Leader: Stephanie Mason Spring rains, warming temperatures, and longer hours of daylight ignite a great burst of life in the valleys and ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the best ways to explore this seasonal richness is on a hike along the renowned Appalachian Trail. Join a naturalist to search for spring blooms, butterflies, and breeding bird activity amongst the rocky terrain of Maryland’s South Mountain. Starting at Gathland State Park near Frederick, Md, our group will hike along the AT for around 1.5 to 2 miles before turning around and retracing our steps. The AT here is rocky and uneven–and there will be some moderately strenuous uphill/downhill. We’ll stop often to observe natural phenomena, but will then pick up the pace to try and cover the distance stated.