C&O Canal Trail: Four Locks to Hancock

Berkeley Springs State Park is the only government-run spa in the United State and worth a weekend excursion. The hot springs here flow at a constant 74.3 degrees and have long been thought to possess restorative and healing powers for both body and mind.   On one end of the park you'll find the Roman bathhouse, where you can rent a private room and soak in 750 gallons of 102-degree mineral wat...

Antietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Hike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots. From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (white blazes), on your right. After a noisy stint next to the freeway, the trail begins climbing the South Moun...

Start your hike where the AT crosses Raven Rock Road (Maryland Route 491). This crossing is well-marked from both sides by large, yellow signs and blazed stakes. You will need to park on the side of the road, but the shoulder is wide and can accommodate a crowd.  The first half mile or so of this hike is hard; you'll be climbing more than a thousand feet up uneven stone steps and switchbacks. L...

Learn Civil War history as you hike through forts and read signs about the war.  Enjoy beautiful lookouts, including one with a great view of Harpers Ferry.  The 5.3 mile hike is relatively easy and offers an interesting opportunity to learn history in one of the most important historical areas in the country.  The views aren't so bad either.

Maryland Heights is at the convergence of Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath are also easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot holds about 16 cars and is between Locks 33 and 34, or approximately mile 61 of the C & O Canal Towpath. The hike starts on the opposite side o...