> Canonical: https://marylandparks.org/parks/western-maryland-rail-trail
> Content revision: 2026-10-15T21:13:07.054Z

[Trails & greenways](https://marylandparks.org/types/trail)[Washington](https://marylandparks.org/counties/washington)

# Western Maryland Rail Trail

Washington · Maryland Department of Natural Resources

PLAN YOUR VISIT

## The practical details.

**Managing agency**: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

**Telephone**: [301-842-2155](tel:3018422155)

**Hours**: Sunrise to Sunset

**Accessibility**: The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. A paved, linear trail, it is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience - walking, running, biking, and inline skating. The easy grade and paved surface make this trail ideal for families, the elderly, and persons with limited mobility. The WMRT is wheelchair accessible. Pets are permitted on the trail.

[Official park information](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/wmrt.aspx)

We have not yet verified entry fees. Confirm these with the managing agency before traveling.

Check notice timestamps and official updates. Conditions can change between source checks.

## Weather & forecast

National Weather Service · [Official forecast ↗](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.68322&lon=-78.20042)

## About Western Maryland Rail Trail

Western Maryland Rail Trail c/o Fort Frederick State Park 11100 Fort Frederick Road Big Pool MD 21711 The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. A paved, linear trail, it is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience - walking, running, biking, and inline skating. The easy grade and paved surface make this trail ideal for families, the elderly, and persons with limited mobility. The WMRT is wheelchair accessible. Pets are permitted on the trail. Class 1 Electric Bicycles - Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. They are regulated the same as all other bicycles, and are subject to all applicable bicycle rules and regulations regarding operation and safety equipment. For information regarding the Electric Bicycle Policy please visit: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Publiclands/Pages/Statewide-Maryland-Park-Policies.aspx

## Activities & facilities

[Biking ↗](https://marylandparks.org/activities/biking)

Recorded from park sources. Availability and restrictions may vary by season or visitor area.

## Find your way.

Map points represent park land, not verified visitor entrances. Follow the managing agency’s entrance directions. Tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.

This point represents park land, and may not be a public entrance. Follow official entrance directions.

[Official visitor information & directions ↗](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/wmrt.aspx)

## Read before you roam.

[THE FIELD GUIDE

### How to read park closures & visitor notices

Check the affected area, source, dates, and last verification before planning a Maryland park visit.

Read the guide](https://marylandparks.org/guides/understanding-park-notices)[THE FIELD GUIDE

### Pests, treatments & Maryland park visits

Understand pest notices, treatment schedules, and the difference between regional guidance and a documented park impact.

Read the guide](https://marylandparks.org/guides/pests-and-park-visits)[THE FIELD GUIDE

### Plan a Maryland park day

A practical sequence for choosing a park, checking access, reading the forecast, and finding official visitor information.

Read the guide](https://marylandparks.org/guides/planning-a-maryland-park-day)

## Sources & verification

Park facts and notices are checked separately. Missing facility information does not mean a facility is absent. Official visitor page checked Oct 15, 2026.

- [Maryland state park directory](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/parkmap.aspx) · Oct 15, 2026

- [Maryland DNR lands](https://mdgeodata.md.gov/imap/rest/services/Environment/MD_ProtectedLands/FeatureServer/0) · Oct 15, 2026

[Suggest a correction](https://marylandparks.org/about#corrections) · [Markdown version](https://marylandparks.org/parks/western-maryland-rail-trail.md)

## Nearby parks.

Within 35 miles in a straight line. Travel distances and entrances vary.

[All parks](https://marylandparks.org/parks)

[Washington

### Fort Tonoloway State Park

Maryland Department of Natural Resources](https://marylandparks.org/parks/fort-tonoloway-state-park)

[Washington

### Widmeyer Park

Town of Hancock](https://marylandparks.org/parks/widmeyer-park)

[Washington

### Joseph Hancock Junior Park

Town of Hancock](https://marylandparks.org/parks/joseph-hancock-junior-park)