Maryland Highpoint
Hoye-Crest
3,360 ft · Backbone Mountain · Garrett County
HikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Hoye-Crest just inside Maryland. The access pin is on US 219 south of Silver Lake, West Virginia; the standard hike begins in West Virginia and crosses the state line near the ridge.
USGS-derived Hoye-Crest summit locationStandard route
Maryland High Point Trail
From US 219 south of Silver Lake, follow the marked route uphill on an old logging road toward the crest of Backbone Mountain. Near the Maryland–West Virginia state line, turn north along the ridge and continue a short distance to Hoye-Crest.
Distance
About 2 mi
Elevation gain
About 700 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Moderate
Trailhead
US 219 south of Silver Lake, West Virginia
Typical hazards: Steep grades, loose or wet rock, mud, roots, winter snow or ice, and limited roadside parking.
Garrett Trails rates the route Moderate–Difficult and describes a steady uphill climb. Published measurements vary slightly, so Summitr uses approximately two miles round trip and 700 feet of gain.
Garrett Trails: Maryland High Point TrailAccess
US 219 · West Virginia
Although Hoye-Crest is in Maryland, the normal approach begins from US 219 in West Virginia approximately 0.7 mile south of Silver Lake. Look for the marked Maryland High Point Trail entrance.
Roadside parking is limited.
Garrett Trails identifies a roadside pull-off on US 219 just beyond the trail entrance. It also notes a small parking area about 0.1 mile up the access road, where four-wheel drive is recommended. Do not block the highway or access road.
Park amenities
- Limited roadside parking
- Bench and picnic table at the highpoint area
- Trail register at Hoye-Crest
Know before you go
Protect continued highpoint access
Stay on the marked Maryland High Point Trail and respect adjacent private property.
Do not build rock stacks or alter the natural landscape.
Pack out all trash and leave the summit area as you found it.
Follow posted restrictions on all public and private portions of the route.
Conditions
Check before leaving
The approach begins outside Maryland and the summit area includes private land. Stay on the established, marked highpoint route and check current forest alerts, road weather, and local conditions before traveling.