HIGH ROCK, MD
ABOUT
Explore the beauty of western Maryland from this quiet turf airfield tucked along a sweeping bend of the North Branch of the Potomac River. Once farmland, the field now offers pilots a unique gateway to the rugged landscape along the Maryland–West Virginia border.
Named for a nearby overlook that rises 1,000 feet above the runway, the airfield grew from the Armstrong family’s longtime passion for aviation, especially vintage aircraft. Surrounded by rolling hills, forest, and river, it’s the kind of place where the sound of an engine carries across the water before fading into the trees.
AIRSTRIP TIMELINE
PLANNED FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Freq. 122.9
High Rock is a private airfield owned by the RAF thanks to the generous donation of Bob Armstrong. Located in northeast Maryland, it appears on the Cincinnati Sectional as 68MD.
Prior to arrival, each pilot is required to review and acknowledge the current safety briefing, updated annually. If you are not yet an Airfield Guide user, you will need to create a free account. The RAF requires the electronic record that you reviewed the briefing. It is valid only for the pilot making the request.
High Rock is for recreational enjoyment, not training. Please no touch and goes. Land, stretch your legs, have a picnic, and enjoy the area! If you'd like to pitch your tent, even better!
Ready to Visit?
What's Available at High Rock?
Airplane Parking/Camping
- Aircraft parking and tent camping is available along the sides of the runway. Bring your own tie-downs and stakes.
- Camping
- Picnic Table
- Cell service
Things to Do
- Fishing and swimming in the Potomac River
Robert (Bob) Armstrong
The Armstrong Airstrip Legacy
Bob and his father, Lt. Col. Harold Armstrong, were passionate about aviation and based their multiple rare aircraft here. Bob was a lifetime member of the EAA, the Aeronca Club, AOPA, the QB Club, the OX-5 Organization, the Cumberland Soaring Group, the Soaring Society of America, and the Vintage Sailplane Association. He and Harold collected vintage aircraft and gathered numerous awards for their pristine workmanship. One Aeronca Champ restoration won the highest “Lindy Award” honors at EAA’s AirVenture competition in Oshkosh.
The airfield was named after a nearby overlook that rises 1,000 ft above this pastoral turf airfield created out of what was once farmland. Touch down on its 1,700-foot runway near the river’s West Virginia headwaters to explore the wonders of western Maryland. Pilots who are visiting can enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping, and fishing. The North Branch is known for rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. Standing on the Maryland side, you can throw a rock across the river, and it will land in West Virginia. Better yet, plan a flight there and experience its wild natural wonders as well. This is currently a primitive airfield, with future amenities planned.
Upon Bob's passing in 2024, the RAF became High Rock's stewards. RAF Director Jeff Russell and volunteers Mike Truschel and Brian Haines have worked diligently to get the field open and ready for visitors. After getting the strip licensed with the FAA and the State of Maryland, the RAF now welcomes backcountry pilots who have reviewed the required safety briefing.
