Appalachian Trail: Wolfsville Road to Pen Mar Park

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The northern quarter of the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail (AT). From the north, the trail initially follows an old railroad grade and passes through Pen Mar Park which features a nice western view of the Hagerstown Valley. Past the park, the trail leaves the old grade onto footpath and ascends the northern slope of Quirauk Mountain, where a side trail leads to the High Rock overlook with even better western views.

The trail then proceeds south along the ridgeline of South Mountain before passing by Raven Rock Shelter and then descending steeply to Raven Rock Cliffs with a fine view above a deep hollow. Past the view, the trail continues to descend to crossing of MD-491. On the far side of the crossing, the trail parallels a scenic creek, crossing it near a small cascade then ascends across the bench of a small knob before descending into another hollow.

The Trail crosses a dirt road then passes through an area full of old rock walls, ascending the mountain to crossing of MD-77. South of the crossing, the trail passes through some woods and then enters a field with good views of South Mountain highlands before descending to Wolfsville Trailhead.