Annapolis Rock Vista — Attraction in Boonsboro

My favorite spot in this area. Views are 100% worth the hike even on a partly cloudy day. There is a parking area right off rt 40 right after it crosses over i70, just called 'Appalachian Trailhead Parking' on Google maps. 5 miles total out and back. Only downside is the very beginning of the trail follows 70 so it takes a few minutes to get into the woods away from the sound of cars speeding by...a small price to pay. After a half mile I couldn't hear any cars. Then you have the steep section for almost a mile. After that it levels out a bit. I wouldn't call it difficult if you take your time. It took us just over an hour to get to Annapolis Rock just walking and stopping for a moment here and there. Saw a box turtle and some cardinals along the way. Was warned about copperhead snakes but did not see any ourselves. The wind at the cliffs on a warm day is heavenly... sit down and relax for a bit before heading back. Views for miles. We were lucky to have the place to ourselves so we stayed an hour before making our way back. Overall it was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. I can't wait to go back on a clear sunny day and...

This is a really awesome hike that starts at the Annapolis and Black Rock Cliff Trailhead where Route 40 intersects with Interstate 70 near Myersville MD. As you hike north along the Appalachian trail you will first come to Annapolis Rock and then Black Rock Cliff. If you go to Black Rock Cliff and back, the distance is about 7-7.5 miles with about 1,000 feet of total elevation gain. It will be a decent workout especially if you are carrying a pack and moving briskly. It’s only 1,700 feet of elevation but both offer a rocky outcropping with a super nice overlook view. The trail is in excellent shape and very easy to navigate. Sunset is absolutely awesome but if you are going to try for that then bring a flashlight. You can use your phone to navigate this hike via GPS on AllTrails or some other GPS hiking app. Go during the week when it is less crowded. This is very...

Its a lovely ~2.25 mile hike, but the first 3/4 of a mile is very steep. It also gets very dark on the way back if you hike to watch Sunset-dusk. Only 1/3rd of the hikers I saw had masks on as I passed. It took me 45 minutes to get to the Vista and an hour to get back, but I was moving at a pretty fast pace. Tracker said I gained 514ft of elevation on the way out and 140ft on the way back. Bring masks and water. Dont feel bad about taking breaks as needed, but there are alcoves just off the trail so you don't need to get to close to other hikers when you stop... i had to stop about 15 minutes in because the hill was that steep and im...