Welcome to the Western
Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT), an asphalt paved
path that was reclaimed from the former Western Maryland
Railroad and is maintained
by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
 The
WMRT is a 20+ mile trail that follows the bends and
curves
of both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. The
WMRT is perfect for hiking, biking, inline skating (roller
blading)
or,
weather permitting,
crosscountry skiing.
And it's handicap accessible. From Hancock, Maryland,
the trail travels 10 miles to the east to about 1/2 mile
from Fort Frederick State Park, and another ten miles
to the west to Polly's Pond (a small body of water
where
canal boats would winter). The trail is especially suited
to families, novice cyclists (it's almost completely
flat), and for anyone seeking
a pleasant, leisurely ride.
The section
from Fort Frederick opened in 1998, and the western route
provided an additional ten miles in 2002. Crossovers
to the C & O Canal will be found at
mile markers 117 and 119 and at the Hancock Station parking
area.
 The
trail is open year round and offers ample parking at
the Hancock Station, just off Main Street in the
historic town of Hancock.
Area Information contact:
Hancock Chamber of Commerce, 126 W. High Street, Hancock,
MD 21750
Phone:
301-678-5900
E-mail: info@HancockMaryland.com
Hours: 9AM-4:30PM
Contact Information on the WMRT:
Western Maryland Rail Trail, c/o Fort Frederick State
Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road , Big Pool, MD, 21711
Phone: 301-842-2155
|
