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AT: Annapolis Rock and Black Rock

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Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (59)
  1. Areas
  2. MD
  3. …Central Maryland
  4. South Mountain State Park
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“A well-marked section of the Appalachian Trail AT that has two great views. ”

Chris Kroehler
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Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.9

KM

Out and Back

1,849' 564 m

High

1,226' 374 m

Low

917' 280 m

Up

917' 280 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Parking at the lot on Route 40, this hike takes the AT north up to Annapolis Rocks and then Black Rock. If you only go to Annapolis Rocks it would be a 5 mile out-and-back.

Description

From the parking lot, follow the sign for Appalachian Trail (AT) and head towards Annapolis Rocks. This is a great trail for hiking, fastpacking, or trail running. Depending on your speed this round-trip hike can take you between 2-4 hours. This trail offers a lot to the day hiker or trail runner. It can be very busy with foot traffic during the warm weather months and on weekends. It is especially busy between the starting point at Rt. 40 and Annapolis Rocks Viewpoint Spur. However, in my experience, once you continue past this location on towards Black Rock Veiwpoint Spur there is significantly less foot traffic. Additionally, if you continue to Black Rock Veiwpoint Spur there is a good chance you'll see someone slack lining at this location. Both of these viewpoints are well marked with signs on the trees.

Flora & Fauna

Hiking this trail at different seasons will provide a completely different flora and fauna experience. When I did this trail in August, the forest floor was covered in green ferns vs. later during the same hike in October the ferns had wilted and the ground cover was brown and leafy. Surprisingly, I haven't seen any deer along this path but did see a harmless garter snake right near the entrance at Rt. 70.

Contacts

Land Manager: MD DNR - South Mountain State Park

Shared By:

Chris Kroehler
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 59 votes

#1

in South Mountain State Park

#154

Overall
  4.3 from 59 votes
5 Star
37%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in South Mountain State Park

#1

in Maryland

#154

Overall
184 Views Last Month
61,193 Since Oct 28, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Annapolis Rock/Black Rock Cliffs Hike, MD
Sep 8, 2018 near Myersville, MD
The overlook at Annapolis Rock.
Oct 28, 2015 near Myersville, MD
Annapolis Rocks, Maryland. Hike from Pen Mar to Harper's Ferry.
Oct 28, 2021 near Myersville, MD
I made it to the top of the Annapolis Rock and it was worth it.
Jul 17, 2018 near Myersville, MD
Annapolis Rocks View
Jul 14, 2018 near Myersville, MD
Fall on the Big Red Trail...
Sep 27, 2020 near Cavetown, MD

10 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 52 days ago
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Check-Ins

May 19, 2024
Anthony Malveo
Jan 21, 2024
Amrin Chowdhury
Sep 6, 2022
Zach V
Stayed night at Pogo campground 9mi
Aug 4, 2022
Will Heinle
Just to Annapolis Rock and back 6mi
Dec 24, 2021
Tyler Kilpatrick
Oct 20, 2021
Beata B
Was fun, easy hike — 2h 30m
Oct 16, 2021
Colin Credle
We took our time. I'm not sure how this trail is 8 miles, we went up to Black Rock View as well - seemed more like 5 miles. Easy hike. 5mi — 3h 00m
Aug 3, 2021
Will Heinle
Did section from High Rock to Raven Rock and back earlier today 8mi

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