"Discover the Western Maryland Rail Trail: 28 Miles of Scenic Biking & History Along the Potomac River Valley"
- Steve Nelson
- 8 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Imagine gliding through a lush, scenic corridor where history and nature intertwine—welcome to the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is a scenic 28-mile paved trail in Western Maryland that follows the historic path of the Western Maryland Railway along the Potomac River Valley. The WMRT stretches from near Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool to Little Orleans, running close and parallel to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath. The trail offers a flat, accessible route suitable for bicyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
The rail corridor was acquired by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in August 1990 from CSX Transportation, funded by the state's Program Open Space budget. The trail was first opened to the public in 1998, transforming an abandoned railroad bed into a multi-use recreational pathway. The WMRT follows a route rich in historical significance, tracing centuries-old transportation corridors used by Native Americans and colonial settlers, and later by major infrastructure projects such as the National Road and the C&O Canal.
The Western Maryland Railway, established in the mid-19th century, was a significant regional railway connecting Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Its Cumberland Extension—marked by numerous tunnels and bridges—was especially costly to build but influential in regional commerce. The railway's decline in the mid-20th century led to its abandonment and eventual repurposing as the WMRT.
Many riders take advantage of the C&O and the WMRT, paralleling each with several accesses, and do a loop ride, enjoying both trails.
Along the trail, visitors can find interpretive signs highlighting historic ruins such as the Round Top Cement Mill and the Licking Creek Aqueduct, and access points to the C&O Canal Towpath for extended or looping routes. The trail passes through areas of natural beauty, including the Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area and Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area, and features a dedicated trailhead and parking in Hancock. The trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
The "Bat Cave." The "bat cave" along the Western Maryland Rail Trail refers to the Indigo Tunnel, a crucial bat habitat home to eight different species of bats, including the Maryland state-endangered Eastern Small-Footed Myotis, the federally threatened Northern Long-Eared Bat, and the federally endangered Indiana Bat. Due to declining bat populations and the need to protect these species from White-Nose Syndrome, the Indigo Tunnel is closed to the public. Instead, trail users bypass the tunnel via a set of ramps that connect to the C&O Canal Towpath over a two-mile section.
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There are three main trail access points with ample parking. They are the Town of Hancock cess, Perrre parking lot access, and a parking lot at Little Orleans across the street from Bill's ( a must-visit).
For an enjoyable experience, the trail offers a chance to explore the Potomac River Valley's natural and historical heritage with comfort and ease. However, users should be mindful of occasional tree-root heaving under the asphalt and shaded areas that might obscure uneven pavement.
Many riders will combine the C&O Canal and the WMRT as a loop ride.
Overall, the Western Maryland Rail Trail is a valuable recreational asset, blending active transportation, outdoor enjoyment, and a living connection to the region's rich transportation history along the Potomac River corridor.
Hints and Tips:
·        If using an E-bike, please be advised that only Class 1 E-bikes are permissible.
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·        Access from the C&O Canal when traveling upstream (west), access is by proceeding north on Ft Frederick Road up the hill through FT Frederick State Park (about ¾ mile) to left on Big Pool Road, 1 mile to parking access and beginning of WMRT. An easier way is to continue on the C&O Canal (not entering Ft Frederick State Park) for 2.23 miles to the right (north) at the Ernstville Rd. Gate. Proceed .1 mile to WMRT.
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·        The WMRT extends downstream (SE) of Little Orleans a little more than ¾ of a mile, where it dead ends. There is a dirt road that kayakers and canoeists use to access the river by going left and heading downhill, where it crosses the canal prism which is often filled with water and mud, but is usually passable.
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·        Bill's Place in Little Orleans, Maryland, has a rich history as a local landmark and community hub. In the late 1960s, Bill Schoenadel purchased an old country store in Little Orleans that had been operating for many generations. He added a restaurant to the store in 1972, which he later renamed Bill's Place. After Bill Schoenadel died in 2013, his son Jack Schoenadel took over the business.
Bill’s functions as a bar, restaurant, general store, and bait shop. It is famous for its fried baloney sandwich and serves typical bar fare like chicken, fish, shrimp, hamburgers, and pork chops. Bill's Place is especially popular among locals, anglers, hunters, campers, hikers, bicyclists, and visitors traveling the C&O Canal Trail.
The original building was destroyed by fire in 2000, but was rebuilt the following year, retaining
its unique, rustic charm. Over the years, it has become a gathering place known for its casual atmosphere and community spirit. There is a tradition of customers attaching signed bills to the ceiling, originating as a way to show good credit and becoming a well-loved feature until space ran out.
Looking for a C&O related business opportunity? The business is currently for sale due to challenges in finding the right successor, but continues to attract loyal patrons and travelers alike as a unique Western Maryland destination.​
For additional information visit: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/wmrt.aspx
For WMRT downloadable map: https://www.westernmarylandrailtrail.com/full-map
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 About Steve:
Having recently sold his publishing business and semi-retired, Steve now has more time to devote to his family and outdoor recreational pursuits, including fly fishing, skiing, and cycling. He is a C&O Canal Bike Patrol member, a member of the C&O Canal Association, Mountain Maryland Trails board of directors, and serves as a Commissioner on the C&O Canal National Historical Park Federal Advisory Commission.
Contact Steve: tristatetownplanner@gmail.com
