High Rock Summit

June 9, 2024 -- I have visited High Rock on several occasions. It's a scenic overlook in Washington County. It's located on South Mountain, not far from the Appalachian Trail and Pen Mar.  On some days, High Rock is quite crowded. It's better to visit on a weekday. It's a place I can't take Ty -- or he has to stay in the car. It's too dangerous, too steep, and too close to the edge. Many people get dangerously too close to the edge. At one time High Rock was a popular site for hang gliding. It's longer permitted due to safety concerns. 

First time at High Rock

High Rock has a very interesting history. It was part of Pen Mar Park (1877-1943). During its heyday, Pen Mar Park was one of the most popular resorts in the eastern US. It was built by the Western Maryland Railway, who offered frequent train service to the park. At one time, there was a two-story observation tower atop High Rock. The resort was closed in 1943, and the park was reopened (as a county park) in 1977. The observation tower is long gone.  

High Rock is covered in graffiti, more all the time. Many people find this disgusting. I do. Plus, the area has a lot of trash and broken glass. It's so disappointing that people can't respect nature more. I remember being there one day when a mother handed her young son a can of spray paint so he could further deface High Rock. Why would you teach your child to do this?  I like to imagine what High Rock would look like without the graffiti. I also try to set my disgust aside and enjoy the colors of the graffiti. It's quite an assault on the eyes!

So much graffiti

High Rock was important during the Civil War. On clear days, you can see very far in the distance, in different directions. Union soldiers used High Rock for reconnaissance. We were told by somebody (at Fort Ritchie) that at one time the military patrolled the High Rock area. Makes sense. High Rock is close to many places of military significance (mostly communication sites). I bet no one sprayed graffiti under the watchful eyes of the army.

What a view!