! Just got a 1000ft climb! I crossed the Shenandoah river just before making my way up. There are a bunch of spotted lantern flies on the bridge and trees in this area. They appear to leave a black residue on the trees.

It was starting to get dark again. I began hiking in the dark and will be ending in the dark! The climb went by pretty fast. Once I was at the top it was as just minutes before I saw the border sign on the backside of a tree about 8ft up! 4 states, 17 hours and 44.1 miles – checked that box off!

Kill Bill had his tent pitch and the light on in it which made it easy for me to see where the stealth campsite was. I made my way over and setup camp.

I feel surprising good after such a long day. The bottoms of my feet are sore but otherwise I have no aches or pains. I even had enough energy to cook a hot meal and do half of today’s journal. I imagined that I would be stumbling into camp but I feel pretty good considering.