This is very challenging hike due to distance and rocky terrain.  We will begin at Fort Franklin Rd at 9 am and travel south on the AT until we reach Hawk Mountain Rd, passing by the Allentown Shelter, Tricounty Corner, Balanced Rocks, and Dan's Pulpit along our way.  There are some smaller ups and downs followed by a long downhill stretch after Dan's Pulpit.  The overall elevation gain is just over 1000' and descent is around 1700'.  There will be some significant uneven and rocky sections that need to be traversed.  Footwear with good traction and trekking poles/hiking stick recommended.  Bring plenty of water (2+ L), electrolytes, snacks/lunch, bug spray because ticks are still out.  Blaze orange hat/clothing is required as archery season is underway.  This is a shuttle hike so we will have a few vehicles pre-positioned at our endpoint to get us back to Fort Franklin Road parking afterward.  My goal is to complete the hike by 2:30 pm and have us back to our cars by 3:00, but that will ultimately depend upon speed of the group.

**Please sign up for this hike either via meetup or by texting Heidi at 703-402-1057 as a head count is needed for shuttling purposes.  Additionally, if you are able to meet me early at the Hawk Mountain Road intersection and help with shuttling please let me know.