Welcome to

Maryland

A.T. hikers in Maryland will be delighted with the state’s pastoral views and wooded, gentle ridges. Since Maryland has relatively little elevation gain and loss, good access to roads and towns, and generally smooth terrain, its to the is a good place to find out if you’re ready for more rugged parts of the Trail.

There are many good access points for day-hikes to overlooks, with a string of state and county parks along the length of the A.T. in Maryland offering parking and various amenities. The southernmost three miles follow the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath along the Potomac River–the flattest three miles of the entire A.T. The whole state can be hiked in three to five days.

40.9 MILES
A.T. Miles in State
230′-1880′
Elevation Range in Feet
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Cool to know

The Appalachian Trail in Maryland passes several historic sites, offers some of the Trail’s gentlest terrain, and features several lovely vistas. Only about 41 miles from top to bottom, the A.T. is this state is home to the original Washington Monument and the only war correspondents monument in the United States. The Trail passes by several historic Civil War battlefields as it winds along the crest of South Mountain.

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Need to know

Camping is allowed only in designated overnight sites in Maryland to protect the surrounding forest from the high use this section of the Trail sees each year. The best times for hiking in Maryland are mid-April through mid-May (Memorial Day weekend is usually crowded) or late September through early November. Summer heat and humidity can occasionally be oppressive.

Learn more about camping, campfire, and food storage regulations along the A.T. on our Camping page.

 

Maryland Image Gallery

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chesapeakeandohiocanalmd-by-lauriepotteiger
wevertoncliffsmd-by-mikeleonard
pineknobsheltermd-by-annebaker
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Get Involved

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

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.

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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.