--- THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL ---

From Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail transverses 2,174 miles of mountains. It is a designated National Scenic Trail. Forty-one of those miles are in Maryland following the north-south ridgeline of South Mountain. You can backpack overnight or take day trips. It is strictly a footpath, and bikes are not invited.

Maryland’s section of the Trail is considered easier with an elevation change of 1,650 feet between the low point at the Potomac and the high point at High Rock near the Pennsylvania border. It is not an easy trail with the challenges of navigating rocks and steep climbs. But, the exertion brings you to the beauty of the woods and the opportunity to get away from it all.

For a backpacking trip, the trail can be done in 4 or 5 days. Trail shelters are clearly marked , spaced approximately a day’s hike apart, and have potable water and non-flush toilets.

Two popular hikes start from the parking lot on Route 40. South leads to Washington Monument (3 mile trip) with both easterly and westerly views. In the spring and fall, the monument is a popular location to watch raptor migration (birds of prey, such as hawks). North takes you to Annapolis Rock, a cliff with an excellent view and a popular rock climbing location (2.2 mile trip). Continue another mile to Black Rock with a wide westerly view.

A third popular hike is Weverton Cliffs for a grand view of the Potomac River. Start south at Gathland State Park (Md 67), the site of the Civil War Corespondents’ Arch (6 mile trip). Or hike up the cliffs from Weaverton Road (North on US 340 from the Potomac to Md 67).

The most Northern section is less populated giving a nice backwoods feeling. Take Md 491 (northeast of Hagerstown) to the trail crossing (end of a guardrail), and head north. Hike up to the Raven Rock Cliff for a peak of a westerly view. This is a rock climbing/bouldering area. Continue for approximately 2 miles along the fairly level ridgeline to High Rock with its great overlook. High Rock is a designated area for hang gliding. Continue to the Pennsylvania border to Penn Mar County Park (Md. Rt. 491) for a fine vista, play ground, etc.

The Potomac Appalachian Trial Club publishes great maps (Maps 5 & 6) and the Appalachian Trail Guide of Maryland Northern Region.

Contact: South Mountain Recreation Area (301) 791-4767. Potomac Appalachian Trial Club, www.patc.net, and Appalachian Trial Conference, www.appalachiantrail.org