After spending a proper zero in Harpers Ferry, WV to learn about and contemplate all of the American history that has transpired in this small area of land, I headed out of town the next day toward Maryland. Although the Appalachian Trail (AT) only runs through Maryland for about 40 miles, what a cool, historic trek it is indeed. Leaving Harpers Ferry, and the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, you descend to the lower level of the beautiful Potomac and follow its banks and swift current into Maryland.

Great Hiking and Camping

The AT in Maryland is very well maintained with great signage and clear trekking. Certainly, the scenery and views, like most of the AT, is great. In particular, I enjoyed hanging out for a lunch break at the picturesque Annapolis Rocks. The shelters and designated camp sites are superb and well stocked with potable water from pumps, bathroom and shower facilities (if open depending on the time of the year), some electrical outlets for charging, food bag bear hanging poles, and a lot of groomed, flat areas for pitching a tent.

At Annapolis Rocks.

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Food bag bear pole at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground.

History Galore

I was struck by all of the American history along the AT throughout the journey in Maryland. For instance, at Gathland State Park, you pass by the Civil War journalist’s, George Townsend (aka “Gath”), estate as well as the War Correspondents Memorial Arch. Further along the trail, you encounter numerous Civil War monuments and markers related to the Battle of South Mountain. For me, this led to an initial, long day of hiking since I love history and stopped at every designator to read the narratives and venture down spur trails to visit battle fields, memorials, or other historical remnants. It was fascinating that the AT went through this important history in our country’s existence.

At the War Correspondents Memorial Arch.

Civil War Monument.

Architecture

Also, the AT takes you to the initial George Washington Monument, which overlooks Washington State Park, and provides good details about Washington’s life and career and why this monument is in Maryland. Along the way, I also encountered some restored churches and buildings that appeared to be from the 1700 or 1800s. Lastly, as you exit Maryland, you cross from the South to the North via the Mason Dixon Line.

At the Washington Monument.

Restored church.

Much to Offer

Having never been on the AT in Maryland, nor in its backcountry areas, I was pleasantly surprised how delightful and enjoyable my 40 miles were in this state. The history alone was worth the trek. I went through Maryland on a weekend, so I interacted with many people day or weekend hiking and the consensus was that this part of the AT is kind of a hidden gem with much to offer in terms of views, Civil War history, seemingly ordinary peoples’ personal stories, architecture, and a really great place to get away and just be.

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MARYLAND (WBFF) — A trip to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) left some drivers stunned by higher costs that they say are piling up across the state.

Tony Joshua said he walked away when he saw what it would cost to register his vehicle.

“Sticker shock? (laughs),” he said. “I turned right around and got out of the line. I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have it.”

ALSO READ | Maryland’s new paint fees spark outrage as recycling nonprofit isn’t registered in state

The cost of registering, titling and inspecting a vehicle in Maryland doubled last year, but the fee increases don’t stop at the MVA. The Maryland legislature has approved more than 300 new fees in the past two years including a tire tax, a tech tax and a vending machine tax.

“It’s just like greed more than anything,” Baltimore resident Clifton Parrot said.

Baltimore resident Sheila Bowling questioned how the additional funding is being used.

“This is the million dollar question. Nobody knows what those fees are doing. Everything is high in the city,” she said.

If I’m dodging potholes, where is the money going?” Joshua asked.

One of the latest fees will be attached to every gallon of paint sold in Maryland and will go to a nonprofit organization that will manage Maryland’s paint recycling program. But FOX45 News has learned that the nonprofit, PaintCare, isn’t registered as a nonprofit in the state of Maryland, even though it’s set to receive a dollar fee for every gallon of paint sold in the state.

Joshua said the growing costs have him questioning whether he can stay in Maryland.

“It flabbergasts me where the money is going. Sometimes I’m like ‘dude, do I stay here?’” he said.

Bowling said, “This shouldn’t be happening in 2026 this shouldn’t be happening.”

For many Marylanders, the rising fees have strained budgets and morale, with some saying they can no longer afford the increasing price of driving.

“I’m just at my wits end about it. I’m like when do we, the taxpayers get a break?” Joshua asked.