Closure - Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT)
The WMRT will be closed to all users from Mile Marker Lane (Mile Marker 2.6) to the C&O Canal Maintenance Shop in Hancock (Mile Marker 9) for trail repairs. There will also be no access from the Little Pool Parking Lot just east of Hancock.
The C&O Canal Towpath must be used to bypass the closure using Mile Marker Lane and Locks 51 & 52 as the crossover points.
Work will start 10/3/2024 weather permitting.
ALERT - Western Maryland Rail Trail Closure
Starting Monday, July 8, we'll begin a project to overlay the Western Maryland Rail Trail, addressing root infiltration that has raised the paved surface. Closed sections of the trail will be marked with Road Closed signs. Please do not proceed past the barrier for your safety and that of the work crews. Use the C&O Canal Towpath to bypass the areas under construction.
Closure - Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT)
Work will begin 10/9/2024 weather permitting. The WMRT will be closed to all users from Lock 56 and the Pearre Parking Lot (Mile Marker 22.3) to the Pennsylvania Avenue in Hancock (Mile Marker 10.6) for trail resurfacing. There will also be no access west of Hancock. Work will take place from west to east.
The C&O Canal Towpath must be used to bypass the closure using Lock 56 and Hancock crossover points.
Washington County
Western Maryland Rail Trail
c/o Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool MD 21711
Contact: 301-842-2155
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
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.
Class 1 Electric Bicycles - Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. They are regulated the same as all other bicycles, and are subject to all applicable bicycle rules and regulations regarding operation and safety equipment. For information regarding the Electric Bicycle Policy please visit:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Publiclands/Pages/Statewide-Maryland-Park-Policies.aspx
Indigo Tunnel By-Pass - The Indigo Tunnel is home to eight different bat species. Due to the decline in the bat population the tunnel is closed to the public. Between Mile Markers 24 and 27, the tunnel is by-passed by using ramps to the C&O Canal Towpath. The by-pass is two miles long due to a bend in the Potomac River. The surface of the towpath is for the most part an even hard-packed dirt trail. The towpath can be very muddy following heavy rain. For information regarding the C&O Canal Towpath please visit: https://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
Self Guided Activities! - An Activity Booklet for the Western Maryland Rail Trail and Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area is available online. Some of these 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!
Click here to go to the Self Guided Activities for WMRT and WDMT.
