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Potomac, Maryland

Top Spots in and near Potomac

  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike Catoctin Mountain

    4.5
    8.4 mi / 1370 ft gain
    Park at Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center. The hike starts at the end of the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. This is definitely a popular hiking location, so come early on the weekends to guarantee a parking spot and to avoid the crowds. To start, take the right trail towards th...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park

    4.2
    5 mi / 600 ft gain
    Chimney Rock is the quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile. By parking at the most northeast parking lot on the trail map you are able to include the sweeping views of Thurmont Vista, and Wolf Rock on your way to Chimney Rock. Highly recommend visiting in the fall, and on w...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

    4.5
    8.6 mi / 1696 ft gain
    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 roc...
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  • Sabillasville, Maryland

    Camp at the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park

    5.0
    4 mi / 1200 ft gain
    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...
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  • Stevensville, Maryland

    Bike or Run the Kent Island South Trail

    12 mi / 20 ft gain
    Run, bike, walk or use any other means to travel this paved route from the Romacoke Pier Park up to the Metapeake Public Beach.  6 miles one way, this path is paved the entire way and stays off the main road.  Public parking at either end and beautiful views of the bay.  The path winds through fo...
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  • 7, Smithsburg, Maryland

    Hike to Devil's Racecourse on the Appalachian Trail

    4.5
    3 mi / 1500 ft gain
    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...
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  • Parkton, Maryland

    Photograph Prettyboy Dam

    4.0
    Make sure you park in the designated spots located above the Dam. Walk across the Dam road bridge and about mid way stop and take a look over the edge. You will be greeted with the a beautiful view of the valley. To explore more keep walking over the dam bridge and walk down the stairs to view ...
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  • Sabillasville, Maryland

    Hike to High Rock on the Appalachian Trail

    4.0
    6 mi / 2000 ft gain
    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...
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  • Parkton, Maryland

    Hike the Gunpowder Falls North and South Loop Trail

    5.0
    13.3 mi / 1180 ft gain
    Park in the lot on Bunker Hill Road and then continue a short ways to the trailhead (see map). There are no bridges for crossing the water so be prepared to pick your way across. 
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