Harford County Highpoint Trip Report

Date: May 30, 2000
Author: Michael Schwartz

5 unnamed points on or near the Pennsylvania line (780+ ft)

First, the southernmost of the points: From where MD 23 makes a right angle turn at the state line, drive south for 0.7 miles to the crest of a hill topped by a large white house. Hop onto the lawn to reach highest ground.

For the two points west of the MD 23 right angle turn: Reach the easterly point in the vicinity of a gas station and an orchard stand. The westerly point is at or near a red barn on the south side of the highway. The ground in this area is sloping down from PA, so the high points are at or very close to the road, which hugs the state line. Near the westerly point, the road may dip a few feet below the state line, so a quick hop up the lawn embankment on the north side is in order.

For the two points east of MD 23: First, the westerly point. From just north of the MD 23 right angle turn, take Marsteller Road east for about a mile. Turn sharp right onto New Park Road for 0.3 miles to the state line. Note the Mason-Dixon marker in the field less than 100 feet west. From the PA York County sign, walk due east over the low grassy hill to ensure covering the 780+ contour. It's just far enough from a private home to stay out of trouble.

For the easterly point: From New Park, PA on PA 851, go south on Carea Road(sign hard to spot) to the state line. See Mason-Dixon marker at the NE corner of the intersection with Salt Lake Road at the state line. Park about 150 feet back up Carea Road at the edge of a grassy air strip running west from the road. Notice windsock. Walk the grass toward the right (northern) edge of the square stand of trees shown on the map. At the far end of the trees, walk left (south) along the edge of the trees to a field road that runs along the state line. Follow this road, which peters out, and a line of trees, and field lines that mark the state line, due west. Pass over the low ridge, descending from the NW, which is highest in MD right along the state line.

Possibly man-made USGS BM Whiteford 1/2 mile east of Whiteford (803 ft)

From the junction of MD 136 and MD 165 in Whiteford, go SE on 136 to a left turn at Quarry Road. Go another 0.2 miles, past a house on the left, to dead end.

Hike past a gate onto the gravel path continuation of Quarry Road, and walk for about ten minutes, tending gradually downhill. Take the first substantial gravel road to the left, which quickly leads to a large clearing. The high point knob is the slate hill to the far left. Scramble up the northern ridge to the summit. The concrete slab foundation of the former lookout station is evident, as well as much graffiti. The slab of concrete that held the benchmark shows the hole from which the marker was removed. The summit has a surprisingly fine 360 degree view. The hand of man is very obvious in this former slate quarry, but it's hard to say whether the hill is man-made or a remnant. Until such time as the history of the quarry is accurately researched, the point should continue to be visited.