Western Maryland Rail Trail:
Maryland
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Description:
Plan a full day (or two) for your visit to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, a 22-mile paved route that will take you through several eras of American history.
You can access this trail from many points, but the main trailhead is in the quaint town of Hancock (population 1750). Stop here for food, drinks, antique shopping, to stay the night, or just to wander around the historical downtown, which once served as the frontier of Maryland and frequently was visited by George Washington, among other notables.
From the trailhead in Hancock, you can head east or west along the trail, about 10 miles in either direction. Whichever direction you choose, expect to pass fields and wooded groves. You will also parallel the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and its 185-mile unpaved towpath, which was used to transport coal from Cumberland, Maryland, to the port of Georgetown in Washington, DC, from 1828 until 1924. The route's historical sites include the canal's locks and lock houses.
The eastern portion is blessed with magnificent views of the Potomac River. Large rock outcroppings will catch your attention, as will the ruins of the Round Top Cement Mill, which was built in the 1830s and was Hancock's largest employer during the Civil War. To the west and just past downtown Hancock, you can buy trailside snacks from the family-owned Hepburn Orchards Fruit Market where, in the 1920s, more than 5000 surrounding acres were planted with fruit trees. Traveling a little farther, you will find historical markers for Little Pool and Park Head cemeteries. Be on the lookout for deer and wild turkey that are not phased by the loud traffic nearby.
To vary your route, and maximize your scenery, take the Western Maryland Rail Trail in one direction and loop back on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the eastern end of the trail in Fort Frederick State Park, from Interstate 70, take exit 12 to MD Route 56 and head east toward Big Pool. The trail parking lot is across the street from the post office.
To reach Hancock from Interstate 70, take exit 3 and travel west on MD Route 144 for 1.4 miles. There is parking at Hancock Station, just off Main Street.
To begin at the western end of the trail in Pearre, from Interstate 68, take exit 77 and head south on Woodmont Road, which will intersect with the trail at Pearre Road. Parking is available.
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Reviews: [4 trail ratings]
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May 29, 2010 this rail trail is AWESOME!
By fredneckteddy on May 29, 2010
this is my second time biking in the past 25 years and I have to say that this trail is quite stunning and very well kept. I started in Hancock, MD and went west and came back. this was an easy ride because it is all paved and surprisingly enough, quite busy for memorial day weekend. Everyone I met out on the trail was friendly. I definitely recommend this trail for anyone who likes a leisurely ride to those who are training for speed.
Easy and change of pace
By figaro on January 18, 2010
We took a 260 mile camping bike trip on the C&O towpath which is very rough,with great scenery. On our way back we stayed at a motel in Hancock. We came across a overly excited councilman telling us how the future of Hancock also telling us about Western Maryland Rail Trail. I wish we would have known about
earlier becuse this was such a pleasure to go on a straight trail with no mud or pot holes to worry about.
Hopefully they will get approval to finish the remaining part of the trail.
Western Maryland Rail Trail
By Jim Waite on January 17, 2010
The paved Western Maryland Rail Trail is a great trail for riders of all levels. Hancock, Maryland sits in the middle of the trail. Hancock offers restaurants, a couple of motels, and a good bike shop. The western half of the trail, west of Hancock, is scenic and quiet. The eastern half lies close to an Interstate and gets road noise, but it is also enjoyable. The WMRT closely parallels the C&O Canal towpath, and there are a number of spots where you can switch between the WMRT and the C&O. The C&O requires a hybrid or mountain bike, not a road bike. I usually ride west from Hancock on the C&O in order to see the historic canal structures and the Potomac River and then ride back on the WMRT to take advantage of the smooth pavement and the WMRT's equally good scenery. The WMRT would be fantastic for a person in a motorized wheelchair.
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Taking a break beside the Western Maryland Rail trail on a beautiful July day in Hancock, MD
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Fort Frederick State Park to Old Pearre Rail Station
Counties: Washington
Trail Length: 22 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016073

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