Annapolis Rock Backpacking Trip (Appalachian Trail) 2025

We will be hiking part of the Appalachian trail and stop at Annapolis Rock and Black rock before over-nighting at Pogo campsite.

Annapolis Rock isn’t near Annapolis. It is between the Maryland cities of Frederick and Hagerstown, on the long ridge of South Mountain, about 10 miles north of where we hiked in October. The area has a rich history. In previous centuries the area was home to diverse industries including lumber, mills, ironworks, and quarries. After Gettysburg the Confederate army retreated south into Virginia, passing through the valley overseen by Annapolis and Black Rocks, which were used as Union observation posts. The area also has a rich transportation history, including the National Road, the C&O Canal, the Hagerstown-Frederick Trolley, and numerous railroads. We will camp at Pogo, named after an Appalachian Trail Club member, at the site of the Black Rock Hotel, of which a few ruins remain.

More details on this trip and the packing list can be found on the flyer