Posted in Maryland Hiking, Nature March 29, 2022 by

If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Maryland, Make Them These

Even if you’re short on time, fitting in a hike wherever you can is important. Nature is a natural stress reliever and there’s nothing quite like exploring spots in your state that you never knew existed. The following five hikes just may be the most beautiful, rewarding hikes in Maryland. Although there are dozens more worth checking out, these are a good place to start! Here are some of the best hikes in Maryland you should add to your hiking bucket list.

1. Billy Goat Trail (Potomac)
Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Flickr / william.neuheisel
With the mighty Potomac as the centerpiece, Billy Goat Trail just may be one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland. Choose to explore section A, which is a bit rocky but so worth the challenge.

Read our previous coverage for more information on the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland.
2. Swallow Falls State Park (Oakland)
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Flickr / Doug Kerr
This Western Maryland park has a 1 1/4 mile trail that leads between its two waterfalls, Muddy Creek Falls and Swallow Falls. The trek is short but sweet for certain.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland.
3. Calvert Cliffs State Park (Lusby)
Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Flickr / Jay
Once you hike the 1.8-mile trail filled with rustic boardwalks and swampland views, you'll arrive at this fascinating fossil beach. Spend the afternoon searching for shark teeth and enjoying views of the bay. It's also an ideal trail to take if you're looking for easy hikes in Maryland.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Calvert Cliffs State Park in Maryland.
4. Maryland Heights Trail (Knoxville)
Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA
Flickr / jcsullivan24
You may have heard of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, but did you know that just across from it is a Maryland hike with an incredible overlook? The moderate hike is 2.5 miles in length and once you arrive at the top, you may never want to leave. It's one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about the Maryland Heights Trail.
5. Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont)
14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Flickr / Jason and Tina Coleman
Cunningham Falls is Maryland's tallest cascading waterfall. The hike here can be completed by any age explorer. Once you arrive, climb up the rocks and watch the water flow down. It's one of the best hikes in Maryland.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland.

Have you been on any of these best hikes in Maryland? What are your favorite hikes around the state? Let us know in the comments!

For more Maryland hikes, add these magnificent Maryland hikes to your bucket list!

Address: Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Address: Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA
Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hike In Maryland

April 03, 2022
Melissa M.

What are some kid-friendly hikes in Maryland?

If you would like to take the entire family hiking, including smaller children, we have a few suggestions for you. In this article, 7 Kid-Friendly Hikes In Maryland That Are 1 Mile And Under, you’re sure to find several hikes to try. Marvel at a waterfall along the Cascade Falls Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park. Head to Assateague Island and take any number of trails for some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. You can even take an easy boardwalk trail through a swamp. Kids and adults alike will enjoy spending time outdoors in the fresh air surrounded by nature.

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Maryland?

Lucky for us that in a state as picturesque as Maryland we have plenty of options when it comes to scenic trails. Aside from those mentioned above, you may want to try the Appalachian Trail which cuts through the state for 40 miles. Then there’s the trail system at Loch Raven Reservoir located near Baltimore. Or perhaps you would like to hike up to Chimney Rock located at Catoctin Mountain Park. 

What are some of the easiest hikes in Maryland?

You don’t always have to take a strenuous hike to enjoy amazing views around the state. Head to our post, 7 Low-Key Hikes In Maryland With Amazing Payoffs, for some easy trails that lead to waterfalls, the beach, an overlook, and more!

Address: Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Address: Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA
Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA