It's been over a month since my last section hike, and I am back on the trail. This time, I hope to knock out the remaining miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland.

Unlike the last section hike, I took an Uber from home to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the start of the hike. After two days of hiking, my wife picked me up at the I-70 Parking lot. However, this time I am doing something different; I am driving myself to the trailhead.

I arrived at Pen Mar State Park, a picturesque park nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, and parked at the overflow parking lot. By the way, you will need a permit to park overnight, which I had obtained from the park's website a week before.

I called an Uber, which took me to the AT Trailhead & Parking at I-70, and I started hiking north.

Right after starting the hike from the I-70 parking lot, the trail gradually ascends. Annapolis Rocks is a quarter-mile side trail from the AT. Generally, long-distance hikes try to avoid side trails, also known as blue blazes, but this one you should not miss.

As you approach Annapolis Rocks, the trail becomes more rugged, with rocky outcroppings and occasional steep sections. However, the effort is well worth it as you emerge onto the rocky ledge of Annapolis Rocks. Here, you'll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling hills and lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains stretching out before you.

Annapolis Rocks provides the perfect spot to rest and rejuvenate while taking in the awe-inspiring scenery. Since I had started the hike an hour before, I took only a small break while capturing pictures on my phone.

A short side trail leads to Black Rock Cliffs. Was I lucky or what? The weather was so perfect that I could see the beauty of nature for miles.

Pennsylvania gets a bad name for rocks on the trail, hence the nickname "Rocksylvania." But some sections of the trail in Maryland are also rocky. It probably indicates what to expect when I cross into the next state.

Other than the morning ascent, the rest of the trail was easy to hike. When I reached the Ensign Cowall Shelter, there were plenty of hikers already settled in, and some were even pitching tents behind the shelter, totaling 10 hikers. We exchanged stories over dinner. Since the shelter was so close to the road, some even ordered pizza from a nearby town. That's like having a five-star meal on the trail.