Appalachian Trail — Maryland section
~3 days · 39.8 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Appalachian Trail — Maryland section is known for
The Appalachian Trail's Maryland section follows the wooded crest of South Mountain for about 41 miles between the Pennsylvania line at Pen Mar and the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry. Gentle by AT standards, point-to-point, with shelters and designated campsites along the ridge.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 817 ft to 6,125 ft over 39.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 16.7 mi · 43%
- Downhill 13.2 mi · 34%
- Flat 9.1 mi · 23%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Appalachian Trail — Maryland section take?
Most backpackers hike the Appalachian Trail — Maryland section in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 39.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Appalachian Trail — Maryland section?
The Appalachian Trail — Maryland section climbs roughly 6,470 ft total — about 163 ft per mile, topping out near 1,870 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.