Columbia, Maryland
Top Spots in and near Columbia
-
Elkridge, Maryland
Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail
4.72.4 mi / 285 ft gainPark on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash.Read more -
Elkridge, Maryland
Cascade Falls Loop
3.02.31 mi / 381 ft gainThis hike is a great place to escape the city feel of Baltimore and disappear into the wilderness. Enter through the Avalon Area entrance. There is a cash fee to enter the park. Once you pass the front gate continue past the initial picnic area. Continue through the park to the Orange Grove Area...Read more -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Hike Soldiers Delight
4.77 mi / 100 ft gainFrom Deer Park Road, parking is available at the nature center or the scenic overlook (about 100 yards up the road). I typically park at the overlook as this affords the ability to hike trails on either side of the road, and always finish the hike back at the car. From the parking area you are ju...Read more -
Baltimore, Maryland
Hike the Fort McHenry Trail
3.50.9 mi / 16 ft gainPark in the lot and head out either direction on this short loop trail. Trail can get crowded, so be prepared to share the space.Read more -
Eldersburg, Maryland
Mineral Hill Trail
4.02.04 mi / 282 ft gainMineral Hill Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Finksburg, Maryland.Read more -
Laurel, Maryland
Hike the South Tract Trails at Patuxent Research Refuge
5 miFrom the visitors center, start on the Fire Road trail. From there, it's a choose-your-own adventure (choose-your-own ecosystem, actually). Pick the Laurel and Valley Trails to stay in the quiet (and maybe enchanted? It felt enchanted) forest. Goose Pond trail is a short jut to a--yup--pond, wher...Read more -
Derwood, Maryland
Hike, Bike, or Run the Lakeside Trail and Muncaster Mill Trail
4.53.41 mi / 196 ft gainPark at the Meadowside Nature Center to Access the trailhead. This is a 3.4 mile loop with opportunities for birding and observing wildlife. Dogs are welcome on leash.Read more -
Cockeysville, Maryland
Hike the Oregon Ridge Park Trail
4.04.02 mi / 475 ft gainPark in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families.Read more -
Montgomery Village, Maryland
Hike the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Upper Section
5.014.86 mi / 836 ft gainPark in the lot off of Watkins Mill Road to access the trail. This hike is dog friendly and is accessible from March until November.Read more -
Edgemere, Maryland
Hike the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park
2.5 miFirst, a few disclaimers: The parking lot may be "at capacity" if you choose to visit the park in the summer. Do not despair; there is an auxiliary lot of sorts just near the gate.The park may be "full" but chances are you'll have the trails to yourself. Most people are here to hang in the design...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
4.51.5 miThe Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail
4.02 miThis is an out-and-back trail that starts and ends on different roads, but you will have better luck parking on Albemarle Street NW (where I have indicated the trailhead is on the map). This is a long street with plenty of street parking, just pay attention to the signs to see how long you can le...Read more -
Boyds, Maryland
Black Hill Regional Park Loop
5.02.78 mi / 312 ft gainThe Black Hill Regional Park has 1300 acres of oak forests that have views of the Little Seneca Lake. This lake offers a place for visitors to canoe and stand up paddle board. This trail is open to hiking and mountain biking. In addition, dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be on leash a...Read more -
McLean, Virginia
Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean
4.02 mi / 200 ft gainTurkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike.Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When yo...Read more -
Boyds, Maryland
Hike or Bike the Hoyles Mill Trail
9.16 mi / 390 ft gainPark on Clarksburg Road (see map) and head onto the marked trail. It can get muddy at times so pack accordingly. Great for kids, and dog friendly too.Read more -
Baltimore, Maryland
Paddle Dundee Creek
1.5 miFollow the main entrance road down and to the right of the nature center to a turn around loop, where a car can be temporarily parked to unload/load boats onto the pier. You can launch canoes and kayaks on the end of the pier which goes directly out to Dundee Creek. From the launch site, paddlers...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Columbia
Millersville, Maryland
Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend in the country or an action-packed visit to Washington D.C., this KOA is the perfect choice...
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas
Overview
PICNIC AREAS CLOSED UNTIL 2020Greenbelt Park is an urban oasis just 12 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park i...
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt Campground
Overview
Campground closed until Spring 2020. Greenbelt Campground is an urban oasis just 12 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful,...
Washington, District of Columbia
Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Overview
Eight group picnic areas in Rock Creek Park are available for advance reservation from May through October. These picnic areas a...
Washington, District of Columbia
Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Overview
Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups from spring to fall each year. There are also pi...
Washington, Virginia
Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Overview
The Parkway Drive Volleyball courts are located along the Potomac River, northwest of the Lincoln Memorial. The Parkway Drive Vo...