One of our favorite parts about living in Maryland is the opportunity to discover countless hiking trails. We've compiled a list of some of the very best hikes in Maryland, but it's a list that only keeps growing. Today, we're highlighting one that shares a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail. Annapolis Rocks via the Appalachian Trail is located within South Mountain State Park, and it's a 5-mile adventure that promises to impress. Here's more on how you can find this peaceful escape.
South Mountain State Park is a treasure trove of forested trails and mountain views that can be found in Boonsboro, Maryland.
The crown jewel of this park is, in our opinion, Annapolis Rocks.
From the trailhead parking lot, you'll follow the white-blazed trail of the Appalachian Trail towards the Pine Knob Shelter.
Note that the parking lot is quite small, so you'll want to arrive early or perhaps on a weekday morning for your best chance at a spot. Avoid parking along Route 40 as police are known to leave tickets on unattended cars!
At this point, the trail will split and you'll begin to follow the blue-blazed trail that eventually leads to Annapolis Rocks.
Arriving at the top of the rocks, you won't help but feel inspired by the panoramic mountain view.
And, if you can time your hike to arrive as the sun is setting, prepare to be stunned by the sunset view.
You won't be surprised to learn that this is a popular Maryland day hike, so you'll likely encounter others on this trail. You may even spot some rock climbers!
Have you ever hiked the Annapolis Rocks Trail in Maryland? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! For more information about this trail, be sure to check out the official AllTrails listing. And then take a look at some of our all-time favorite hiking trails in Maryland for your next great outdoor adventure:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maryland/hiking-spots-md/
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