Switchback Trail

Switchback Trail is a short, easy hike in Maryland, about 0.4 miles from the town of Marriottsville. The trail is an out-and-back route that starts and ends at roughly the same elevation, with a total climb of about 450 feet over a round trip of about 2.5 miles. The steepest stretch comes early on, around 0.12 miles from the start, where the grade reaches about 13 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Cylburn show May highs around 73°F and October highs around 66°F, while July averages about 86°F. The trail sits close to several other outings. Tall Poplar Trail is just 0.1 mile away, and Spring Glen Trail is about 0.4 mile off. The Wood-Marr (HoCo Thru Trail) mountain biking route is about 0.2 mile away. Climbers can find Woodstock Rock about 2 miles from the trail.