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Tobacco Barn Trail

ModerateMaryland · United States

GPX
Distance
2.4 km (1.5 mi)
Elevation gain
37 m (121 ft)
Typical time
33 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
191 m (627 ft)

About Tobacco Barn Trail

Tobacco Barn Trail is a 2.4 km hiking route in Maryland, United States. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. Most people take around 33 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Germantown, about 11.8 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Tobacco Barn Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate2.4 km37 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+37 m
Descent
79 m
High
191 m (627 ft)
Low
137 m (449 ft)
131 m147 m164 m181 m197 m0.0 km0.6 km1.2 km1.8 km2.3 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • 2.4 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
35/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
14/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
7/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
81/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
45/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

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Trails near Tobacco Barn Trail

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Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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Elevation gain
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Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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Easy

Maryland · United States

Distance
2.3 km
/ 1.4 mi
Elevation gain
42 m
Typical duration
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Distance
0.9 km
/ 0.6 mi
Elevation gain
26 m
Typical duration
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I camped out at Little Bennett campground and then took an early morning hike in the woods, eventually coming by this quiet little creek.
Easy

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Distance
2.4 km
/ 1.5 mi
Elevation gain
14 m
Typical duration
31 min

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