Homewood Suites Hagerstown

Highlights of this incredible trail include historic waypoints, trailside towns, abundant wildlife and gorgeous scenery. You will have so many trail options on this section of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath trail, that you will want to come back and try them all. For example, one of the unique options for this section of the trail is to ride or hike a loop using the C & O trail combined with the Western Maryland Rail Trail. This makes for a nice mix of a dirt trail with a paved trail...

From the parking area near Taylor's Landing, follow the C & O Canal Path to the hiker and biker camp near the river. This is a great place to bring kids on an introductory backing trip, as the path is flat, level, and a short distance from the parking area. Anglers fishing in the Potomac River should be familiar with Maryland state fishing regulations.

This trail is a back-door hike to Annapolis Rock taking the lesser traveled Thurston Griggs Trail that avoids the crowded AT section between I-70 and Annapolis Rock. Although slightly longer, taking the Appalachian Trail south is a more scenic experience that includes the incredible views from Black Rock Cliff.

The Thurston Griggs Trail (TGT) is a rugged .9 mile trail that crisscrosses a stream and ascends 625 feet until it meets the Appalachian Trail. From there, the hike heads north to the Cowall Shelter, for a lunch stop. The hike has many extremely rocky sections of trail, six stream crossings, and a total ascent of 1500+ feet. Take the Thurston Griggs Trail from the parking area, heading immediately across a stream and continue on. You'll shortly get to a dirt road, cross the road and continue...

Maryland Appalachian Trail Section 5 runs from Thurston Griggs over Black Rock, Annapolis Rock, and ends at Route 40. From the high points along the trail, there are som nice views of the surrounding farmland in the distance. The trailhead on the 40 side is on the south side of the road and the trail runs beneath the highway.