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A pleasant section of the AT with several great views, scenic stream crossings, and historic sites.


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Map Key

9.8

Miles

15.7

KM

86%

Runnable

1,909' 582 m

High

1,070' 326 m

Low

1,795' 547 m

Up

1,965' 599 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

50%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The northern quarter of the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail (AT). From the north, the trail initially follows an old railroad grade and passes through Pen Mar Park which features a nice western view of the Hagerstown Valley. Past the park, the trail leaves the old grade onto footpath and ascends the northern slope of Quirauk Mountain, where a side trail leads to the High Rock overlook with even better western views.

The trail then proceeds south along the ridgeline of South Mountain before passing by Raven Rock Shelter and then descending steeply to Raven Rock Cliffs with a fine view above a deep hollow. Past the view, the trail continues to descend to crossing of MD-491. On the far side of the crossing, the trail parallels a scenic creek, crossing it near a small cascade then ascends across the bench of a small knob before descending into another hollow.

The Trail crosses a dirt road then passes through an area full of old rock walls, ascending the mountain to crossing of MD-77. South of the crossing, the trail passes through some woods and then enters a field with good views of South Mountain highlands before descending to Wolfsville Trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke AT

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#4251

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#38

in Maryland

#4,251

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48 Views Last Month
4,853 Since Jul 1, 2015
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Photos

Raven Rock Overlook looking west.
Jul 5, 2022 near Smithsburg, MD
Appalachian Trail, Maryland Section
Oct 29, 2021 near Smithsburg, MD
View west from Raven Rock overlook
Jul 27, 2015 near Smithsburg, MD
View west from Pen Mar Park
Jul 27, 2015 near Highfie…, MD
Northerly view of South Mountain highlands
Jul 27, 2015 near Cavetown, MD

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 41 days ago
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Sep 29, 2018
Nate Lee
19.7mi
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