Ashton-Sandy Spring, Maryland

Park at Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center. The hike starts at the end of the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. This is definitely a popular hiking location, so come early on the weekends to guarantee a parking spot and to avoid the crowds. To start, take the right trail towards th...

Chimney Rock is the quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile. By parking at the most northeast parking lot on the trail map you are able to include the sweeping views of Thurmont Vista, and Wolf Rock on your way to Chimney Rock. Highly recommend visiting in the fall, and on w...

This 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing platform. To lengthen the adventure, Hunting Cree...

Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point ...

Hike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots. From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (white blaze...

While there are many parks along its length, one of the best places to explore along the 115 mile long Patuxent River is by putting in at Kings Landing Park.  There is ample parking near the launch, and while vehicles are not allowed to park near the water, vehicles are encouraged to open the gat...

Although the trails at Eastern Neck may be small in size (the longest is just over a mile) they're big on sights. It's practically impossible to visit the refuge and not see wildlife, particularly the dizzying number of avian species here. Visit during the winter to see the majestic Tundra Swan, ...

Bears Den is a collection of rocks and boulders that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, just off the Appalachian Trail. You have two options to access this overlook: park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up to the overlook via the trail, or drive to the top and access the...

This hike will start on the Appalachian Trail and will take you to a beautiful set of falls.  When you arrive at the location you will see numerous spots along the side of the road to park. You'll need to look for the white blaze for the Appalachian Trail (it will head up from the parking area). ...

Starting at a small parking lot right off of Route 7 (wuick right onto Pine Grove Road) this hike takes you North on the Appalachian Trail in a very hilly/rocky part of the trail. Expect to gain and lose 300 feet+ multiple times! It's about 2.5 miles each way so budget at least a few hours to go ...

The Cool Spring Path South is an old golf course that has been and still is in the process of being returned to its natural state by Shenandoah University. The paved paths from the golf course make this an easy hike for anyone. For those who may be in a wheelchair, this loop should be fully acces...

The Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay, as it's now known, is the result of our great nation's call for 1,000 wartime transport vessels to be built in 18 months. The quick deadline led to hasty construction and, when World War I ended before the contract was fulfilled, hundreds of ships sat unused. Attem...

This 1.2 mile roundtrip hike leads to the second tallest waterfall in the state of Maryland. It is a short hike that's great for families and bringing the dog. In the warmer months, you can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. People have cliff jumped here, but exercise caution and do s...