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 Reporter |
Summary: The Western Maryland Rail Trail is a beautiful change of pace for those who have been through-biking the C&O Canal Towpath. Pavement! Between Hancock and Little Pool there is a nice view of the north side of the Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct. Unlike the western end of the trail, this is a little more noisy occupying narrow corridor between the C&O Canal and I-70. Currently, the WMRT is 20 miles of pavement with Hancock right in the center. There are plans in the works to extend the trail westward almost to Cumberland. This would be a spectacular section to ride with 5 tunnels and 9 crossings of the Potomac. Trailhead: Get to Hancock by taking Exit 3 on I-70 and then traveling west 1.4 miles on MD 144. Or, if approaching from Pennylvania, take exit 1B momentarily onto 522 and then onto 144 into town. If you turn right onto Pennsylvania Ave this will take you past the C&O Bicycles and then onto Canal Street and across the canal to park in the Little Tonoloway Recreation Area (C&O National Park). There are porta-johns and a water fountin here as well as camping and free parking. You will need to travel back across the canal to join the WMRT. If you turn off of High Street (MD 144) onto Church Street at the Lockhouse Restaurant there is a parking area right on the trail. There are meters but the don't seem to be enforced on weekends. Parking at Little Pool is right off of MD 144 at Exit 5 Westward of I-70. The exit eastbound is a little more than a mile further west. There are no facilities here but there is a connection across a bridge to the C&O Canal Towpath. (Lat:39.6985 Lon:-78.17804) Trail Guides for WMRT-Hancock to Little Pool: 1000 Great Rail Trails: A Comprehensive Directory by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: WMRT c/o Ft. Frederick S.P. 301-842-2155 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted 96 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
