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 Reporter |
Summary: This is part 1 of 4 hikes that could be done as individual day hikes or strung together for a 4 day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail to complete the state of Maryland. This hike begins just north of the Mason Dixon line. Shortly after passing the Mason Dixon line you enter Pen Mar Park, once an amusement stop along the Western Maryland Railroad. Portions of the trail follow old rail grades here. Almost immediately you begin the ascent of Quirack Mountain, reaching the highest point of the AT through Maryland. The trail is sometimes rocky and slow going, but most of the way is well cleared and smooth. This section also boast the steepest grade of the AT in Maryland and you will be going UP, but it is fortunately for just a short distance. A nice spring/stream serves Ensign Cowell shelter, which you can make your first night's destination, or push on just 2/10 of a mile to Wolfsvill Road, where there is room to park a second car if day hiking. Trailhead: Begin at PenMar Park. Take US15, North from Frederick and then pick up MD 550 West. When you reach Fort Ritchie, turn right, staying on MD 550. Almost immediately turn left and pass under train bridge. Next, turn right onto Pen Mar Road. You come upon a spot where the AT crosses the road. There is room for two cars to park here. (Lat:39.67502 Lon:-77.53136) Trail Guides for Appalachian Trail MD - PenMar to ENS Cowell: Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (www.patc.net) 703-242-0693 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Talbert, who has posted 20 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Malcolm on 12/17/2008 Pen Mar Park on the Trail is very close to where I stay with friends in Cascade. I always make it my first port of call when I'm in Maryland. The feel of the place is so evocative & it doesn't take much imagination to step back in time. I especially enjoy sitting in the Overlook admiring the view. i always make sure that I walk a little bit of the Trail. 
Reviewed by Molly on 2/12/2008 i loved it but i think it was a bit strenuous soooooo the views were great! peace punch cap'n crunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Reviewed by Jimmy on 9/10/2007 Just completed this hike with a friend on Sunday. We started at PenMar and hiked to Wolfsville Rd. The GPS had the distace at 10.1 miles. 6 hours and some change with 3-4 breaks. I found the terrain to be diffiuclt compared to the other parts of the AT in MD. I am a novice hiker. Overweight, but workout 4 days a week of hard cardio and found this partiuclar hike to be the most demanding hike I've ever done. The rocky parts really ripped my feet apart and the steep inclines had my heart rate hovering in the 140s and topping at 150. Not a hike for someone looking to have a relaxing hike and take in the beauty of Western MD.
Reviewed by The Brit on 7/13/2007 Got dropped off at the top of the hill (it was 7.30pm) (thanks for the tip, John P.!!) - WONDERFUL view from High Rock. About 2 miles to Devil's Racecourse - camped at the top. Difficult descent shortly after DR, followed by not the easiest ascent! ENS Cowell really good rest stop, or overnight if needed. Good water.
Reviewed by Jack on 12/31/2006 Did this a couple days ago. Very fun and strenuous hike. Lost the trail for about a mile but picked it up near the start of the ascent up the mountain after the railroad tracks. Cascade, MD is a very quiet, rural town. Didnt know we had anything like that on this side of Cumberland. If you can, try hiking an extra 4 miles to the POGO campgrounds, beautiful area wedged in 3 faces of the mountains. Go light and you'll be fine!
Reviewed by Ruth Ann on 3/5/2006 My sister and I hiked this together. The devil's racecourse shelt was in terrible condition. We wouldn't even consider using it. The spring was great but was a steep descent to get to it and even more difficult when acending carrying our water. We camped at the top of the hill rather than using the shelter. We enjoyed the beginning of the hike - particularly the boulder hills and fields.
Reviewed by John P. on 11/28/2005 You can shorten this hike a bit, and avoid the really strenous uphill part, by starting at High Rock - just continue up the road past PennMar park and park at the parking area at the very top of the mountain. There is a platform here that hang gliders often jump from.
Reviewed by Jimbo on 10/7/2005 Pen Mar Park, High Rock, and Devils Racecourse are all VERY nice things to see. This is a strenuous hike as the ups and downs are rather steep. Devils Racecourse shelter is the oldest in MD (I was told by a local) and there are few flat tent pads there. It is worth a little side hill sleeping to see Devils Racecourse. If you are iffy on a long hike but want to enjoy outdoors, try the AT from PenMar to High Rock and back. It's difficult, but fun. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Washington County Hiking, Washington County Trails, Washington County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||