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A challenging tour of some popular vistas in the East Side Trails from the non-winter parking at Blue Ridge Summit Vista


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Map Key

5.0

Miles

8.1

KM

86%

Runnable

1,596' 486 m

High

1,307' 398 m

Low

938' 286 m

Up

944' 288 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

Overview

For runners looking to get a rewarding workout away from the crowds, this lollipop-style route connects three different trails to access three vista points from a less popular, seasonal parking area. Due to its increased difficulty, you won't find as many trail users but don't expect to be alone.

Need to Know

The Hog Rock/Blue Ridge Summit Vista and Thurmont Vista parking areas are closed during the winter months (mid-November - early March).

Runner Notes

Challenging but scenic area to run that can be fairly busy with other trail users.

Description

From the Blue Ridge Summit Vista parking area, head north for a couple hundred feet on the Blue Ridge Summit Trail to the first viewpoint. Given its close proximity to the road, you may find a number of other folks in this area. From the vista point, continue the descent as the trail bends to the east, following the yellow blazes.

At the bottom of the descent, just under one mile from the start, turn left (east) onto the Thurmont Vista Trail. Soon, you'll arrive at Thurmont Vista, the second of three vista points on this run.

Continue south along the pink/purple blazes toward the Wolf Rock / Chimney Rock Trail and turn left onto the Wolf Rock / Chimney Rock Trail for a hundred yards to the Wolf Rock outcrop and vista, which is actually below the intersection but it's a neat rock formation to explore.

From Wolf Rock, retrace your steps to the Thurmont Vista Trail, except this time, stay left on the Wolf Rock / Chimney Rock Trail and climb toward the park road and the Blue Ridge Summit Trail, which gradually ascends to the north and the Blue Ridge Summit Vista parking area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#3309

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#24

in Maryland

#3,309

Overall
34 Views Last Month
1,425 Since Nov 5, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
33%
0%
67%
0%

Photos

Chimney Rock.
Nov 15, 2016 near Thurmont, MD
Chimney Rock.
Nov 15, 2016 near Thurmont, MD
Signage at intersection with Thurmont Vista Trail.
Nov 15, 2016 near Thurmont, MD
Wolf Rock structure.
Jul 29, 2019 near Thurmont, MD
Quartzite that composes the Wolf Rock formation.
Jul 29, 2019 near Thurmont, MD
This is Where I Ran Into My Friend
Nov 5, 2019 near Thurmont, MD

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 89 days ago
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