Hike to Devil's Racecourse on the Appalachian Trail
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
1500 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Ashley Stimpson
A stony surprise, Devil's Racecourse is a worthy side trip during a day 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. Luckily, it's immediately scenic as you meander through Raven Rock Hollow, a large outcropping of boulders overlooking South Mountain's eastern edge.
At about one mile, you'll come to a side trail to your left for the devils' racecourse shelter and another side trail to your right for a spring and Ritchie Rd. Follow the trail to your right. It will lead you downhill and across a spring. Soon you'll come to a tree with a black blaze. Just beyond that is Devil's Racecourse, an impressively large boulder field in the middle of the forest.
Listen to the creek as it flows beneath the rocks and snap a 'gram (or 70) before retracing your steps back to the car, or on to High Rock.
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Reviews
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Steep one
That initial climb is an absolute burner! Open views at the top though, and the boulder field is neat to explore.
5.0
Along the AT
Fun rock scramble on the AT! Its things like this I remember most about my section hikes. I always enjoy a good rock scramble or a good view! I highly recommend hiking the AT through all of Maryland, it was a really fun time!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
