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)
	Walking up the bumpy dirt road. Lots of pretty forest out there!
	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. Adjacent are two photos of Bernie and myself. Below are my other U.S. high points: Pennsylvania Highest Point Connecticut Highest Point Colorado Highest Point New Jersey Highest Point Florida Highest Point
	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.
Look! A Maryland ski area. :)
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.