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High Rock Overlook

kirkengle
Jul 12, 2017
2 min read

I had the opportunity to visit a little known spot about an hour from where I live on Monday. Met up with my daughter and headed up to High Rock near Cascade, Maryland. Hikers and photographers will tell you it is one of (if not THE) most scenic vista anywhere in the entire Mid-Atlantic United States. I have to agree. The conditions were nowhere near perfect during our visit. The humidity shot up and a cloud bank began rolling in as we made our way there. I was still able to get some decent shots. Although we will definitely have to return there sometime to get some better footage and pictures.

Oh... and 1 odd fact I left out - this location was popular with hang gliding enthusiasts. In my college days I recall being there one day while a few folks were launching off the rock into the huge valley below. That practice is not highly "discouraged" although I'm not sure if it is illegal or not. I can say the old metal platform has been pretty much removed and just a small piece of it remains. However the rock itself could be used to launch I'd say. Not that I'm going to try. I love the views but I am not a daredevil! I posted a video on youtube. Here are some of the photos we took for you to enjoy. Oh and before I do that...... my inner geology geek self is kicking in:

High Rock is located on South Mountain - which is the western edge of the Blue Ridge in Maryland. The view is westward and overlooks the Hagerstown Valley. The valley is a huge, expansive limestone/karst valley. Technically the Hagerstown Valley connects the Cumberland Valley (in Pennsylvania) to the Shenandoah Valley (in Virginia). All are part of the Great Appalachian Valley. The Appalachian Trail which runs from the State of Georgia to Maine is nearby and many hikers stop to take in the scenic views. On clear days the view is incredible and you can see probably 40 or more miles. The ridge line visible far to the west is the leading (eastern edge) of the Ridge and Valley portion of the Appalachian Mountains - Sideling Hill. The major visible city from High Rock is the City of Hagerstown, Maryland. Waynesboro, Pennsylvania is also visible. From this spot 3 geological provinces of Maryland are visible (Blue Ridge, Hagerstown Valley, Appalachian Ridge/Valley). And finally.... you are able to see parts of 3 states. Located in Maryland.. Pennsylvania is visible to the north (right) and West Virginia to the south (left). Thanks for listening to my geography lesson!