Discover the Trail

Discover the Trail. Western Maryland Rail Trail. , 1. Big Pool Junction , The Big Pool Train Station was constructed in 1892 to make a connection with the B&O Railroad across the river at Cherry Run, WV. The Western Maryland Railroad was in a boom stage of growth with the 18 miles of rail between Hagerstown and Big Pool being the busiest section on the railway. In the spring of 1904 building of the Cumberland Extension began at Big Pool. The Western Maryland reached Hancock by December of that year and Cumberland by March two years later. , Continue 3 mi. to the stone archway., 2. Ernstville Road Bridge , The Ernstville Road Bridge was constructed in 1930 to carry motor vehicles on Ernstville Road safely over the Western Maryland Railway. The present concrete culvert overpass was constructed in 1997 as part of the development of the Western Maryland Rail Trail. , 2.1 mi. to Licking Creek Bridge., 3. Three Eras of Transportation , Facing west, Licking Creek Aquaduct is visible to the left. Constructed between 1836 and 1838, this is a single-arch aquaduct built of limestone. This 90-foot span is the longest of the C&O Canal's six aquaducts. The coming of the railroad industry put an end to the usefulness of canals. To the right is the Interstate 70 bridge over Licking Creek. The building of modern roads played a part in making the western Maryland Line no longer necessary. , Only .3 mi. to the next stop., 4. Park Head Level Graveyard , Near this site is located a graveyard that dates to the early 1800’s. There are numerous marked and unmarked graves. Plain field stones serve as common markers. , 2.6 mi. to marker #5., 5. Millstone and Moffet Station , A small community originally called Millstone Point, but later simplified to just Millstone, grew up along the C&O Canal in this area. During the Civil War several companies of the First Regiment Maryland Infantry were stationed at Millstone Point to protect the C&O Canal from Confederates. The Moffet Station was constructed nearby the when the Cumberland Extension of the Western Maryland Railway came through this location. , A mile to scenic Little Pool., 6. Little Pool , Little Pool, a pretty body of water, nearly one mile long, was part of the C&O Canal. The pool and adjacent wooded areas are excellent for birding. A wooden foot bridge near the eastern end of Little Pool connects the Western Maryland Rail Trail and the C&O Towpath. , 3.8 mi. to marker #7., 7. Railroad Siding and Coal Trestle , A railroad siding was constructed near here to allow engineers to unload their cargo at the coal trestle, simplifying the handling of this valuable resource. , Only .2 mi of trail left., 8. Hancock Station , The Hancock Station was a combination passenger and freight station that was constructed in 1904-1905. Passenger service was discontinued in the early 1950’s., (caption) , Route to Fort from Rail Trail: Cross to C&O Towpath at Ernstville Rd., then turn into the park after Big Pool.