ワシントン郡の天然記念物・トップ6

Big Pool is located near mile 113 along the C&O Canal Towpath. Unlike the man-made sections of the canal, Big Pool is a natural body of water that was incorporated into the canal’s design to serve as a water storage area for boat operations. Spanning about 1.5 miles in length and up to 200 feet wide, it provided an easier passage for canal boats compared to the narrower, hand-dug sections of the waterway. Today, Big Pool is a peaceful and picturesque landmark for those exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. It is also adjacent to Fort Frederick State Park, one of the most significant historical sites along the towpath. Cyclists can easily take a short detour to visit the 18th-century fort, which was built in 1756 during the French and Indian War and later played roles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The fort’s well-preserved stone walls and reconstructed barracks provide a glimpse into Maryland’s frontier history.

At an elevation of 1,800 feet, the cliffs of Black Rock reach up roughly 1,200 feet above the valley floor. Many people looking for a day hike will hike out and back to the cliffs and viewpoints on Annapolis Rock. If you want a few more miles and like to have the trail to yourself, add on this unique overlook situated along the Appalachian Trail overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. As you make your way further north along the trail, you start to encounter a bunch of backcountry campsites where it's common to come across thru-hikers and people camping overnight along the path.

High Rock is a park and overlook about an hour and a half outside of Baltimore and just off of the Appalachian Trail. There is a large graffitied rock (and surrounding rocks) with a great vantage point on the surrounding foothills. If you have the time, fill up a bag of trash because this local spot could use some love.

High Rock is a park and overlook about an hour and a half outside of Baltimore and just off of the Appalachian Trail. There is a large graffitied rock (and surrounding rocks) with a great vantage point on the surrounding foothills. If you have the time, fill up a bag of trash because this local spot could use some love.

Black Rock is a scenic lookout that provides exceptional views across the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and beyond. It's a tough route up here, but the views make it all worthwhile.

Annapolis Rock is perched atop South Mountain in Maryland. There are plenty of smaller rocks to sit down and enjoy the breathtaking west-facing views across the Cumberland Valley. The final bit of path to the lookout is very rocky, so mind your footing, but the views as you arrive make it all worthwhile. There is a water fountain in the campground neaby.

Black Rock is a scenic lookout that provides exceptional views across the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and beyond.

Annapolis Rock is perched atop South Mountain in Maryland. There are plenty of smaller rocks to sit down on and enjoy the breathtaking west-facing views across the Cumberland Valley. The hike to Annapolis Rock is on part of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile long-distance trail that spans the eastern United States.