4.0
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95
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13
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Jogging around Yarrowsburg, Maryland, offers diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is characterized by its location at the foot of Elk Ridge mountain, providing varied terrain from challenging inclines to flat, well-maintained paths. Key natural features include accessible sections of the Appalachian Trail and the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. This combination of mountainous areas and waterside routes creates a rich environment for running.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
12
runners
19.5km
02:12
40m
40m
Jog the difficult 12.1-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, gaining 122 feet in 2h 12m, with scenic river views and historic features.
5
runners
20.8km
02:31
370m
370m
Jog the difficult 12.9-mile Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop, featuring historical sites, river views, and a challenging climb to Harpers

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2
runners
11.0km
01:11
10m
10m
Jog the moderate 6.8-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, enjoying wooded scenery and historic aqueducts along the Potomac River.
2
runners
11.2km
01:28
240m
240m
Jogging the Appalachian Trail to White Rocks Overlook offers moderate difficulty over 7 miles with rewarding valley views.
1
runners
11.7km
01:29
220m
220m
Jog this moderate 7.3-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in Gathland State Park, featuring the National War Correspondents Memorial Arch.
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You can walk along the side or bike through the middle
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The beginning and end section of this segment of the Appalachian Trail between Gathland Picnic Shelter and White Rocks gains a fair bit of elevation at the start and end, but the middle is fairly flat. It's a lovely, challenging run for those familiar with trail running. The ground can become rocky underfoot and tends to collect ice in the winter, so best completed in the warmer months.
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Take a turn here and travel 50m or so along a rocky footpath to enjoy tremendous views across the South Mountain State Park. The trail to White Rocks is a little overgrown and rocky, but well-marked and easy to see. It's a lovely place to catch your breath whilst admiring the phenomenal views.
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This is a nice, not too challenging, section of the Appalachian Trail to run. There are some inclines and declines, but not as much as many other sections of the trail. The ground can get rocky underfoot and tends to hold ice in the winter, so best completed in the warmer months.
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This is a tough and rewarding route that I'd only recommend for the avid trail runners. If you're coming up it's one hell of a climb, and if you're coming down it's steep, so you'll need to watch your footing. The ground is rocky underneath and tends to hold ice in the colder months, so best completed in spring and summer.
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This is one of the fancier and more contemporary Appalachian Trail shelters, making it a popular layover for hikers/trail runners. The enclosed loft offers above-average protection from the elements, and a privy is also available at the site. There's a reliable spring approximately half a mile downhill from the shelter, but an intermittent seep may be found much closer to the shelter, depending on the season.
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Lovely, entirely flat compact gravel and concrete multi-use trail that runs along the Potomac River. This ground is perfect for running and offers glorious waterside and forest scenes throughout.
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Lovely, entirely flat compact gravel and concrete multi-use trail that runs along the Potomac River. This ground is perfect for running and offers glorious waterside and forest scenes throughout.
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There are 12 dedicated running routes around Yarrowsburg, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for outdoor enthusiasts.
Running trails in Yarrowsburg offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find challenging inclines and scenic views on routes around Elk Ridge Mountain and sections of the Appalachian Trail, such as the Appalachian Trail to White Rocks Overlook. For flatter, well-maintained paths, the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath provides excellent waterside running opportunities.
Yes, Yarrowsburg offers options for beginners. While many routes are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy route available. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, for example, offers generally flat and well-maintained sections that are ideal for a more relaxed jog.
The running routes in Yarrowsburg are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Runners often praise the varied terrain, from challenging mountain ascents to gentle riverside runs, and the scenic beauty of the region.
For family-friendly running, consider sections of the C&O Canal Towpath, particularly the stretch from Lock 45 to Lock 50, which is noted for being moderate and suitable for families. The Thomas Farm area within Monocacy Battlefield also offers an easier 2.15-mile trail, perfect for a relaxed jog with family.
Many trails in the Yarrowsburg area, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific park regulations for places like Gambrill State Park or Monocacy Battlefield, as rules regarding leashes and waste disposal may vary.
Absolutely! The Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop combines scenic running with historical significance, leading you past the Maryland Heights Stone Fort. The C&O Canal itself is a historic feature, and nearby Harpers Ferry offers additional historical sites like the Goodloe E. Byron Memorial Pedestrian Walkway and the Harpers Ferry Tunnel and Railroad Bridges.
Yes, there are several loop running routes. A notable one is the Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop, which offers a challenging and scenic experience. Gambrill State Park also features various loops suitable for joggers looking for varied terrain.
For longer distance running, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath is an excellent choice, with sections extending over 12 miles. The Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop also provides a substantial workout at nearly 13 miles.
If you're looking for a challenging workout with significant elevation gain, routes around Elk Ridge Mountain and sections of the Appalachian Trail are ideal. The Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop includes notable ascents towards Maryland Heights, providing a vigorous run.
Parking is generally available at trailheads and park entrances for popular running areas. For instance, trails accessing the Appalachian Trail, such as the Annapolis Rock segment, typically have designated parking areas. The C&O Canal Towpath also has numerous access points with parking along its length. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information.
The best times of year for running in Yarrowsburg are generally spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Fall, in particular, offers stunning foliage views, especially in areas like Gambrill State Park. Summer can be pleasant in the mornings and evenings, while winter running is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder conditions.


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