Interstate 70 To Wolfsville Rd

Brief Description of Section
This section presents a typical example of the narrow ridge crest peculiar to Maryland. The Trail follows old roads except for a rough stretch along the crest. The southern half is easier and has the main points of interest. The predominant growth is oak and hickory.

Maps

Map 1	Map 2	Map 3	Map 4	Map 5

Points of Interest
Black Rock Cliffs (at 5.1/3.2 mi.) and Annapolis Rocks (0.2 mi. down a side trail, at 6.1/2.2 mi.) offer outstanding westward views. A talus slope (at 2.2/6.1 mi.) offers a good eastward view. The Black Rock Springs Hotel site (at 4.4/3.9 mi.) is of historical interest.

Shelters and Campsites

Hemlock Hill Shelter and the surrounding campground (at 0.1/8.2 mi.) are privately owned and maintained by Alfred Henneberger, and their use is free on a first-come, first-served basis. It accommodates six persons. There is a spring 0.2 mi. north on A.T.. Fires are allowed only within the cement fire rings.

Pine Knob Shelter (0.1 mi. by side trail, at 7.8/0.5 mi.) accommodates five persons and has a spring nearby.

The Pogo Memorial Primitive Campsite (at 4.4/3.9 mi.) was established by the Mountain Club of Maryland as a memorial to their late member, Walter “Pogo” Rheinheimer, Jr. (1958-1974). Intended for A.T. through-hikers only, its use is free, on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has a privy and a nearby spring. Camping and open fires are permitted only within established fire rings.

Supplies, Services, and Accommodations

Water is available from springs near Black Rock Springs Hotel site (at 4.3/4.0 mi.), Annapolis Rocks (0.2 mi. down side trail, at 6.1/2.2 mi.), and Pine Knob Shelter (0.1 mi. down side trail, at 7.8/0.5 mi.).

A restaurant and phone are opposite the entrance to Greenbrier State Park, 0.5 mi. west of the US 40 parking area. A bulletin board and display map are at the US 40 parking lot.

Trail Description, South to North

0.0     From north end of footbridge over I-70, Trail turns left and follows I-70 fence line. (A blue-blazed 0.15 mi. spur trail initially continues straight from footbridge. After a left turn, then right turn onto old pavement, spur reaches trailhead parking on US 40. Restaurant and phone are 0.5 mi. west on US 40.

0.1     Pass under US 40 overpass for I-70, and ascend into woods.

0.2     Turn left at junction. Just ahead, pass road leading to farmhouse on right.

0.4     Cross telephone line.

0.5     Bear right at junction. (Blue-blazed trail leads left 0.1 mi. to Pine Knob Shelter and spring. Numerous good campsites near shelter.)

0.6     Continue straight where blue-blazed trail to sharp left leads 0.1 mi. to Pine Knob Shelter. Some very steep ascents ahead.

0.9     Reach local high point at slight saddle of ridgeline. (Peak of Pine Knob is to right. Forest road to left leads through private land.) A.T. continues straight, dropping off to east slope of South Mountain.

1.8     Pass overgrown road to right.

2.2     Blue-blazed trail on right descends sharply 0.2 mi. to Annapolis Rocks, an overhanging cliff with an excellent westward view that includes Greenbrier Lake. (Several primitive campsites in immediate area. In campsite area, to left from access spur, blue-blazed trail leads 0.2 mi. and 40 ft downhill to spring in small draw.)

3.2     Several unmarked trails lead 40 yd left to Black Rock Cliffs. This 180-degree westward view is the best in this section. Note the considerable scree at the foot of the cliff.

3.7     Cross intermittent Black Rock Creek.

3.9     Pogo Memorial Campsite (privy available) in area of former Black Rock Hotel. Camping on both sides of Trail. (At north end of campsite unused, gravel Bagtown Rd descends over 0.9 mi. to trailhead parking at end of Oak Rd, a residential public road off Crystal Falls Rd. Blue-blazed trail leads 70 yd down gravel road to spring on right. In camping area to left of A.T. is smaller spring to left.) A.T. continues straight ahead.

4.1     Two unused forest roads intersect A.T. within 50 yd of each other. Bear right at first and left at second.

4.4     Go left at fork. To right, road descends steeply to junction of Loy-Wolfe Rd and Black Rock Rd in 0.9 mi. This makes possible two unblazed circuit hikes using the Loy-Wolfe Rd, a very pleasant country road.

4.6     Continue straight ahead on A.T. where forest road descends to right.

4.9     Continue straight ahead on A.T. where wide but unused forest road ascends left to private land.

5.4     Begin extremely rocky footing as Trail follows sharp, eroded crest of South Mountain.

6.1     Good eastward view from talus slope on right.

6.4     Trail becomes a road again. There was a small sawmill near here when this area was lumbered in 1930s.

7.6     Turn right (overgrown forest road to left) and in 40 yd reach crest of ridge. In another 40 yd turn left and begin descent on eastern slope of South Mountain.

8.3     Turn left and in 40 yds reach Wolfsville Rd (MD 17) and end of section. (Turn right and in 100yds reach Hemlock Hill Shelter. Spring is 0.2 mi. farther on northbound Trail (see Section 2). To continue on Trail, cross MD 17 and follow nameless gravel road.