Posted in Maryland Nature May 14, 2020 by

These 12 Hiking Spots In Maryland Are Completely Out Of This World

If you’ve been meaning to discover new nature destinations in Maryland, this list is for you. From easy paved trails to strenuous rocky cliffs, these are some of the best hiking spots in Maryland, and they have something for everyone. Start planning your next adventure today!

1. Billy Goat Trail
Flickr / cranky messiah
Billy Goat Trail has three paths to choose from and is one of the most popular trails in Metro DC, promising sweeping views of the Potomac River. Trail A (pictured here) is the most popular for obvious, gorgeous reasons. Expect for whatever path you follow to get extremely busy, especially on good weather days.
2. Appalachian Trail
Flickr / Jerry Edmundson
Forty miles of the Appalachian Trail cross through Maryland, including the pictured Annapolis Rock. The scenery is so diversely picturesque. Even if you're a novice hiker, you should have little difficulty on this part of the AT. It is considered to have some of the easiest hiking along the entire trail.
3. Loch Raven Reservoir
Flickr / sneakerdog
Loch Raven Reservoir has several trails to choose from. You'll find whatever you're looking - short and sweet, easy, and challenging. Lock Raven Reservoir is one of the most pristine areas in the Baltimore area, perfect for a day of exploring.
4. Rocks State Park
Flickr / bobistraveling
Lace up your hiking boots for a visit to Rocks State Park. There, you'll find several trails. A favorite trail among hikers at Rocks State Park is the one that leads them to this outcrop referred to as the King and Queen Seat. Amazing views. If you plan to hike to Kilgore Falls or in the Falling Branch area of the park on a weekend, you must first make reservations.
5. Gunpowder Falls State Park
Flickr / sugargliding
Head to Gunpowder Falls State Park for miles (more than 100!) of serene wooded paths. There are historic sites along the way for a truly unique hiking experience. If you prefer hiking or horseback riding, you'll definitely want to check out the trails in the Sweet Air Area.
6. Catoctin Mountain Park
Flickr / TrailVoice
Catoctin Mountain Park has 25 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. A favorite spot among locals is the pictured Chimney Rock, perfect for a seat with a view. Horseback riders will even find six miles of trails specifically for public horseback riding.
7. Sugarloaf Mountain
Flickr / TrailVoice
This Registered Natural Landmark is full of wildlife and stunning views. The mountain dates back some 14 million years and provides an ideal backdrop for a leisurely hike. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too, including white tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons. Visit the website here.
8. Green Ridge State Forest
Flickr / MotoWebMistress
Green Ridge State Forest is quite the mountainous hike. You can take a day hike or a multi-day adventure through the 50 miles of trails. For sensational views, follow the 50-yard handicap accessible Scenic Overlook Trail. All of the other trails vary in distance and are rated moderate or difficult.
9. Patapsco Valley State Park
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
This popular park has over 200 miles of trails. Seventy of those miles are maintained trails, so you'll find plenty to explore. There's tons to see along your hike including waterfalls, bridges, and of course, the Patapsco River. Click here for more information.
10. Savage River State Forest
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Savage River State Forest has several trails for rustic hiking, including 10 miles of cross country ski trails. It's a very unique place to be among nature. If one day along the trails simply isn't enough, bring all of your gear for a night (or two) of primitive camping, or go backpack camping along one of the trails. (Registration for both is required.)
11. Elk Neck State Park
Flickr / Mike
For views of the Bay, head to Elk Neck State Park.. The hike along the white clay cliffs is an experience to remember. If you're looking for an easy and picturesque hike, follow the 1.5-mile Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail that leads straight to the lighthouse, which boasts sensational sweeping views of Chesapeake Bay.
12. Swallow Falls State Park
Jamie Alvarenga / Facebook
Known mostly for its waterfalls, Swallow Falls State Park features a 1 1/4 mile hike along the Youghiogheny River. Sure, that's a pretty short hike, but the views are fabulous and worth a visit at least once.

With so much natural scenery in the Old Line State, this list just scratches the surface. What do you think are the best hiking spots in Maryland? Let us know in the comments! Then check out these seven low-key hikes in Maryland that will take your breath away.

Address: 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Address: Appalachian Trail, College Park, MD, USA
Address: Loch Raven Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Address: Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA
Address: Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area, 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, USA
Address: 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Address: Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland 20842, USA
Address: 28700 Headquarters Dr NE, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Address: Savage River State Forest, 12, Bittinger, MD 21536, USA
Address: Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best hiking spots in Maryland

May 28, 2020
Beth Price-Williams

What are the best wildflower hikes in Maryland?

Finding scenic hiking trails in Maryland is easy. You just have to know what type of views you want. If you love wildflowers, you’ll definitely want to consider a hike along the C&O Canal. Don’t worry; you won’t have to hike the entire 184-mile trail to admire the colorful wildflowers. Stroll until you’ve had your fill of the thousands of wildflowers – bluebells, for example – that line the winding path. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for butterflies and local wildlife. While spring and summer are the perfect time to hike the trail, you’ll find natural beauty all year around.

Which hikes in Maryland are short and sweet?

Hiking in Maryland can be fun for the whole family, and you’ll find an abundance of short and sweet hikes to get you started. Cascade Falls Trail in Patapsco Valley State Park, for example, leads straight to the beautiful Cascade Falls. The trail spans just a quarter of a mile, but it’s definitely not made for strollers. You’ll also need some sturdy shoes as the trail can get pretty rocky. However, the waterfall is worth the effort any time of the year. During the hot summer months, dip your feet in the natural pool into which the waterfall cascades. Visit to see the waterfall flanked by fall foliage and blanketed in snow.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Maryland?

Ready to find things to do outdoors in Maryland? How about setting off on a waterfall road trip that pairs some of the state’s best waterfalls with some of its best hikes? The waterfall road trip spans just over 300 miles and includes six hours of drive time. You’ll start your epic journey at Muddy Creek & Swallow Falls, which requires a one-mile hike between the two. (Wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes.) The road trip also includes stops at Paw Paw Falls, Cunningham Falls, and Great Falls. Cap off your trek with a visit to Kilgore Falls.

Address: 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Address: Appalachian Trail, College Park, MD, USA
Address: Loch Raven Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Address: Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA
Address: Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area, 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, USA
Address: 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Address: Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland 20842, USA
Address: 28700 Headquarters Dr NE, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Address: Savage River State Forest, 12, Bittinger, MD 21536, USA
Address: Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA