Appalachian Trail - Maryland Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Appalachian Trail - Maryland Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Travel Guides Near Appalachian Trail - Maryland

Maine Active and Adventure National Scenic and Historic Trail

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Wildflowers near Pennsylvania border on Maryland stretch of Appalachian Trail
Wildflowers growing near the Pennsylvania border on the Maryland's stretch of the AT, part of the famed Maryland Challenge (Nathan Borchelt)
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Appalachian Trail - Maryland Active and Adventure Travel Tips

By Toby Gohn
  • Trail Stats: 40.9 Trail Miles, 6 Hiker Shelters
  • Maryland is considered the easiest hiking section of the Appalachian Trail (AT). So much so that hikers have come up with the “Maryland Challenge,” which is an attempt to hike the entire 40.9-mile state section in one day. Needless to say that’s a massive day for the average hiker, easy terrain or not. But Maryland doesn’t sport many views or significant natural attractions, so ridge walking at a fast pace is a game in and of itself.
  • What this section is lacking in hiking attractions is made up with its historical importance. The AT travels near the location of many important Civil War battles, including the impossibly violent Battle of Antietam, which stands as the bloodiest single day battle in U.S. history. The Mason-Dixon Line at the Pennsylvania border separates north from the south and is commemorated with a small sign. With a little imagination, you can almost sense the legions of soldiers who called these woods home for a few of the most important years in our nation’s history.
  • Though comparatively less grand than the one in D.C., Washington Monument State Park near Boonsboro has the first monument ever dedicated to George Washington: a stone tower just a few stories high. You can climb the stairs and get a view of the valley from the top. Daytime picnic facilities are available.
  • Recommended 2-Day Trip: Though not a lot of views are available, this easy 23-mile route makes for a great one-night getaway. Start at Turners Gap and almost immediately come to Dahlgren Backpack Campground, which is a welcome sight for thru-hikers with its free showers and an open field for camping. Beyond, the trail rides along the ridgeline for much of the journey. On the second day you’ll come to the Weverton Cliffs, where the trail descends steeply to the C&O Canal Towpath. From there is a flat three-mile stroll into Harpers Ferry along the scenic Potomac River and the old barge canal. Directions: U.S. Alt 40 (Turners Gap) near Boonsboro, Maryland, south to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Guidebook: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion (Appalachian Trail Conservancy)
Appalachian Trail: Georgia | North Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia | Maryland | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | New York | Connecticut | Massachusetts | Vermont | New Hampshire | Maine

Active and Adventure Overview: Appalachian Trail

By Toby Gohn
The Appalachian Trail is a multi-state public footpath across 2,175 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridgelines from Maine to Georgia. Roads that cross it for all but its northernmost 100 miles give ready access. The Trail is protected along more than 96 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land itself or by rights-of-way. Read More

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Hotels

Camp Misty Mount

66602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788-1598 Map

Distance: 6.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

William Houck Camping Area

14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, MD 21788 Map

Distance: 5.9 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0

Owens Creek Campground

66602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788-1598 Map

Distance: 6.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Hog Rock-Blue Ridge Summit Loop

expert favorite attraction
Catoctin Mountain Park
66602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, Maryland 21788-1598

Distance: 4.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This is a five-mile loop from the park's main visitor's center that takes in the panoramic views... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Wolf Rock-Chimney Rock Loop

expert favorite attraction
Catoctin Mountain Park
66602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, Maryland 21788-1598

Distance: 4.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The five-mile Wolf Rock-Chimney Rock Loop is a relatively strenuous hike through the park's... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0

Cunningham Falls

expert favorite attraction
Cunningham Falls State Park
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, Maryland 21788

Distance: 5.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Cunningham Falls State Park derives its name from a scenic 78-foot waterfall, which is the largest... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Appalachian Trail - Maryland

Distance (mi.)
Washington Dulles International Airport 52.5 map
Baltimore/Washington International Airport 57.3 map
Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport 64.0 map

Other Smaller Airports near Appalachian Trail - Maryland

Distance (mi.)
Hagerstown Wash. County Regional Airport 12.7 map
Harrisburg International Airport 50.0 map
State College University Park Airport 76.6 map

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