This five mile section of the Appalachian Trail features the
first monument built dedicated to George Washington. This rather
impressive monument was built in 1827. When open, the observation deck on
top of the monument offers fine views of the surrounding countryside. The
AT crosses I-70 during this section on a footbridge over the highway.
The section begins as the trail crosses Alternate US 40 near
the
Old South Mountain
Inn. The trail travels by the Dahlgren Chapel on your right.
The trail climbs steadily as you leave Turner Gap. At 1.5 miles cross
Monument Road. At 1.7 miles reach Washington Monument Road. There is
a small parking area nearby that holds about 10 cars. The GPS coordinates
are N39 29.886 W77 37.238 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.
Dahlgren Chapel
At 1.8 miles reach the main parking area for the Washington
Monument. This parking area holds about forty cars and the GPS coordinates
are N39 29.934 W77 37.408 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.
At 2.0 miles bear right off paved path. For those who want to visit the
monument, continue on the paved path.
Washington Monument along the AT
At 2.3 miles pass under power lines. At 4.1 miles cross
Boonsboro Mountain Road. There is parking available for about three cars
at this trail crossing. The GPS coordinates are N39 31.664 W77 36.763 for
those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle. The trail ascends to the
1415 foot summit of Bartman Hill.
The trail crosses Boonsboro Mountain Road along a tree lined
easement between two homes at 4.8 miles. The trail crosses I-70 on a
footbridge over the busy highway. A blue blazed trail after crosses the
highway, leads 0.2 miles to a large parking area on US 40. This parking
area holds about fifty cars and is very popular because of Annapolis Rock (see
next section). The GPS coordinates are N39 32.130 W77 36.223 for those who
have a GPS devise in their vehicle. The main AT reaches the overpass for US 40 at 5.0
miles and travels under the bridge next to I-70.
Appalachian Trail footbridge over I-70
This marks the end of this section of 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
