Hancock named Maryland's Trail Town
Hancock named Maryland's Trail Town
A group of about 30 people listens to Hancock Mayor Ralph Salvagno speak Saturday about the town's official designation as Maryland's Trail Town. He said the title will help with marketing to bring people to the town to utilize its 11 trails and numerous outdoor and recreational opportunities.
Sandwiched between the Potomac River, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Western Maryland Rail Trail, a group of about 30 people listens Saturday to a proclamation announcing Hancock's designation as Maryland's Trail Town.
Town Manager Joe Gilbert holds a proclamation naming Hancock as Maryland's Trail Town. The proclamation, signed by the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state, mentions the numerous trails that run through the small town, including the Western Maryland Rail Trail, Tuscarora Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail, and the Potomac River access ramp. Hancock also has connections to the Appalachian Trail, Great Allegheny Passage, Great Eastern Trail, Coast-to-Coast Trail and Potomac Heritage Trail.
Hancock Mayor Ralph Salvagno speaks to a crowd Saturday about the town's designation as Maryland's Trail Town.
HANCOCK — Along with celebrating the first Hancock Trail Days on Saturday, the town has a new official designation — Maryland's Trail Town.
In an outdoor ceremony with a view of the Potomac River and the Western Maryland Rail Trail, a representative from Gov. Larry Hogan's office presented the proclamation to town officials.
The proclamation, signed by the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state, mentions the numerous trails that run through the small town, including the Tuscarora Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and Potomac River access ramp.
Hancock also has connections to the Appalachian Trail, Great Allegheny Passage, Great Eastern Trail, Coast-to-Coast Trail and Potomac Heritage Trail, and various proposed trails in the Tri-State vicinity.
"We may be a small town, but we have a long history of welcoming visitors and travelers," Mayor Ralph Salvagno said to the crowd of about 30.
The mayor also touched on the increased racial tensions around the country, stating the town and its recreational sites don't care about the user's race, religion or anything of the like and everyone was welcome.
Salvagno said the designation as Maryland's Trail Town will help with marketing the unique area to not only those outside of the community, but also people within who might not take advantage of everything Hancock has to offer.
Hancock Trail Days, which extends to Sunday, coincides with and supports National Trails Day.
Town Manager Joe Gilbert, who helped Hancock resident Thomas Taylor get the proclamation in motion over the past five years, said being named the Trail Town was "huge" because a lot of the area's economy is based on outdoor tourism, recreation and things related to the numerous trails.
"Before it was proclaimed, we were Trail Town Maryland. Now, it's just made official," Gilbert said. "It is our intent to make Hancock the outdoor recreational spot in Western Maryland."
With more than 4.3 million people using the trails annually, he said Hancock is a "natural stopping point" for many, and a great spot for investment in restaurants, hotels and other related businesses.
Gilbert said the town has invested in its push for more tourism by using grant funds to hire a workforce-development director to provide training for residents and help recruit businesses.
The town also is developing a plan with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service to upgrade the boat ramp into the Potomac River, which has been closed because of safety concerns.
Taylor said the proclamation also goes along with its Main Street Hancock program and the work being done to make it a sustainable community.
"I'm really excited about it because I know it's about Hancock's future, and it's brighter now because of this," he said. "And in this time of COVID, we need our bright spots."
Dan Spedden, president of Visit Hagerstown, Washington County's convention and visitors bureau, said Hancock was investing in "something that works well" already in the county.
State Sen. George Edwards, R-Washington/Allegany/Garrett, said the proclamation was a "bright spot" for Hancock to help boost it up as more people are starting to get out on trails for hiking, bicycling, kayaking and canoeing.
A representative from U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen's office said he was called away to business at the last minute, but was excited for Hancock's future.
Washington County Board of Commissioners President Jeff Cline and Commissioner Cort Meinelschmidt also attended.
Alexis Fitzpatrick covers the City of Hagerstown. She can be reached by email at afitzpatrick@herald-mail.com.
