Maryland
Counties crossed: Washington County → Frederick County
Maryland has 40.9 miles (65.8 km) of the trail, ranging in elevation from 230 to 1,880 feet (70–570 m) Hikers are required to stay at designated shelters and campsites, no camping off-trail. Some hikers choose to hike Maryland in a single day, usually starting just before dawn and ending at dusk. This is known as the Maryland Challenge. The Challenge is especially popular among thru-hikers due to the endurance built up by the time one reaches Maryland from either terminus. A variation of this challenge is known as the Four State Challenge involves hiking between the ridge line straddling Virginia and West Virginia all the way to or from Pennsylvania in 24 hours, thus hiking in four states in one day. The Four State Challenge requires a hike of approximately 45 miles, most of which are in Maryland.
The state does contain one of the most unique shelters, the Ensign Cowell shelter. From this shelter, you can hear artillery testing from a nearby military base. The Rocky Run Shelters are located near Boonsboro. The older log structure was built by the CCC in 1940.
Another unique stop is the Dahlgren Campground. Hikers can stop here for the night and enjoy the free showers. The trail does pass very close to the eastern edge of Greenbriar State Park. The trail goes through Pen Mar Park, which is just north of High Point Rock, the highest elevation in the state.
Read more about this topic: Appalachian Trail By State