Annapolis Rock is located approximately 0.25 miles west of the A.T. This is a view of the access trail to Annapolis Rock looking west from the A.T. Note the sign designating the area as a safety zone. In 2004 the access trail and the site were added to the National Recreation Trail System by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It had been damaged because of heavy use; vegetation was sparse, remnants of past fires rendered the soil sterile for any new growth, and dead and downed trees had been cut up for firewood, leaving only small live saplings threatened. But due to efforts of several groups, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources State Forest and Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conference, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the area has been cleaned up and rejuvenated. Through their efforts, new camping facilities and restrictions now protect this fragile backcountry area, enhancing the wilderness experience for day hikers and backpackers. SoBo 1140.3. NoBo 1038.0.