We finally did it! We went backpacking to Annapolis Rock for our first backpacking trip and now we’re hooked. We hiked 8+ miles out and back on the Appalachian Trail and saw vista views from Annapolis Rock and Black Rock. We enjoyed this trip so much that we’re already planning to go out again this weekend.
Our first outing was a test to see how our gear worked for us. We began collecting gear in April but we haven’t had a good weekend to go until now. ย I spent the Friday gathering our stuff and we left as soon as Brady arrived home from work.
Day 1 – Backpacking to Annapolis Rock
We didn’t arrive at the trailhead until 6 pm because of traffic around the Frederick area. We had hoped to make it to the Pogo Memorial Backpacking Camp but with only 2.5 hours until sunset, we went backpacking to Annapolis Rock instead. Almost all of the campsites were full when we arrived but we were able to find a space just big enough for our tent in one of the two remaining sites. We quickly set up camp in campsite 9 before running out to the outlook to watch the breathtaking sunset.
It was incredible. Watching this view gave me an overwhelming feeling of serenity. A few through-hikers then came by saying how they’d just scared a copperhead snake off of the trail. Serenity gone. Just kidding, but it did make us a bit more aware of the trail on the way back to our tent. We didn’t feel like using the stove for the first time in the dark so we had our breakfast instead – honey and peanut butter tortillas. We settled in for bed by 10 pm but it took me over an hour to fall asleep.
Day 2 – Black Rock
I wasn’t sleeping well anymore so I got up at 6:15 to lay in the hammock. It was still in the 50s so I grabbed my sleeping bag and snuggled between the trees until Brady finally woke up at 9 am. For breakfast, we had stuffing, mashed potatoes, and hot chocolate.
I filtered our water for the day in the nearby spring while Brady took down camp. Our Mini-Sawyer (affiliate link) filter works slowly but it did the job and the water tasted better than any bottled water!
The weirdest part of this review… This campground had the best outhouse or privy I’ve ever used. It employs the use of sawdust to mask the scent and they use worms to help it decompose. Sounds gross but it’s an efficient system and means that there are no gag-worthy smells.
We packed out by midday and by then Annapolis Rocks was well crowded. It’s a really popular spot for a weekend hike and picnic. We didn’t stay long before heading a mile farther north to see Black Rock. Black Rock was much quieter than Annapolis Rock and we got to have the 180-degree view to ourselves! We spent at least 45 minutes snacking and hanging out here before we started our hike back to the car.
We had a lot of fun on our first outing backpacking to Annapolis Rock. We hiked just over 8 miles in the 22-hour span we were out there. This trip gave us a chance to analyze our gear and make some changes before our next outingย this weekend. We’ll start a little farther south and backpack toย Harper’s Ferry, WV.
Want to try backpacking but don’t know where to start? Start with my Beginner Backpacker’s Packing List!
Check out our other Backpacking Trips
- Backpacking to Harpers Ferry on the Appalachian Trail
- Backpacking through Washington Monument State Park in the Fall on the Appalachian Trail
1 Comment
Thanks for sharing! Such a great post! Glad you had a good trip. Iโm a hiker for sure, but not much of a camper or backpacker. I want to get into it, but havenโt had the opportunities or time.