For north bound hikers this is the final section of the
Appalachian Trail in Maryland. This section features the views from Raven
Rock, High Rock and Pen Mar County Park. This section also features a
boulder field known as the Devil's Racecourse. There are two shelters
available during this 10.1 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. This
section takes the AT over the Mason - Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania.
This section begins as the trail crosses MD 17 and at 0.2
miles the blue blazed side trail on the left leads to the Ensign Cowall Shelter.
This shelter, built in 1999, sleeps eight with a privy nearby. At 0.3
miles the AT turns left and briefly follows a private driveway. At 0.4
miles pass between two garages and follow old road into woods.
At 0.5 miles cross a power line clearing, then bear left and
follow the far edge of the clearing. At 0.8 miles the AT bears right away
from the power lines. At 1.4 miles the trail bears left and follows the
edge of an open field. The trail reenters the woods and at 1.8 miles
crosses MD 77. The trail travels across a field before entering the woods.
Traveling through a field north of MD 77
At 3.4 miles cross Warner Gap Road. There is very
limited parking at this trail crossing. At 4.3 miles the trail crosses MD
491. There is some room for cars to park on the shoulder of MD 491 near
where the trail crosses the road. From here the AT ascends steeply toward
Ravens Rock.
At 4.5 miles a side trail leads 100 feet to a view from Raven
Rock Cliff. At 5.3 miles reach a blue blazed side trail that descends 0.3
miles to Devil's Racecourse Shelter. This shelter was built in the 1950's
and sleeps seven with a privy located nearby. An interesting boulder field
called the Devil's Racecourse is located 0.1 miles from the shelter along an
unmarked trail.
Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Back on the main AT, reach the highest point along the AT in
Maryland at 1905 feet at 6.2 miles. At 6.9 miles the main trail turns left
as blue blazed High Rock Loop Trail leads 0.1 mile to High Rock. High Rock
has a spectacular view as well as a parking area for about 15 cars. The
GPS coordinates are N39 41.694 W77 31.404 for those who have a GPS devise in
their vehicle.
AT hikers have a choice --> View or no view
View from High Rock
At 7.0 miles the High Rock Loop Trail comes back to the AT on
the right. The Appalachian Trail descends steeply, losing over 400 feet in
elevation in a half mile as the trail travels over steep rock fields. At
7.5 miles the trail passes in between two boulders and the trail becomes very
rocky as well as hard to follow. Watch the white blazes closely!
The trail will cross three unused forest roads. Each of
the roads lead toward High Rock Road on the right. The trail follows an
old railroad grade into Pen Mar County Park. At 9.8 miles enter the grassy
area of the county park. At 10.0 miles turn left off old grade, following
railroad maintenance road and cross active railroad tracks.
The Appalachian Trail at Pen Mar County Park
Soon after the track crossing the Appalachian Trail enters the
state of Pennsylvania and crosses the Mason - Dixon Line. At 10.1 miles
reach PA 550 and the end of this section. For north bound thru hikers, you
have now entered 'Rocksylvania', where hiking boots go to die...
Welcome to Pennsylvania on the Appalachian
Trail
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.
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
