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- Backbone Mountain
3,360 ft · Allegheny Mountains, Maryland
Backbone Mountain
Backbone Mountain is a 3,360 ft peak in the Allegheny Mountains, Maryland. The standard route is the Hoye Crest: 2 mi, 688 ft of gain, Class 1.
Backbone Mountain at a glance
- Elevation3,360 ft1,024 m
- RouteHoye CrestClass 1
- Distance2 mi688 ft gain
- Time1.5 – 3 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeAllegheny MountainsMaryland
Climbing the Hoye Crest
From Oakland, Maryland, take US-219 south for about 8 miles, then turn onto Backbone Mountain Road heading east. The trailhead has limited parking. The short trail crosses briefly into West Virginia before reaching the summit marker at Hoye Crest. Trail can be quite muddy after rain, especially in spring. Bring waterproof footwear. Easy family-friendly hike with interpretive signs along the way. The actual high point marker is just off the main trail. No permits required. Best visited April through November when conditions are dry.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (15–25 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Trail Shoes
Midlayer
Sun Hat
Buff
GPS Device
Power Bank
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- Storms
- Slippery terrain
Backbone Mountain on Yak
Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Backbone Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Backbone Mountain
50 State HighpointsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Backbone Mountain?
Backbone Mountain is 3,360 feet (1,024 m) tall. It is in the Allegheny Mountains, Maryland. It is also known as Hoye-Crest.
Is Backbone Mountain the highest point in Maryland?
Yes. At 3,360 feet, Backbone Mountain is the highest point in Maryland.
How hard is it to hike Backbone Mountain?
The Hoye Crest is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 2 miles with 688 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Backbone Mountain?
Most people take 1.5 – 3 hours round trip on the Hoye Crest, covering 2 miles with 688 feet of elevation gain.
Can a beginner hike Backbone Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Hoye Crest is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1.5 – 3 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Backbone Mountain?
The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Backbone Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list