Annapolis Rock: Hike to Big Views Across the Cumberland Valley in Western Maryland
Annapolis Rock ranks among the most popular hikes in Maryland. On AllTrails, this hike is the most popular day hike with more than 2,800 mostly glowing reviews.
The moderate Annapolis Rock hike guides hikers almost entirely along a northbound stretch of the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. It’s a shaded hike on a wide trail.
I completed this 5.3-mile hike at South Mountain State Park in Boonsboro last weekend. I got an early start and was glad I did (if only to nab a parking space).
The views across the Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier Lake are spectacular. This is a fairly easy hike that rewards with vistas and leaves you with a smile.
Trail Stats | |
---|---|
Length | 5.3 miles |
Difficulty | Easy |
Trail Type | Out-and-Back |
Elevation Gain | 784 feet |
Duration | 3-4 hours |
Terrain | Dirt & rock trails |
Dog-Friendly | Yes |
Cell Service | Reliable |
Fee | Free |
Driving Directions | Click Here |
Annapolis Rock Parking
There’s a lot of parking at the Annapolis Rock trailhead – at least three dozen spaces – but spaces can get snapped up very quickly.
I arrived for my hike last Sunday at 8 am. There were already a dozen cars, maybe more, in the Annapolis Rock trail parking area alongside U.S. Route 40.
There are three day hikes with starting points at this parking area, including Annapolis Rock, Weverton Cliffs (12 miles) and Washington Monument (6 miles).
When you arrive, walk to the top of the parking area (the far west side) and you will reach a “Welcome to the Appalachian Trail” trail kiosk to get you on your way.
Annapolis Rock Trail
Take a few moments at the trail kiosk to read up on hiking the AT, including the 41-mile stretch that cuts across Maryland, as well as frequently asked questions.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of AT knowledge, walk past the trail sign on a blue-blazed spur trail. This segment is short. In just .1-miles, you will reach the Appalachian Trail.
When you do, you will see a brown trail sign. Turn right (north) for Annapolis Rocks or walk straight ahead (south) for Washington Monument.
The sign lists the distance to Annapolis Rocks as 2.2 miles, but that’s the distance only on the Appalachian Trail from the trail sign to the spur trail that leads to Annapolis Rock.
The distance from the trail kiosk to Annapolis Rock is more like 2.5 miles. It’s a great hike though and you’ll hardly notice the extra .3-miles.
Once you turn right for Annapolis Rock, you will walk alongside I-70, then walk under U.S. 40. To be honest, it can get quite loud with cars and trucks motoring along the busy roads.
At the .2-mile mark, you will experience a bit of relief as you turn right and walk up the steps into the forest at South Mountain State Park.
The sounds of the cars slowly begin to dissipate as you approach a second trail kiosk at the .3-mile mark. It’s essentially the same sign, just .3-miles further up the hiking trail.
The Appalachian Trail
From here, you’ll ascend along a wide, shady stretch of Appalachian Trail. I’ve hiked many stretches of the AT and I count this section among my favorites.
At the .5-mile mark, you will reach a spur trail that leads off to the left to the Pine Knob Shelter. Stay right to continue on to Annapolis Rock.
It’s a steep, but manageable ascent up the South Mountain ridge to the connector trail to Annapolis Rock. There are steps built into the trail, so keep this in mind as you proceed.
Ferns on both sides of the trail welcome you as you approach the blue-blazed spur trail at the 2.3-mile mark. Turn left here for a short walk to the rocky overlook.
Along the way, you will pass a campsite for the caretaker (aka ridgerunner) who meets, greets and guides hikers tackling the Appalachian Trail.
You’ll then see narrow trails on either side of the connector trail that lead to campsites for backpackers and thru-hikers. There’s also a red privy on the right side of the trail.
Annapolis Rock Views
At the 2.5-mile mark, you will reach Annapolis Rock. There are lots of rocks to settle down on to take in all the gorgeous west-facing views across the Cumberland Valley.
The views of 42-acre man-made Greenbrier Lake at Greenbrier State Park are especially fantastic. In summer, the freshwater lake’s swimming beach is popular with families.
I completed this hike in the morning, but Annapolis Rock would make a great sunset hike. Be sure to bring along a headlamp for the trek back to your vehicle.
Once you’ve savored the views, re-trace your steps to the parking area. Alternatively, continue northbound one more mile to Black Rock Cliff for more west-facing views.
Annapolis Rock Camping
If you opt to re-trace your steps, consider making a stop at the Pine Knob Shelter. You will arrive at the blue-blazed spur trail at the 4.4-mile mark.
Turn right and it’s a short .2-mile hike to reach the Pine Knob Shelter, which has a picnic table. There’s also a privy and several open campsites for backpacker tents.
The open campsites adjacent to Pine Knob Shelter are large and offer a good bit of privacy. They also have fire rings for cooking and warmth.
On the Appalachian Trail, stone or wooden shelters turn up every 8.5 miles on average. However, the next one can be as close as 5 miles or as far as 15 miles.
I love to explore the various shelters, which can vary from rustic to palatial. Well, as palatial as a three-walled shelter along a forested hiking trail can be.
Once you’ve finished exploring, follow the spur trail on the west side of the shelter (there are two spur trails) to re-connect with the Appalachian Trail.
Turn right onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and re-trace your steps to the parking area. A side trip to the shelter only tacks an extra .3-miles on to the hike.
As noted above, for those keen to camp closer to Annapolis Rock, there are plenty of campsites on either side of the connector trail a few steps past the caretaker’s tent.
Camping at both Pine Knob Shelter and steps off the Annapolis Rock connector trail is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wrap-Up Notes
From the parking area, this hike took me about 2.5 hours, including time spent taking in all of the views from the overlook at Annapolis Rock (1,700 feet elevation).
The trail is open and very well-marked, so you won’t get lost or lose the trail. It’s also convenient – only a one-hour drive from Washington, DC and Baltimore.
A lot of people want to know how Annapolis Rock got its name, especially since it’s not very close to the state capital. In fact, it’s a 90-minute drive from Annapolis.
A writer for the Capital Gazette in Annapolis conjectured that this overlook got its name from a westward military push in 1755 from Alexandria, Virginia.
During the French and Indian War, Major General Edward Braddock led his forces on a path that ran near to what is now Annapolis Rock. Maybe. Honestly, who knows?
As I made my way back to my car, I saw many fresh hikers on their way to Annapolis Rock. I was glad that I arrived early and had the scenic overlook to myself.
If you’ve got a second hike in you, I highly recommend the hike into Washington Monument State Park on the southbound stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
It’s a six-mile round-trip hike to see the Washington Monument, the first official monument dedicated to our nation’s first president, George Washington.