AT: Annapolis Rock and Black Rock

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Parking at the lot on Route 40, this run takes the AT north up to Annapolis Rocks and then Black Rock. If you only go to Annapolis Rocks it would be a 5 mile out-and-back.

There are numerous sections of trail with rock gardens that make footing precarious, especially on the final mile downhill section prior to reaching I70 highway.

From the parking lot, follow the sign for Appalachian Trail (AT) and head towards Annapolis Rocks. This is a great trail for hiking, fastpacking, or trail running. Depending on your speed this round-trip run can take you between 2-4 hours. This trail offers a lot to the day hiker or trail runner. It can be very busy with foot traffic during the warm weather months and on weekends. It is especially busy between the starting point at Rt. 40 and Annapolis Rocks Viewpoint Spur. However, in my experience, once you continue past this location on towards Black Rock Veiwpoint Spur there is significantly less foot traffic. Additionally, if you continue to Black Rock Veiwpoint Spur there is a good chance you'll see someone slack lining at this location. Both of these viewpoints are well marked with signs on the trees.

Running this trail at different seasons will provide a completely different flora and fauna experience. When I did this trail in August, the forest floor was covered in green ferns vs. later during the same run in October the ferns had wilted and the ground cover was brown and leafy. Surprisingly, I haven't seen any deer along this path but did see a harmless garter snake right near the entrance at Rt. 70.