How lucky are we to live in a state like Maryland? It’s absolutely beautiful, boasts a ton of amazing attractions, and the people are amazing. History also thrives in Maryland, giving us a valuable peek into the past. If you love spending time outdoors and you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely want to check out these seven historic hikes in Maryland. Pair these pieces of the past with gorgeous scenery for an epic day to remember.

1. Antietam Battlefield
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho
Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge, and more historic spots await at Antietam Battlefield. You could spend an entire day exploring all the sites so wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. Learn more on the official website of Antietam Battlefield.

Address: 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
2. Fort Foote Park
Flickr / Mrs. Gemstone
This park contains remnants of an old fort from the 1800s. The cannons are especially neat to see up close. Make sure you bring your camera along. Check out the official website of Fort Foote Park for more information.

Address: 8915 Fort Foote Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745
3. Monocacy Battlefield
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos
This underrated battlefield is gorgeous, complete with historic buildings and barns. Hike the nearby trails to experience every inch of beauty here. The Battlefield also hosts events throughout the year that are definitely worth checking out. Head over to the official website of Monocacy Battlefield for more information.

Address: 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
4. C & O Canal
Flickr / Jerry Edmundson
The canal spans all the way from Washington DC to Cumberland, so there are plenty of historic things to see. The old lockhouses are especially charming. If you love waterfalls, you'll also want to make your way to Great Falls. Stop by the official website of the C & O Canal.
5. Patapsco Valley State Park (Daniels Area)
Flickr / Rip
The Daniels area of Patapsco Valley State Park contains an abandoned town, and you can still see remnants of old churches, rusty cars, and more. Put on your hiking boots and prepare for sights like no other. Learn more on the official website of Patapsco Valley State Park.

Address: 2090 Daniels Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
6. Accokeek Farms at Piscataway Park Trail
Flickr / baldeaglebluff
This historic attraction features a Colonial farm, as well as a three-mile loop around the area. The scenery, rustic bridges, and flat route are perfect to bring the whole family. Here's the official website of Accokeek Farms at Piscataway Park.

Address: 3400 Bryan Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607
7. Maryland Heights Trail
Flickr / ShashiBellamkonda
Most people know this 2.8-mile trail for its epic view overlooking Harpers Ferry. While the view is definitely worth the effort, this trail also offers tidbits of Civil War History along the way. Find more information on the Maryland Heights Trail.

Address: Harpers Ferry Rd Knoxville, MD 21758

Have you gone on any of these historic hikes in Maryland? Share your experience in the comments! For more outdoor adventures in the Old Line State, consider checking items off of the Ultimate Bucket List For Outdoor Lovers In Maryland.

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More to Explore

historic hikes in Maryland

Beth Price-Williams | November 13, 2020

What are the most easily accessible hikes in Maryland?

Some of the best hiking trails in Maryland are also the easiest, trails that hikers of any age and any skill level can follow without difficulty. Fortunately, we have quite a few of those in Maryland. Head over to Calvert Cliffs State Park for a picturesque hike along the Red Trail. The trail tallies 1.8 miles of boardwalk and features sensational views of wetlands and woodlands. Monocacy Battlefield in Frederick offers several walking paths that lead to historic sites while the trail to Terrapin Beach Park is simply stunning. It features both boardwalks and paved areas.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Maryland?

Hiking is one of the best things to do outside in Maryland. . After all, we have so much gorgeous terrain to explore. What’s better than a hike? A hike that leads to a waterfall, of course. Slip on your hiking boots for the hike that leads from Muddy Creek Falls to Swallow Creek Falls. It clocks in at just over a mile, and you can’t go wrong with seeing two sensational waterfalls. Prepare for a bumpy hike (the terrain is a bit rocky) of just over a mile that leads to the cascading Kilgore Falls. The trails to Cunningham Falls and Cascade Falls are also worth the effort.

Can I hike to historical sites in Maryland?

It just doesn’t get any better than a hike paired with Maryland history. If you’re a history buff, you have quite a few trails that lead to historic sites in Maryland. Get a glimpse of cannons when you hike at Forte Foot Park. The C&O Canal travels from Washington DC to Cumberland and offers quite a few historical sites, such as old lockhouses, along the way. The Maryland Heights Trail spans just 2.8 miles and boasts stunning views of Harpers Ferry. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the Civil War from a series of educational markers.

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Featured Addresses
Antietam National Battlefield, 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, USA
Fort Foote Park, 8915 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744, USA
Monocacy National Battlefield | Worthington Farm, Urbana, MD 21704, USA
3807 Harpers Ferry Rd, Keedysville, MD 21756, USA
Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607, USA
Maryland Heights Trailhead, 489-551 Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA