South Mountain State Battlefield

Monument Knob–Appalachian National Scenic Viewpoint, 3 summits

3.8 mi · ▲ 878 ft · 1 hr 42 min

Monument Knob–Appalachian National Scenic Viewpoint, 3 summits is a 3.8-mile out-and-back in South Mountain State Battlefield near Zittlestown, MD. The route passes Monument Knob before reaching Appalachian National Scenic Viewpoint at the turnaround, 1.9 miles in. It climbs 878 ft, with sections as steep as 22% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 10/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.

Elevation

0 mi1,050 – 1,542 ft · steepest grade: 22%4.0 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Appalachian National Scenic Trail 39.48409, -77.61949
Nearest town Zittlestown, MD

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Monument Knob–Appalachian National Scenic Viewpoint, 3 summits

3.8 mi · ▲ 878 ft · 1 hr 42 min

Elevation 1,051–1,541 ft

Out & Back · South Mountain State Battlefield

Trailhead: Appalachian National Scenic Trail · 39.48409, -77.61949

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:57 AM · sunset 7:13 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Appalachian National Scenic Trail, heading N.
  2. 1.9 miSharp left, heading N.
  3. 150 ftReach Monument Knob, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  4. 50 ftPass Appalachian National Scenic Viewpoint.
  5. 0.2 miSharp left, heading SW.
  6. 1.7 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail surface

98% dirt1% gravel1% paved

Weather

Sunrise 6:57 AMSunset 7:13 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.9 mi in (~64 min). Leave by 5:49 PM for the 7:13 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:22 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

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