Western Maryland Rail Trail
Beginning approximately one-half mile west of historic Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, Maryland, the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) winds
along the Potomac River through rolling farmland, woodlands, and rural towns
to its terminus at the southern slope of Sideling Hill Ridge. In August of
1990, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquired 20.3 miles of
the abandoned segment of the Western Maryland Railroad Line, and the three
lots in the Town of Hancock from CSX Transportation, Inc. The rail corridor
was purchased with state-wide DNR Program Open Space funding at a cost of
$1,042,000.
The WMRT follows a path rich in history. The Potomac River valley has been
an important transportation corridor for hundreds of years. From the Native
Americans to the National Road to the C&O Canal, people have always traveled
the path of the Potomac River. The Western Maryland Railway was no
exception. In its heyday, the Western Maryland Railway was a lifeline to the
tri-state area of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Through the
construction of the WMRT on this abandoned railroad bed, numerous
opportunities are now available to visit old ruins of days past. There are
interpretive signs along the length of the trail at many of these locations.
The WMRT currently offers about 23 miles of flat, paved trail surface. The
eastern terminus of the trail, known as Big Pool Station, is located ½ mile
west of historic Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County, Maryland.
Many visitors begin their WMRT excursions here although some prefer to start
at the western terminus located in Pearre, Maryland, near Sideling Hill
Wildlife Management Area. The WMRT parallels the C&O Canal for its entire
length.
Common activities that people enjoy on the trail include hiking, biking,
jogging and inline skating. The easy grade and paved surface make this path
ideal for families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (the trail is
very wheelchair friendly) to enjoy a trek outside. The trail is suited to
anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience. Biking and walking
are the most popular uses of the WMRT. Pets are permitted on the trail.
The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT), an asphalt paved path that was
reclaimed from the former Western Maryland Railroad and is maintained by the
Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The WMRT is a 20+ mile trail that follows the bends and curves of both the
C&O Canal and the Potomac River. The WMRT is perfect for hiking, biking,
inline skating (roller blading) or, weather permitting, crosscountry skiing.
And it's handicap accessible. From Hancock, Maryland, the trail travels 10
miles to the east to about 1/2 mile from Fort Frederick State Park, and
another ten miles to the west to Polly's Pond (a small body of water where
canal boats would winter). The trail is especially suited to families,
novice cyclists (it's almost completely flat), and for anyone seeking a
pleasant, leisurely ride.
The section from Fort Frederick opened in 1998, and the western route
provided an additional ten miles in 2002. Crossovers to the C & O Canal will
be found at mile markers 117 and 119 and at the Hancock Station parking
area.
The trail is open year round and offers ample parking at the Hancock
Station, just off Main Street in the historic town of Hancock.
Area Information contact:
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool MD 21711
Phone: 301-842-2155
