List of mountains in Maryland facts for kids
Maryland might be a small state, but it's home to some amazing mountains! From rolling hills to towering peaks, these natural wonders offer incredible views and exciting outdoor adventures. This article will take you on a tour of the most important mountains in Maryland, showing you where they are and how tall they are.
Exploring Maryland's Mountains
Maryland's mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains system, which stretches across eastern North America. These mountains are divided into different groups, each with its own unique features. Let's explore the main mountain ranges you can find in Maryland.
Mountains by Range
Maryland's mountains are grouped into different ranges. This helps us understand where they are located and how they were formed.
The Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians
The Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians are known for their long, parallel ridges and valleys. These mountains look like giant wrinkles on the Earth's surface! In Maryland, you'll find many of these peaks in the western part of the state.
Garrett County's Peaks
Garrett County is in western Maryland and has some of the state's highest points. Here are some of the mountains you'll find there:
- Backbone Mountain (3,360 feet)
- Hoye-Crest (This is the highest point in Maryland, located on Backbone Mountain!)
- Blossom Hill (2,620 feet)
- Contrary Knob (2,680 feet)
- Conway Hill (2,760 feet)
- Dung Hill (2,732 feet)
- Elder Hill (2,826 feet)
- Fort Hill (2,600 feet)
- George Mountain (3,004 feet)
- Lewis Knob (2,960 feet)
- Little Mountain (2,920 feet)
- Marsh Hill (3,073 feet)
- Mount Nebo (2,604 feet)
- Negro Mountain (3,075 feet)
- Pine Hill (2,500 feet)
- Rich Hill (2,842 feet)
- Ridgley Hill (2,617 feet)
- River Hill (2,700 feet)
- Roman Nose Mountain (3,140 feet)
- Roth Rock Mountain (2,860 feet)
- Salt Block Mountain (2,707 feet)
- Savage Mountain (2,870 feet)
- Meadow Mountain (2,959 feet)
- Elbow Mountain (2,730 feet)
- Little Savage Mountain (2,818 feet)
- Mount Aetna (2,598 feet)
- High Rock (2,986 feet)
- Big Savage Mountain (2,982 feet)
- Snaggy Hill (3,040 feet)
- Walnut Hill (2,629 feet)
- Winding Ridge (2,775 feet)
- Whites Knob (2,940 feet)
- Zehner Hill (3,000 feet)
Allegany County's Heights
Allegany County is also in western Maryland, just east of Garrett County. It has many impressive mountains and ridges:
- Breakneck Hill (1,872 feet)
- Collier Mountain (1,460 feet)
- Dans Mountain (2,898 feet)
- Evitts Mountain (1,959-2,260 feet)
- Haystack Mountain (1,706 feet)
- Martin Mountain (1,974 feet)
- Nicholas Mountain (1,760 feet)
- Polish Mountain (1,783 feet)
- Ragged Mountain (1,740 feet)
- Town Hill (2,039 feet)
- Warrior Mountain (2,185 feet)
- Wills Mountain (1,960+ feet)
Washington County's Hills
Washington County is home to some of the easternmost parts of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. Here are a few notable hills:
- Roundtop Hill (1,388 feet)
- Sideling Hill (1,760 feet)
- Tonoloway Ridge (1,220 feet)
Bear Pond Mountains
The Bear Pond Mountains are a smaller range within the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. They offer beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities.
- Abe Mills Mountain (1,360 feet)
- Boyd Mountain (980 feet)
- Bullskin Mountain (1,530 feet)
- Fairview Mountain (1,690 feet)
- Hearthstone Mountain (2,021 feet)
- Johnson Mountain (1,120 feet)
- Rickard Mountain (1,480 feet)
- Powell Mountain (1,548 feet)
- Sword Mountain (1,530+ feet)
The Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for their misty, blue appearance, especially from a distance. This range is older than the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and has more rounded peaks.
South Mountain's Views
South Mountain forms a natural border between different parts of Maryland. It's a popular spot for history buffs and hikers.
- Bartman Hill (1,400 feet)
- Buzzard Knob (1,520 feet)
- Lambs Knoll (1,758 feet)
- Monument Knob (1,540 feet)
- Pine Knob (1,714 feet)
- Quirauk Mountain (2,150 feet)
- Short Hill (1,080 feet)
Catoctin Mountain's Trails
Catoctin Mountain is a beautiful part of the Blue Ridge, known for its forests and parks. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
- Bob's Hill (1,747 feet)
- Carrick Knob (1,629 feet)
- Cascade Miller Hill (1,374 feet)
- Catoctin Summit (1,910 feet)
- Eagle Mountain (1,680 feet)
- High Knob (1,531 feet)
- Little Piney Mountain (1,304 feet)
- Piney Mountain (1,691 feet)
- Pine Rock (1,200 feet)
- Point of Rocks (680 feet)
- Round Top Mountain (1,702 feet)
Elk Ridge's Summits
Elk Ridge is another part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Maryland. It offers scenic views and is close to historic areas.
- Maryland Heights (1,460 feet)
- Elk Ridge Summit (1,476 feet)
Foothills of the Blue Ridge
These are smaller hills that are part of the Blue Ridge system, but not as tall as the main peaks.
- Red Hill (1,020 feet)
- Hawks Hill (930 feet)
Monadnocks: Stand-Alone Mountains
A Monadnock is a mountain that stands alone, rising sharply from flat land around it. It's like a single island in a sea of lower ground.
- Sugarloaf Mountain (1,282 feet)
- Bud Hill (1,000 feet)