Hoye Crest | Maryland (#5)

At 3,360 feet, Hoye Crest is the highest point in Maryland, ranking #32 among U.S. state high points and my 5th overall.

Located on Backbone Mountain near the West Virginia border, Hoye Crest is a relatively straightforward hike—but one that comes with a few interesting quirks along the way.

A High-Pointing Conversation

Before writing about Hoye Crest, I want to share a quick story.

I was recently walking along the Erie Canal in Camillus, New York (where I grew up) and stopped to chat with a volunteer at Sims’ Museum, a replica of the original Sims’ Canal Store that houses canal artifacts and local history. During our conversation, he mentioned splitting time between Camillus and Charlottesville, Virginia, which naturally led us into a discussion about state high points—especially since the highest points in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia all sit relatively close together.

As we were talking, another couple wandered in. It turned out the man grew up in Camillus as well and had graduated from the same high school just two years after me. Then I noticed his shirt: a High Pointers Convention tee. That’s when he mentioned Highpointers Club, the organization dedicated to reaching all 51 U.S. state high points.

He went on to tell me he’d completed them all, with Denali being the true beast. I mentioned how tough Katahdin had been for me, and he laughed—apparently that’s considered one of the easier ones compared to what’s out west. Something to look forward to…lol.

Photo: Seneca Rocks | Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks Recreation Area

Hoye Crest—also known as Backbone Mountain—wasn’t the most scenic hike I’ve done. Much of the trail follows a dirt road alongside a fenced clearing area. The route is a 2.3-mile out-and-back with about 688 feet of elevation gain.

Parking is limited, with a few roadside pull-offs near the trailhead that can get busy. The day I hiked, the trail was muddy in spots, and the overcast weather muted what views there were.

One interesting note: the hike actually begins in West Virginia, and you cross into Maryland as you approach the summit.

Photos: The trail to the summit, a bit muddy and rocky.

Photo: The West Virginia and Maryland state lines.

At the Top

There isn’t much at the summit, but it has the essentials: a marker and sign, a small cairn, a picnic table, a bench sponsored by the High Pointers Club, and a mailbox containing a register to sign.

Simple, understated, and still satisfying.

Photos: Hoye Crest summit marker | Summit selfie

Catch you on the summit!

Date of Visit: 17 May 2023