Turners Gap to Monument Knob

Boonsboro, MD

We parked along the side of Old National Pike, some of us in the tiny historic church parking lot and others across the road in the Old South Mountain Inn lot, which has many spaces designated for hikers. We found the white blaze of the Appalachian Trail as it meandered through a meadow, and enjoyed lovely shade for remainder the hike as we crossed South Mountain Battlefield land and into Washington Monument State Park. This section of the AT was well maintained and had only gentle elevation gain. It was 2 miles from the parking lot to Monument Knob; we made it an out and back hike after spending some time at the overlook tower.

We snacked on some wine berries and were surprised to see fruiting Mayapples along the ridge line.

We saw quite a few youngsters as well—juvenile Copperhead, late stage nymph Spotted Lanternfly (boo) and two fawns!