풀턴 카운티 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

A small wooden platform steps out off the ridge. Through a break in the trees you can see down to the lake and beyond toward the town of Metal nestled in between the mountains.

Great food right on trail

The ruins of this old cement factory are right along the side of the C&O Trail, and an informative signpost details the history. The Round Top Cement Mill was operative between 1838 and 1909, and was constructed opportunistically during the digging of the canal when workers encountered a pocket of argillomagenisian limestone.

Built in 1838, the mill capitalized on the discovery of high-quality limestone near Roundtop Hill. This discovery proved fortuitous, as the limestone was perfectly suited for producing hydraulic cement, a crucial building material of the time. Cement produced here found its way to iconic structures like the Washington Monument, the Cabin John Bridge, and even the U.S. Capitol dome, leaving a lasting mark on American history.

Visitors can explore charming shops, enjoy local eateries, and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The C&O Canal, a historic waterway, passes right through town, offering opportunities for scenic boat launches or peaceful walks along the towpath.

The Big Mountain Overlook is an official overlook just off the side of the Tuscarora Trail near Hogback Mountain. The summit of Big Mountain rises up to 2,458 feet and offers panoramic views from the vantage point.

Cowans Gap Lake is a 42-acre reservoir that is the centerpiece of Cowans Gap State Park. There are hiking paths circling the lake and trails branching in all directions from the water. The State Park Service offers a lot of different amenities around the lake, including boating, fishing, and camping access.

Cowans Gap State Park is over 1,000 acres of hiking trails, a large 42-acre lake, overlooks, and some recreational amenities. There are cabins and campgrounds (both managed and primitive) that help make exploring this park possible from various trailheads.