High Rock and Raven Rock via Appalachian Trail

Smithsburg, Maryland

Save Add Photo

Add Photo

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

6.28 miles

Elevation Gain

1214 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

This is a new adventure! Be the first to share your experience.

Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights.

Added by The Outbound Collective

High Rock and Raven Rock are two notable landmarks along the Appalachian Trail in Smithsburg, Maryland. High Rock, known for its panoramic views, is a popular spot for hikers. The trail to Raven Rock is more challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Both trails offer a variety of flora and fauna, including oak and hickory trees, and wildlife such as deer and squirrels. The trail from High Rock to Raven Rock is approximately 6.28 miles long. It is rated as moderate to difficult, due to the steep inclines and rocky terrain. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and carry plenty of water, especially during the summer months. The area around Smithsburg offers a variety of other outdoor activities, including fishing and camping. There are also several accommodations nearby for those who wish to extend their stay. Always remember to respect the trail and leave no trace.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Rock Climbing

Running

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

High Rock and Raven Rock via Appalachian Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Devil's Racecourse on the Appalachian Trail

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...

Hike to High Rock on the Appalachian Trail

Camp at the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park

For outdoor enthusiasts, Maryland is an ideal place to live. Between the mountains and the Bay--and the rivers, bike paths, and trails along the way--we couldn't ask for much more. But if we were feeling greedy, we would probably ask for additional backpacking options, right? Of course, there are the state forests out west, and Pennsylvania and Virginia are close enough destinations. But for a ...

Hike to Cunningham Falls

This 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing platform. To lengthen the adventure, Hunting Creek Lake is close by for swimming, or you can continue your hike by taking Old Misery Trail for great v...

Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

This 8.6 mile loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park is good for both hikers and trail runners. This loop is the larger loop in the park, comprised of Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. The trail gets a moderate rating because it's mostly rocky, making for a little more challenging footing. To get started, park at the Catoctin Mountain Visi...

Cat Rock via Old Misery Trail

The best place to park is on Catoctin Hollow Road in the parking lot that's on the same side of the road as the lake. It's not a huge lot but we were here mid-summer around 10 am and found a spot easily. The trailhead is on the other side of the street from this parking lot; there is a sign letting you know you're at 'Old Misery Trail.' The name sounds funny until you start climbing the switchb...