Located about six miles west of Hancock, Maryland on Route 68, the Sideling Hill Visitor Center once offered weary travelers the chance to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and learn a little bit about the geology of the area. Sadly, the visitor center closed its doors in 2009, but the restroom facilities, parking lots, and the observation bridge have remained open.
I was really sad and disappointed when I found out that the state had closed the visitor center. Fortunately visitors can still stop and look at one of the best rock exposures in the northeastern United States–850 vertical feet of rock that was formed nearly 350 million years ago! Wow, that sure is old!
If you’re in the neighborhood, make sure that you stop! You’ll be glad that you did!
Candee wasn't very happy with me....she said I ruined a perfect shot! I think that I made a good picture even better!
Another try....oops, I didn't mean to get into this one!
It's so much easier when she lets me hop right into the middle of the picture!
Tags: Polly 3
July 27th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
It’s too bad about Sideling Hill. There was a really neat geographical overview of the area inside the building, and they occasionally showed injured owls, etc. that could no longer fly. It was definitely much more than a typical rest stop.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:12 am
It looks really cool in the winter when the rocks are covered with ice. I can see shutting down some rest areas because of the economy, but Sideling Hill was especially nice. I’ve stopped at the exhibit several times, and I think I learned more about geology at Sideling Hill than I did in school. Maybe the state will open it up again someday.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
I agree with you, Maryland Traveler, Sideling Hill was a great place to learn about local geology and it’s a shame that they closed down the visitor center!
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:06 am
What a great resource!
January 19th, 2011 at 5:05 am
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