The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is a recreational, paved, linear trail opened to the public for walking, running, biking, and inline skating. The trail is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience. The easy grade and paved surface make this trail ideal for families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The WMRT is wheelchair accessible. Pets are permitted on the trail.
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.
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 current western terminus at the southern slope of Sideling Hill Ridge. Construction is underway to add a fourth section extending west to Little Orleans. This will add an additional four miles to the trail. The WMRT currently offers about 23 miles of trail and parallels the C&O Canal for its entire length.
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.
Please enjoy the trail and make sure to let us know if there are any concerns you may have. You may see one of our volunteer bike patrol rangers who are frequently out and about, if not please contact Fort Frederick State Park at 301-842-2155 with questions or concerns.
The Western Maryland Rail Trail can be currently divided into three sections:
The first section, from Big Pool to Hancock, opened in 1998 and covers approximately 10 miles. This portion parallels many historical sites and scenic areas including Park Head Level Graveyard, Millstone Station, Moffet Station, Little Pool and Hancock Station. Many consider the town of Hancock as the halfway point of the WMRT. In Hancock, visitors will find shops, restaurants, and other convenient services.
The second section of the WMRT was open to the public on June 10, 2002 and extends from Hancock to Pollypond. Considered by many to be the most scenic stretch of the trail, this remote section passes through mountainous terrain and offers several breathtaking views of the Potomac River. The numerous rock outcroppings located along this section are ideal for geological exploration. Like the rest of the WMRT, this section passes by plenty of historical sites that once played a vital role in the region.
The third section is a 2 ½ mile stretch that opened in 2004. The current western terminus of the trail is located in this section at Pearre, Maryland where there is ample parking and access to Woodmont Natural Resource Management Area. This stretch of the trail passes several interesting historic sites that are of great interest to those who like to explore local history.
A fourth section of the WMRT is currently under construction with a tentative completion date of March 2019. This section will extend to Little Orleans and add approximately four miles to the trail. Attractions along or in the vicinity of this extension include: Sidleing Hill Creek, C&O Canal Locks 56 and 57, Indigo Neck Campground, 15 Mile Creek Campground and Boat Ramp, and Bill’s Place (restaurant) and Little Orleans Campground & Park Area.