Appalachian Trail — Maryland · Washington County, MD
AT: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Out-and-back from Wolfsville Road to the Ensign Cowall Memorial Shelter. Rocky ridge with views off the west side during leaf-off. One of the quietest sections of the MD AT.
Live · updated
Today
Park closure — trail is inaccessible today.
Primary activity: hiking
Many closures remain on the Trail following Hurricane Helene's devastation. This will remain true for the foreseeable future. Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for an up-to-date list of closures. OBSERVE ALL CLOSURES. Stay safe!
Conditions
Score by activity
Hiking
Park closure — trail is inaccessible today.
Trail running
Park closure — trail is inaccessible today.
Score breakdown
- · 45°F air — Within comfort range, outside ideal
- ✓ AQI 31 — Clean air
- ✓ Trail: prime — No meaningful rain in the last 48 hours. Trail surface is dry and tacky — prime traction.
Trail facts
- Distance
- 5 mi round-trip
- Elevation gain
- 550 ft
- Surface
- rocky
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Typical crowds
- rare
- Dogs
- Leash required
Trailhead
Parking
Trailhead lot .
Facilities
No bathrooms .
Coordinates
39.6380, -77.6370 — Washington County, MD.
Park
Part of Appalachian Trail — Maryland (official site →).
Park advisories
Human-habituated bears have been frequently spotted in the McAfee Knob Area. Allowing bears access to human food or garbage causes it to lose its fear of humans. Follow all food storage regulations, use provided food lockers and never feed a bear.