Appalachian Trail — Maryland · Washington County, MD
AT: Washington Monument → Pine Knob
Section of the AT north from Washington Monument SP across the I-70 footbridge to Pine Knob Shelter. Classic rocky Maryland ridgewalk along South Mountain. Washington Monument SP charges a seasonal day-use fee; the AT pull-off on Monument Rd is free.
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
- · 44°F air — Within comfort range, outside ideal
- ✓ AQI 30 — Clean air
- ✓ Trail: prime — No meaningful rain in the last 48 hours. Trail surface is dry and tacky — prime traction.
Trail facts
- Distance
- 5.8 mi round-trip
- Elevation gain
- 700 ft
- Surface
- rocky
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Typical crowds
- moderate
- Dogs
- Leash required
Trailhead
Parking
Trailhead lot · day-use fee.
Facilities
Bathrooms , drinking water. Seasonal day-use fee at Washington Monument SP; free at Monument Rd AT pull-off.
Coordinates
39.4981, -77.6230 — 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.