After a good night's sleep in the Ensign Cowall shelter, I headed north, excited for the prospect of completing my first state on the Appalachian Trail. Even though Maryland has the second smallest section, it is a big morale booster to check off one of the 14 states the trail passes through.

The morning session was an easy walk in the woods with occasional farm lands, which is always welcome compared to PUDs (pointless ups and downs). 

I took a side trail (blue blaze) to High Rock Ledges that offered stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The rocky outcrop rises to an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, providing sweeping vistas of the Cumberland Valley and the picturesque countryside of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

In addition to its natural beauty, High Rock Ledges hold historical significance, as they were once used as a lookout point during the Civil War. Confederate soldiers stationed here utilized the commanding view to monitor movements along the valley below.

Regarding the graffiti, I have strong feelings, but for now, I will keep them to myself.

In the late afternoon, I finally arrived at Pen Mar Park, Maryland. Originally established in the late 19th century as a resort destination, the park featured an amusement park, dance pavilion, roller coaster, and other attractions. It was a popular spot for day-trippers from nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Today, the amusement park elements are no longer present. When I arrived, the hills looked beautiful with their green trees. Stepping out of the forest, I beheld a stunning view of the park. It was so peaceful, with birds chirping and the wind gently blowing. I felt really happy and proud to have reached this place after all the hard hiking.

Even though my car was parked in the park's overnight parking area, I was not done yet; I had another quarter-mile to hike to the MD/PA border to complete the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail.

At last, I reached the northern end of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, which means I have hiked every single mile of the AT in Maryland. Well, it's only 41 miles, but still a lot for a first-time backpacker.

I just can't believe that at the beginning of this year (2018), I had no idea I would take up backpacking as an activity. I had discovered the Appalachian Trail back in 2012 after reading "A Walk in the Woods," but I always thought this kind of activity was for super fit athletes. Why would a normal couch potato like me do this?

Then, in February, I stumbled upon the "Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail" podcast, and my perspective changed. Listening to interviews with thru-hikers and section hikers on the podcast, I realized that the people who hike the AT are everyday people like myself. By the end of summer, I had acquired the necessary gear, and now I have completed the Maryland section of the AT in two section hikes.

After touching the plaque at the Mason-Dixon Line, I walked back to my car parked at Pen Mar Park and drove home with smiles, dreaming about next year's section hikes.