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South Mountain, Pennsylvania

Top Spots in and near South Mountain

  • Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

    Rock Climb at White Rocks

    White Rocks, a segment of the slightly larger Pond Bank area, is a single pitch top rope or traditional climbing area. To get there, follow 30 until you are a few miles west of Caledonia State park and reach an intersection of 997. You can then head south on 997 until you reach White Rock Road.  ...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Smithsburg, Maryland

    Hike to Cunningham Falls

    4.2
    2.8 mi
    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...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike the Old Misery Trail to Cat Rock

    3.0
    4.5 mi / 500 ft gain
    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 10am and found a spot easily. The trail head is on the other side of the street from this parking lot; there is a sign letti...
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  • Newville, Pennsylvania

    Camp at Tom's Run Shelter

    3 mi / 85 ft gain
    Starting from the small parking area on Bunkerhill Rd, head north (turn right) onto Michaux Rd. After about 1/3 of a mile you will reach the Appalachian Trail where you will want to head west (turn left).This will lead you on a leisurely hike through the woods (follow the white blazes). It won't ...
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  • Gardners, Pennsylvania

    Hike to Sunset Rocks in Michaux State Forest

    4.0
    8.3 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Sunset Rocks is a scenic two-mile spur off the Appalachian Trail in southern Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest. If you hike it as a loop--incorporating 6 miles of the AT into the circuit--you can visit some of the AT's most notable landmarks in this area, including the remains of Michaux Camp (...
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  • Newville, Pennsylvania

    Hike Pole Steeple, Pine Grove Furnace SP

    3.6
    1.5 mi / 1250 ft gain
    Pole Steeple begins in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and ends in Michaux State Forest. The hike is short, only a .75 mile climb up, and ends at the rock outcropping where you get a great view of the entire park. Pole Steeple is the main trail to the summit but there is also a longer, less steep o...
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  • Myersville, Maryland

    Hike to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff

    4.4
    8 mi / 840 ft gain
    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)...
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  • Sharpsburg, Maryland

    Antietam National Battlefield Trail

    3 mi / 358 ft gain
    Antietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.
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  • Spring Grove, Pennsylvania

    Hike the Ranger Trails at Codorus State Park

    4.0
    5 mi
    I'll be honest. I wasn't expecting much from Codorus State Park. But, my Saturday was open and I wanted to go somewhere I wouldn't have to fight for legroom. I didn't need anything majestic--just some space. Codorus, centrally located in the picturesque hills of York County, PA, seemed to fit the...
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  • Lewisberry, Pennsylvania

    Hike Quaker Race's Lakeside Trail

    4.0
    3 mi
    This trail is best accessed from the Quaker Race Day Use Area or from the Cabin Colony for cabin occupants. This trail has a dirt or rocky surface, uneven terrain and one steep but short hill. This trail connects to Lakeside Trail at its end to form a 3-mile loop that passes through diverse habit...
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Camping and Lodging in South Mountain

Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday

Adirondack Shelters
Sabillasville, Maryland

Adirondack Shelters

Owens Creek Campground
Sabillasville, Maryland

Owens Creek Campground

Historic Bushman House (Gettysburg)
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Historic Bushman House (Gettysburg)

Mcmillan Woods Scout And Youth Group Campground
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Mcmillan Woods Scout And Youth Group Campground

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground
Sabillasville, Maryland

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground