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WMRT-Little Pool to Big Pool


Highlights:

Paved rail-trail. (6 miles)
Near:Big Pool, MD
Scenery:
Distance:6.18 miles
Elevation Gain:28 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Point to Point



Summary: Between Little Pool and Big Pool, the WMRT continues to be sandwiched between the canal and I-70. This section of trail also has the Licking Creek Aqueduct and the Park Head Cemetary. While this is not quite as scenic as the trail west of Hancock, the pavement would be a welcome reprieve for those through-biking the C&O Canal Towpath.


Trailhead: 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.

Parking at Big Pool, the eastern terminus of the WMRT, is off I-70 at Exit 12. There is a large parking area, informational signs and a porta-john but no water. There is also no connection to the C&O here. For that you'll need to travel 3/4 of a mile to Ernst Rd.

(Lat:39.6985 Lon:-78.17804)

Trail Guides for WMRT-Little Pool to Big 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
Reviewed by jwf on 12/29/2005
As of Dec. 2005 the trail starts at Big Pool, MD. Near Ft. Frederick State Park. Heads west following the C & O Canal 23 miles to Pearre Station. Hancock, Md. is the midpoint of the WMRT. The trail from Big Pool to Hancock is too close to I-70. The Western Section, from Hancock to Pearre is the best. Many hikers but the majority of users are bikers. Trail is paved and offers a smooth bike ride. Can acess the C & O Canal to make loops. Any questions? Contact jwfrance1@earthlink.net


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

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