Annapolis Rock and Black Rock via the Appalachian Trail Hiking Guide
Annapolis Rock heads Maryland DNR's list of popular Appalachian Trail day hikes: a steady climb up South Mountain from Route 40 to cliffs that look west over Greenbrier Lake and the Cumberland Valley. Black Rock, a mile farther north, has a similar view with far fewer people. Doing both makes a full morning.
Distance
Hiking Project measures the out-and-back to both overlooks at 8.0 miles with 917 feet of climbing, and says Annapolis Rock alone is about a 5-mile round trip. Maryland DNR lists Annapolis Rock at 2.2 miles from the lot and Black Rock one mile beyond, which adds up to a shorter 6.4 miles, so expect somewhere between those numbers. DNR rates the hike moderate and calls Maryland's stretch of the trail fairly easy, with fewer rocks and steep climbs than in other states.
Finding the Trail
The trailhead lot is on Route 40, about a quarter mile east of the Greenbrier State Park entrance. A blue-blazed path leads from the lot to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail; turn right to go north. Signs mark the short spurs out to each overlook. DNR puts Annapolis Rock at about 1,700 feet.
Parking
The lot is small and DNR warns that it fills quickly and gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. Do not park on the Route 40 shoulder, on private land or anywhere outside the marked spaces, because police issue fines and tow cars there. Come early or on a weekday, and have a backup hike in mind if the lot is full.
Crowds, Climbers and Camping
Most foot traffic stops at Annapolis Rock, and the trail past it to Black Rock is noticeably quieter, according to Hiking Project's contributor, who also mentions slackliners at Black Rock. Rock climbers use the Annapolis Rocks cliffs; organized guided climbing needs a special use agreement from South Mountain State Park. South Mountain also has designated camping areas and shelters for backpackers, first come, first served.
Dogs, Bears and Hunting
Dogs are allowed on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, and the Park Service recommends keeping them leashed. DNR notes that Frederick and Washington counties are black bear country, so keep food packed away. South Mountain has two hunting areas, but the trail corridor itself is a no-hunting zone, hunters must stay 150 yards off the trail, and there is no hunting on Sundays.
Hiking tips for Annapolis Rock and Black Rock via the Appalachian Trail
- Arrive early on weekends; the Route 40 lot fills fast.
- Never park on the highway shoulder, where cars get ticketed and towed.
- Continue to Black Rock if Annapolis Rock is crowded.
- Stay back from the cliff edges, especially with dogs or kids.
- Bring a headlamp if you stay for sunset on the west-facing rocks.
Nearby trails to explore
- Cunningham Falls via the Lower Trail
- Sugarloaf Mountain Loop (Maryland)
- Billy Goat Trail Section A
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Annapolis Rock at sunset is a favorite group hike out of Baltimore. Set one up on TrailMates, carpool in the event's group chat so you need fewer spaces at the small Route 40 lot, and meet at the blue-blazed trail sign. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.