Raven Rock Shelter

Raven Rock Shelter is a wooden lean-to structure located along the Appalachian Trail in Washington County, Maryland. The building features a covered porch with a picnic table and benches arranged around a fire circle for hikers to use.

This shelter was built in 2010 to replace the earlier Devils Racecourse Shelter that previously stood nearby. It represents part of a larger renovation effort that brought four new shelters to the Maryland section of the trail since 2000.

This shelter serves as a gathering place where hikers passing through write in logbooks to share their experiences with those who come after them. The practice creates a sense of community among travelers who might never meet in person.

Natural springs are located less than half a kilometer east of the shelter via a marked trail, providing water for hikers traveling through the area. Plan your visit knowing these water sources exist, though it is wise to confirm their status before depending on them for your journey.

This location sits at a notably balanced point along the trail, positioned roughly midway between the two major endpoints of the entire route. Many hikers use this spot to reflect on the distance they have already covered and what lies ahead.

Location: Washington County

Operator: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Address: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Smithsburg, MD 21783, USA

GPS coordinates: 39.67338,-77.52991

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:21