Western Maryland Rail Trail: Hancock to Big Pool

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...

This hike is short and sweet, with it only being 2.4 miles to the other side of the tunnel and back. It's easily accessible, located right off the highway at the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground on the Potamac River at the border of Maryland and West Virgina. The town of Paw Paw is on the West Virgina side of the Potomac River, but the trail is located on the Maryland side of the river.From the campgr...

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 Mounta...

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...

Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point where the C&O canal and Appalachian Trails converge. Turn right after the bridge (follow signs to...