Western Maryland Rail Trail

​​New Self Guided Activity Booklet for Park Quest 2020!

Western Maryland Rail Trail

An Activity Booklet for the Western Maryland Rail Trail and Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area are now available online.​ Some of these activities you can do at home while others you need to come see us at the park. Please print them out before you visit. If you have any questions or would like to share pictures or thoughts on your experience please call the park at (301) 842-2155 or send us an email at fortfrederick.statepark@maryland.gov. We hope you enjoy this Activity Booklet, and hope to see you soon!

The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. A paved, linear trail, it is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience - walking, running, biking, and inline skating. The easy grade and paved surface make this trail ideal for families, the elderly, and persons with limited mobility. The WMRT is wheelchair accessible. Pets are permitted on the trail.

Map of the Trail

Contact: 301-842-2155​

Driving Directions:

  • Eastern Terminus
    Take exit 12, MD 56, from I-70. Go approximately ¼ mile east towards Fort Frederick State Park and the terminus is located on the right. The trail parking lot is across the street from the Post Office.
  • Town of Hancock Access
    Take exit 3 from I-70 into Hancock. Travel west on MD 144 for 1.4 miles. Turn left into the Western Maryland Rail Trail parking lot.
  • Pearre Parking Lot Access
    Take exit 77 from I-68, towards MD 144/Woodmont Rd. Turn left onto U.S. Scenic 40, Turn left onto Western Pike/US-40 Scenic/MD-144, then turn right onto Woodmont Rd. Go 6.3 miles on Woodmont Rd., then bear right onto Pearre Rd. Go about 1 mile and the Pearre Terminus parking lot will be on the left.
  • Western Terminus
    Take exit 68 from I-68, towards Orleans Rd. Turn south onto Orleans Road. Travel on Orleans Rd. for 5.8 miles, then turn left onto High Germany Rd. toward C&O Canal Fifteen Mile Creek. The Little Orleans parking lot will be on the right just before the underpass.
  • Hours of Operation:
    Sunrise to sunset

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