This route follows the Appalachian Trail through Maryland, starting at the Pennsylvania / Maryland border near Pen Mar Park and heading sobo to Harpers Ferry. The goal is to complete the Maryland section of the A.T. as its own standalone FKT.
While this route overlaps with the existing Four State Challenge, the objective is different. The Four State Challenge is about touching four states in one effort. This route is about completing the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail. That is a clear, recognizable goal with its own identity, especially for Maryland runners, hikers, and A.T. enthusiasts.
For me, and for others I have talked with, the appeal is not necessarily touching four states. The appeal is completing Maryland. A dedicated Maryland AT Section FKT would give people a clear benchmark for that goal and would create a route that I think others would be excited to attempt.
Here is the AllTrails link to the route if the GPX is broken.
Appalachian Trail (AT): Maryland, Maryland - 13 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
