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Appalachian Trail to Annapolis Rock


Highlights:

Nice wooded trail hike to some wonderful rock formations and scenic views.
Near:Boonsboro, MD
Scenery:
Distance:4.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:875 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: For most any hiker in the East the Appalachian Trail has a curious draw. We day dream of busting loose from the demands of work and our suburban existence, throwing the necessities of life onto our backs, and completing the arduous thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. Most of us, however, will have to satisfy such desires with just the occasional taste of the trail. This hike to Annapolis Rock is great way to do just that and it's a good, challening, hike for my 8 yr. old!

The trail begins with a nice climb, getting most of the elevation gain out of the way while still fresh. The tree cover provides plenty of relief from the warm summer sun as the trail levels off and you start cooling down.

About 2.2 miles in (~39.55926 N, 77.59532 W) a blue blazed trail will diverge from the A.T., heading east for just a short (<.2 miles) distance to Annapolis Rock, where you will experience some breathtaking views and great opportunities for rock scrambling with the kids!

Trailhead: The trailhead is located off of Route 40, just East of Greenbrier State Park. The parking area is located on the south side of Route 40 (left side heading west, right side heading east). The only real good identifying sign is a Smokey Bear fire condition sign across from the parking area. From the parking lot, head to the West side of the lot where you will find a trail sign. Follow the blue blazes a short distance until you meet with the Appalachian Trail (A.T) near the Route 70 overpass. Turn right (North) onto the A.T. and proceed. (Lat:39.53549 Lon:-77.60353)
Trail Guides for Appalachian Trail to Annapolis Rock:
Appalachian Trail Guide Set #6
by PATC (PATC)

MD DNR: Appalachian Trail
by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). 703-242-0693
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Talbert, who has posted  20 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by DAB on 10/30/2009
Hiked this many times, very nice for the family...Recently My GF and I hiked from High Rock to Annapolis Rock, It was a bit longer than we anticipated, but we finished up ok.

Reviewed by Duncan on 4/24/2009
We hiked this with our girls ages 5 and 7. We hike quite a bit so they're used to it. Having said that, it was pushing the limit for our youngest but she found her second wind and did great. It was a "severe clear" day and we forgot the sunscreen for the girls! We spent a couple of hours just climbing. The kids LOVED it. We will do this trek again.

Reviewed by Rawbin on 2/14/2009
We used to come up here every year with the explorer scouts. We'd hike, camp, rappel off the cliffs. Later I brought my husband. Later still I brought my kids. Would like to get up there again, but haven't in a few years.

Reviewed by KennyB on 1/21/2009
I grew up in boyscouts going to annapolis rock multiple times a year and I still get out there a few times a year. It just s beautiful tranquil weekend getaway for people from Baltimore. If you have enough steam in the engine hike the extra mile to black rock for spectacular views. I actually got my hair tangled up in my 8 ring when I was ropelling there when I was 12. Someone had to ropell down next to me on another rope and cut me out!!! Ahh memories!!!

Reviewed by KHF on 9/30/2008
I expect this to be a great sunset hike this weekend. I'm just glad that I looked at the topo map, to see that the rock is west of the AP not east as stated in the text.

Reviewed by William on 6/10/2008
nice walk through woods, graet scenery

Reviewed by cfg on 4/11/2008
this has awesome view, plus a natural spring thats good to drink!!! camp gound right next to rock formations too!!! :-)

Reviewed by Al on 3/5/2008
About an hour hike (one way), moderate difficulty, friendly college students repelling at the rocks, bring your dog, can hike down to the bottom of the rock/ cliff


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Washington County Hiking, Washington County Trails, Washington County Hikes

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