We Did the Research, This Is Officially the Strangest Hiking Trail Name in Maryland

Names are meaningful, and the names of hiking trails are no exception. Normally, they reflect part of the landscape they’re on, or maybe the destination of the hike, or even the name of an important person involved in the area. However, sometimes names don’t have meanings; even if they once did, they’ve been lost to time. This is the case for Maryland’s Hop the Snake Trail and even for some of the trail names in the longer loop: Morning Choice, Cascade Falls, Ridge, Hop the Snake, and Nacho Trail. 

Despite not knowing the origin of the name, it can be a good rule of thumb that funny or quirky names often lead to interesting hikes, and this certainly is the case for the Hop the Snake Trail and the popular extended route. The whole loop is just over seven miles long and takes under three hours to complete. Although it is a popular hike and one that isn’t particularly rocky, it’s considered to be a more challenging trail than others due to the fact that you have to cross rivers without bridges. Yes, that means getting your feet (or boots) wet. 

This isn’t a deterrent for many, as it is still a well-traveled hike. Most walk the trail, but many also run or bike it. However, it is recommended to walk the trail first because some areas aren’t especially well marked, and there are multiple trails with intersecting areas. It is, as locals will tell you, very easy to get lost in this park, so keeping a GPS on hand is a smart idea. 

Maryland is a beautiful state with a full four seasons, so the popularity of these trails and the Patapsco Valley State Park as a whole during the entire year is a given. In the spring, wildflowers dot the grass below the trees, and rivers roar with snowmelt and rain. In the summer, bikers and runners take advantage of the less muddy paths and warmer weather. Autumn brings falling leaves in fiery colors, and families take advantage of the cooling temperature and smaller rivers to bring young children. Winter brings the hardest weather to navigate on the trail, with ice hiding just under the snow and causing slipping hazards. But the snow is, of course, stunning amongst the frozen waterfalls and surrounding landscape. 

Although the area is popular, the parking area is very small and can get crowded, so it’s recommended to visit early. There are a few other facilities, but the town of Elkridge is close by and is an interesting visit in and of itself. With a deep-rooted Civil War history, this town’s population has been steadily growing and now provides many offerings for travelers tired after a long, satisfying hike. 

Travelers can decide for themselves whether or not hopping over any snakes is needed on the Hop the Snake Trail. But, in any case, there’s no doubt that anyone visiting the park and the extended Morning Choice, Cascade Falls, Ridge, Hop the Snake, and Nacho trails would be bound for a good hike. But, perhaps you think there’s a collection of trails with even stranger names? Use our nomination form and tell us all about it!