The High Rock Lookout Trail can be combined with a stop at Raven Rocks Overlook to create one of the better hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. This is a great weekend hike near Frederick that takes in a few of the better overlooks on the AT in Maryland.
Memorial Day Excursion to Raven Rock and High Rock Overlook
The first time I did this hike, I was alone, and it was winter, so it was a long walk through a mostly brown tunnel. This made the High Rock lookout garishly spectacular, and the contrast made me interested in sharing it with the fam. But I’m getting way ahead of myself.
This Memorial Day, we decided to go for a hike and a bite, in part because we had spent Sunday partaking in our family habit (how many times do you have to do something to change it from a habit to a tradition?) at the Orioles game, eating hotdogs and drinking beer. It was a gorgeous day for it.
I chose the High Rock Trail for the view because I figured it would be less crowded than the Annapolis Rock Trail on the holiday weekend.
The High Rock Lookout Trail Basics
- Trailhead Location: Raven Rock Rd, around 5 minutes east of Smithsburg
- Distance From Frederick: ~29 miles, 40 minutes
- Parking: Roadside (free)
- Total Distance: 6.25 miles, Out and Back
- Duration: ~3 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,010 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Yes
It’s about a 40-minute drive from Frederick, so it’s approximately 15 minutes further than the Annapolis Rock trailhead. Stay on 70 West to the Smithburg/Boonsboro exit. Go north through Cavetown/Smithsburg to Routte 491 (Raven Rock Rd). Park on the roadside near the AT crossing.
If you hit Ritchie Road, you’ve gone too far. I’ve actually done this hike three times, and there has never been any issue with parking.
What to Expect on the High Rock Lookout Trail
Alltrails says it’s 9.94 km with 308m elevation (I’m Canadian, remember? That’s 6.25 mi with 1010’), and it’s out and back. The first half mile is pretty much straight up. There are steps, so it’s not super hard, and unlike the Annapolis Rock trail, there is no highway noise to accompany the sound of the birds and your labored breathing.
We saved the Raven Rock lookout for the way down – that was me. I like to climb out of the way while it’s still cool and my legs are fresh. We saw several deer on the way up, and the mountain laurels were starting to add white pops to the forest’s spring green.
The Raven Rock Shelter
At the top of the climb are signs for the Raven Rock AT Shelter (go left) and Spring (go right, but it’s pretty much all the way back down). The shelter has many great tent sites, a big firepit area, a food locker, and a clean and well-maintained shelter.
Staying on the trail, which is very clearly marked with the AT’s white blazes, we carried on as the trail took a gentle upslope through ferns and forest for about 2 more miles to the highest point on the out-and-back, and then it’s flat to the High Rock Overlook.
The AT goes down and to the left, so stay high if you want to see the ugliest coat of spray paint you’ll see this summer.
The High Rock Overlook: Beautiful...(But the Graffiti!)
The lookout is bizarre and the subject of much discussion between those who think it’s just a unique artistic expression and those who have called it the ugliest spot on the AT.
There is a set of stairs that used to lead to an observation tower. Now, they’re just there so you can have a picnic on a garishly painted rock (note: it used to be a hang glide launch pad). The view is breathtaking—you can see past Hagerstown into the PA mountains to the north and west and south towards Shenandoah in Virginia.
There’s also a road up from Pen-Mar, so you can drive there if you’re just after a view and a weird paint job. But if you’re coming from Frederick, it’s probably quicker to hike.
We sat for pics and a snack on the rocks, sharing the view with about 20 other people who had either hiked or (mostly) driven up, and a couple of through hikers drying out their gear on the rocks, and then turned back down toward the truck.
Raven Rocks Overlook
We saved our summit beers for the Raven Rock lookout, where the view is shorter but, in my opinion, better because it was just us and the trees looking southwest toward Smithsburg. This is a lovely spot to catch a sunset, as it’s 10 minutes down to the road, so you can linger there and not get caught in the woods after dark.
More on The History of High Rock in Maryland
The High Rock Maryland area actually has a long and intricate history, starting in prehistoric times when geologic forces created the rocky overlook. When the nearby Pen-Mar community at the bottom of the mountain became a tourist destination in the 1800’s, High Rock became its signature overlook.
The overlook even has a history with the sport of hang gliding, which was eliminated after 9/11. Today, it is mostly known for its viewpoint and graffiti.
Suggested After Hike Refreshment Stop: Cushwa Brewing
After our hike, we drove 20 minutes to Williamsport to Cushwa Brewery to end the afternoon relaxing with cold beers and Rad Pies pizza.
It was 100% worth the drive and was a perfect way to wrap up our holiday weekend!
