Maryland's High Point - Backbone Mountain (alt. 3,360 feet)
(Pictures Of Our Hike To Backbone Mountain In Far Western Maryland - August 22, 2008)
After driving to Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania,
Bernie and I drove to western Maryland to summit Maryland's high point later in the day.
This one at least required some real hiking. Although modest for
Colorado standards,
it is an ascent of 700 feet in a distance of
one mile each way.
Directions from the north: Travel on State Highway 219 south in western Maryland and drive into West Virginia.
At Silver Lake, West Virginia, there is a junction of Highways 24 (on the right - going west) and Highway 219.
From this point, the trailhead is 1.1 miles south on Highway 219 on the left. Park on the highway's
shoulder and hike up the dirt road. The road is on private property, so be respectful and don't wonder off the trail.
There are numerous orange blazes on trees guiding high pointers to the summit. Near the top, the route turns
left onto a clearly marked trail with large cairns. Interestingly, much of this hike is located in
West Virginia with only about a few hundred feet into Maryland.
Do enjoy the video of Bernie at the bottom of the page. I think it is a fun one!
Lastly, be sure to visit my new web site dedicated to high pointing U.S.
states: www.HighPoints.us.
Yes folks, I have really caught the high pointing bug! :p)
Right Photo: Myself and Bernie standing on Backbone Mountain, the highest point in Maryland. We had the entire mountain to ourselves!
-Steve
Hike To Backbone Mountain, Maryland
A wooden sign on a tree at the trailhead on Highway 219 in West Virginia.
As I said, there are numerous orange blazes on trees and even some conspicuous markings
like this one helping you feel confident you are heading the right way! :p)
Arrival at Maryland's high point! According to the sign, this particular spot was
named Hoye Crest after a local resident but the mountain itself is known as Backbone Mountain.
There was one particularly nice view that at least had some trees knocked down. Somewhere not too far out there is the headwaters to the Potomac River.
Two miscellaneous photos of a text message I sent at the summit. I have begun the
habit of texting people to declare when I am standing at the loftiest points in U.S. states and
Colorado peaks. What can I say? I've got to boast to my friends! :)
Oh and special thanks to my bottle of Gatorade. Friends, if you are an experienced hiker,
this hike will not be a huge deal, but don't be overconfident. There are a few steep sections of trail leading to this high point and it will kick your
butt if you don't take it seriously and leave fluids behind.
Near the high point is a spur trail marking the vertical border between West Virginia and Maryland.
Miscellaneous Photos Along The Way
We entered into Maryland from Pennsylvania and drove south the entire way on Highway 219. Bernie was intrigued by the town name of Accident,
Maryland, and we stopped to take pictures.
If you have extra time, you might want to visit the smallest church in the lower 48 states
in Silver Lake, West Virginia. It is right off the highway and kind of interesting.
Maryland High Point Video
Above is a YouTube video clip with Bernie and I at the top of Backbone Mountain, Maryland. :)
I have my own page with video clips here, but I thought I would give You Tube a try.