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AT in Maryland

US 40 to MD 17

Annapolis Rock, Black Rock Cliffs

 

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This is one of the most popular sections of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland.  This 8.4 mile section of the AT features Annapolis Rock, probably one of the most visited spots along the AT in Maryland, with its spectacular westward views.  This section also features the fine views from Black Rock Cliffs as well as the Pine Knob Shelter.

This section begins where the AT goes under the US 40 overpass as the trail briefly follows I-70.  Parking for this popular section is off US 40 and a blue blazed side trail takes hikers from the parking area to the AT just south of where this section starts.  There is parking for about fifty cars and the GPS coordinates are N39 32.130 W77 36.223 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

In about four hundred feet the trail turns right, leaves the busy expressway and begins to ascend.  At 0.4 miles the trail bears right as the blue blazed side trail on the left heads 0.1 miles to the Pine Knob Shelter.  This shelter was built in 1939 and sleeps five.  There is a privy nearby and water is from a spring next to the shelter.

Pine Knob Shelter

At 0.8 miles the trail travels to the west of the summit of Pine Knob.  At 2.1 miles a blue blazed trail on the left heads 0.25 miles to Annapolis Rocks, an overhanging cliff with spectacular views to the west.  There are several primitive campsites in the area.  There are also a couple of privies at this popular destination.

Side trail to Annapolis Rocks

At 3.1 miles several unmarked trails on the left lead about 100 feet to Black Rock Cliffs.  The views from Black Rock Cliffs are probably better than Annapolis Rocks.  If you plan a day hike to Annapolis Rocks, hike the extra mile to check out the view from Black Rock Cliffs.

View from Black Rock Cliffs

At 3.7 miles pass by the Pogo Memorial Campsite, just east of the trail.  At 4.3 miles veer left at fork.  The road on right leads 0.9 miles to Loy Wolfe Road.  At 5.4 miles the trail becomes extremely rocky as the AT follows a sharp and eroded crest of South Mountain.

At 6.1 miles there is a nice view eastward on your right.  At 6.4 miles the trail follows an old road again.  There was once an old sawmill in this area when the area was logged in the 1930s.  At 7.2 miles begin the first descent off the eastern slope of South Mountain. 

Approaching Annapolis Rocks

At 8.0 miles begin a steeper descent toward Maryland 17, reaching the road at 8.4 miles and the end of this section. You'll find some parking along the shoulder of MD 17 and more parking nearby. Look above and purchase the GPS Tracks for the AT in Maryland to use for your hand held gps devise or use the tracks to create your own maps!  For only $1.97 it's a great way to help plan your hike along the AT in Maryland.

 

Appalachian Trail Hiking Guide - Maryland
ONLY $5.00
Hiking guide with descriptions and maps for the Appalachian Trail as it travels in Maryland. The guide is broken down by 5 sections of the AT. The book comes to you delivered as a pdf file via email. Use the buy now button and we will send you the file via email usually within 24 hours of receiving payment.

Appalachian Trail in Maryland
US 40 to MD 17
ONLY $1.50
Hiking guide with descriptions and maps for just this section of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. The guide comes to you delivered as a pdf file via email. Use the buy now button below and we will send you the file via email usually within 24 hours of receiving payment. Happy Hiking!
Appalachian Trail GPS Tracks for Maryland

Get the complete GPS Tracks for the AT in Maryland for ONLY $1.97!  This .gpx file includes waypoints for all trail shelters along the trail in Maryland and many of the official AT parking areas.  Use the BUY NOW button below and we'll send you the file via e-mail!  Great for creating your own maps or for keeping you on the trail! Happy Hiking!

Below are some books/maps we recommend to anyone who is looking for more information about the Appalachian Trail in Maryland:

 Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia

 Appalachian Trail Conservancy Map: Maryland

 Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States - Maryland PA NJ NY

 50 Amazing Things You Must See and Do in the Greater D.C. Area: The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Guide

 The Blue Hills of Maryland: History Along the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain and the Catoctins

 AMC's Best Day Hikes near Washington, D.C.: Four-season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails in Maryland, Virginia, and the Nation's Capital

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