Brunswick, Md.

The small city of Brunswick, MD is situated in southwest Maryland next to Virginia and West Virginia. The Appalachian Trail runs across the mountaintop to cross the Potomac River into Harpers Ferry, WV. The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) lies adjacent to the city. Just three miles from Brunswick heading west it diverges with the Appalachian Trail at Weverton.

Brunswick started out in the early 1700s as a small mountain trading post of approximately 200 residents along the Potomac River. In 1838, the C&O Canal reached the town serving as the leading mode of freight and goods transportation to the region and areas west of town until extension of the railroad made its way to the city. The town also provided support during the Civil War to both Union and Confederate forces.¹

Due to the strategic location and availability of affordable—and tax-free—land along the river, the B&O Railroad constructed a railyard at the foot of the bank. The railyard opened in 1890, the same year that the City of Brunswick was incorporated. With maintenance depots as well as coal resupply and freight reclassification capabilities, the railroad quickly outpaced the canal and took precedence. Ever since, the City of Brunswick has continued to grow rapidly, strongly identifying as a railroad town. By 1910, the population had grown to approximately 5,000 accompanied by infrastructure, schools, churches, and other civic establishments. By 1960, the diesel engine replaced the steam engine, reducing maintenance and fuel requirements while also extending the distance traveled between stops. Thus, the railyard at Brunswick began scaling back operations and relocated the major depot to Cumberland, MD.²

Even though the railroad boom subsided, the city continues to identify strongly as a railroad town; however, it is the C&O Canal Towpath that serves as the present-day trail connection to places near and far.

Today, all of Potomac Street (East and West) and the first few blocks north of this are within the City of Brunswick Historic District. Buildings and structures here display architectural signs of the city’s period of significance beginning in the 1950s. The core of the downtown area falls within the City’s Conservation District—where specific design guidelines ensure that architectural design preserves the historical aesthetics of Brunswick. It is this historic charm that appeals to residents and visitors alike.

VISIT LOCAL TRAIL BUSINESSES

Plan Your Visit

Brunswick has much to offer the wide range of visitors, no matter how you arrive or depart—by foot, bike, boat or float, or vehicle.

Activities abound! Visitors can hike, bike, canoe on the Potomac, shop, and play or picnic at our parks! Be sure to visit the Brunswick Heritage Museum and learn about the city’s culturally-rich history. Bring your bike—the C&O Canal Towpath offers a leisurely long ride or head to River’s Edge Trails with your mountain bike for a rush of a ride!

Traditional shopping amenities, conveniences, and services are located uphill at Brunswick Marketplace and the Brunswick Shopping Center. The old town’s main street shopping experience and conveniences are found in our downtown just down the hill.

Lodging options include the Brunswick Family Campground, two hotels, and several B&Bs.

Restaurants offer a place to sit and dine or carryout. Grab a cup of freshly brewed cup of coffee on your way out in the morning, then wind down at the local brewery in the evening.

There is plenty of parking in town. Park once at the MARC Train lot and see the city by foot or bike. Most of what the city has to offer is just steps apart.

Hiking Recommendations

From long distance or day hike options, from easy to challenging, from flat to rocky—Brunswick has access to a trailhead that will suit your hike plan.

Along the A.T., Weverton Cliffs is a popular viewpoint overlooking the Potomac River south into Virginia.

View Hiking Options

Annual Events

Railroad Days

Hosted annually in October, the two-day festival celebrates not only Brunswick’s rich history but also the incredible talent of the town’s local performers, artists, and artisans. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, food, model train displays, kids activities and more! Join us for a weekend of entertainment, camaraderie, and celebration as we come together to showcase the best of Brunswick, Maryland.

Spring Festival

This beloved community event held annually in May draws hundreds of attendees eager to explore unique products, savor delicious food, and connect with local businesses and artisans.

Flip Flop Kickoff

While the main Flip Flop Kickoff event is held in Harpers Ferry, just a few minutes down the road in Brunswick, hikers can join in on even more hiker fun in town.

Get Involved

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) has enhanced the mid-Atlantic outdoor experience since 1927, including 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The PATC maintains trails, shelters and cabins, and they make maps and guidebooks for outdoor adventurers. Learn more and become a member today at patc.net.

Mountain Club Of Maryland

The oldest hiking club in Maryland (since 1934) and the premier hiking group in the state. We are a Baltimore-based volunteer organization that is centered on hiking. We support Leave No Trace principles, work on local trails and on the nation’s first National Scenic Trail, the Appalachian Trail. We organize and lead hikes and other outdoor activities, such as camping, seasonal canoe trips and backpacking weekends. We offer seasonal canoe trips and backpacking ventures. We have a year-round schedule with hikes in local parks and paths, in State Parks, National Parks, National Forests, and sites in and around Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware. Learn more and become a member today at mcomd.org.

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor centers and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.

¹ National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form, US Department of the Interior, National Park Service (1974)
² Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce, Sue Mayne (2018)