Appalachian Trail State Profile: Maryland

There’s a reason Maryland is one of the most popular states among Appalachian Trail section hikers. It’s just 40 miles in length, making it ideal for weekend warriors; the terrain isn’t crushing; and it’s conveniently close to bustling Washington, D.C.

For thru-hikers, meanwhile, the Maryland Appalachian Trail is something of a calm before the rock-strewn shit storm known as Pennsylvania. With the symbolic halfway point (Harpers Ferry) in the rearview and the actual halfway point fast approaching, it’s a time for many to reflect and take stock of their hikes. It’s also a chance for NOBOs to see some new faces as flip-floppers get their start from Harpers Ferry.

Featuring several state parks and a number of killer views, thru-hikers and weekend warriors alike will love this fun-sized section.

Terrain and Considerations

A few rough patches and steep climbs notwithstanding, the terrain of the Maryland Appalachian Trail is mostly rolling and gentle. Most seasoned hikers make good time in the Old Line State, while it makes a great proving ground for newer backpackers just cutting their teeth.

Tenting in Maryland is only allowed at official campsites and shelters.

Highlights

Miles 1025.8-1028.4: C&O Canal Trail

This historic canal towpath has been converted to a crushed stone hiking and biking trail. The full trail runs 185 miles from D.C. to Cumberland, MD (where it meets the Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail that continues on to Pittsburgh) and is popular with bikepackers. AT hikers get to sample the C&O’s charms for 2.5 all-too-brief miles when the two trails merge just north of Harpers Ferry.

Be sure to look out for ripe pawpaw fruit alongside the towpath if you’re hiking in September or early October. Seriously. If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting pawpaw before, you really should: it’s like an epic cross between a mango and a banana.

Your lungs and quads can rest easy in this section, because the towpath boasts a pleasantly flat profile. That said, bear in mind that miles of stomping on hard-packed stone can still fatigue your joints.

Mile 1029.7: Weverton Cliffs

image via Scott Edwards

After a robust mile-long climb up from the canal towpath, you’ll come to a short spur trail to Weverton Cliffs. The cliffs are popular with day hikers, and it’s easy to understand why. From a broad rock shelf (ideal lunch/snack/nap spot, by the way) you’ll get a stunning view of the river valley below. If you have good timing, you might even see a train chugging along the tracks down by the river. This and Annapolis Rocks (see below) are easily the best views on the entire Maryland Appalachian Trail.

Mile 1035.5: Gathland State Park and War Correspondents Monument

Gathland State Park is home to the War Correspondents Memorial, which is dedicated to journalists killed during war. It was built by Civil War correspondent George Alfred Townsend in 1896 and dedicated by him to fellow journalists killed during war. Also on site is the ruin of an unused mausoleum built for Townsend.

Mile 1042.7: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

Dahlgren Backpack Campground is… kind of just a cinder block building in the middle of a field of grass? But it’s significant to hikers because that cinder block building houses a bathroom with shower stalls—including hot water. There is no fee to use this facility.

Mile 1044.6: Washington Monument State Park

Everyone knows about THE Washington Monument, but did you know about the other Washington Monument in Maryland? Finished in 1827, this monument was actually completed decades earlier than the famous one in D.C., which was built in 1855. There’s a lookout platform atop the monument that affords a 360-degree view, and there’s interesting signage along the trail detailing the timeline of Washington’s life.

Mile 1050: Annapolis Rocks

Not only is the view from Annapolis Rocks absolutely gorgeous, but it also gets bonus points because there’s a jutting outcrop that almost looks like a mini McAfee Knob. Major sunset potential here.

Mile 1066.1: Penn Mar Park

Penn Mar… Pennsylvania-Maryland… get it? Penn Mar Park is just a quarter-mile south of the state boundary. It’s a great place to use the bathroom, fill your water and wash up if you’re not going into Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. The park boasts a beautiful west-facing view that makes for epic sunsets, too.

Mile 1066.4: Mason Dixon Line

Just north of Penn Mar Park, you’ll cross the Mason Dixon Line. Another state checked off the list, and also one of the most historically significant geographic borders in the United States.

Maryland Dispatches

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All mileages taken from The 2019 AT Northbound Guide, by David “AWOL” Miller

Feature image via Scott Edwards

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Comments 1

  • Todd : Sep 6th

    FYI. The C&O canal does not go to Pittsburgh.

    Reply

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