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NatureHiking

This Hike At Maryland’s Prettyboy Reservoir Is Full Of Natural Beauty And Leads To An Incredible Giant Dam

Discover the scenic Prettyboy Reservoir Dam hike in Maryland, a 2.6-mile trail perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Updated Jul 21, 2023

Written by 

Jamie Alvarenga

Looking for a new hiking spot in Maryland? Then check out his trek that leads to a beautiful dam in the Old Line State. The Prettyboy Reservoir in Maryland is always great for an outdoorsy adventure, especially when it comes to this short and sweet route. Read on to learn the details -- I guess you could say that this is one of the best dam hikes in Maryland!

Prettyboy Reservoir is located in northern Baltimore County.

Map highlighting Prettyboy Reservoir in Maryland, with an arrow pointing to its location.
Google Maps

Many people head here for the water views and fishing, too!

A serene lake surrounded by a lush forest with varying shades of green and hints of autumn colors.
TripAdvisor / DominicanMerida

But this place is also great for hiking, especially when it comes to the Prettyboy Reservoir Dam hike. This 2.6-mile out-and-back trail includes flowing water and mossy boulders...

A serene river flows through a rocky landscape, surrounded by bare trees and a peaceful, natural setting.
AllTrails / Quanjun Lang

...and plenty of plant life that's sure to impress. Keep your eyes peeled for all types of fungi, ferns, and more.

A view of tall trees with autumn leaves against a clear blue sky, captured from below in a forest.
AllTrails / Giovanni Vargas

Also, be on the lookout for trees gnawed down by beavers. It's a fascinating thing to see in person.

A close-up of a tree trunk with a spiral cut, revealing fresh wood and surrounding leaf litter on the forest floor.
AllTrails / Frank Smith

Soon you'll approach Prettyboy Dam, which is a perfect place to sit and stay a while.

A person in a red jacket sits by a river, gazing at a large dam with water cascading down, surrounded by trees.
AllTrails / Valerie Walker-Clark

This man-made marvel combined with nature makes for one picture-perfect juxtaposition.

A large dam with water cascading down, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone pathway in the foreground.
Jamie Nicholson/AllTrails

Even your furry friends will love checking out the scenery!

A dog walks along a riverbank near a dam, with water cascading down the concrete structure surrounded by greenery.
AllTrails / Pedro Febres

Whether you visit during spring, summer, autumn...

A serene river flows through a rocky landscape, framed by vibrant yellow autumn leaves.
AllTrails / Giovanni Vargas

...or winter, this hike always dazzles. It just may become your new favorite go-to spot.

A snowy riverbank with flowing water, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky. Sunlight peeks through the branches.
AllTrails / Giovanni Vargas

Learn more about the Prettyboy Reservoir Dam hike by clicking on the link below. Happy exploring!

A group of people stands by a river, with a dam and waterfall in the background, surrounded by lush greenery.
AllTrails / Anastasia Tavarez

Get an aerial view of the Prettyboy Reservoir:

youtube embeded image

Have you been to the Prettyboy Reservoir in Maryland yet? Let us know how it was in the comments. You can see the Prettyboy Reservoir Dam and other Prettyboy Reservoir Dam Trails at AllTrails.

For another great hike in this area, check out this loop trail that leads to a mossy paradise.

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