Mason-Dixon Trail
~14 days · 205.5 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Mason-Dixon Trail is known for
The Mason-Dixon Trail runs about 193 miles from the Appalachian Trail at Whiskey Springs, Pennsylvania to Chadds Ford on the Brandywine, with its scenic core along the bluffs of the lower Susquehanna River. Point-to-point, around two weeks end-to-end; legal camping options are limited in places, so plan overnights ahead.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 66 ft to 3,346 ft over 205.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 29.9 mi · 15%
- Downhill 52.7 mi · 26%
- Flat 122.6 mi · 60%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Mason-Dixon Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Mason-Dixon Trail scores 57/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Mason-Dixon Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Mason-Dixon Trail in about 14 days (13 nights out) over its 205.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Mason-Dixon Trail?
The Mason-Dixon Trail climbs roughly 17,264 ft total — about 84 ft per mile, topping out near 1,093 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.