Columbia, Maryland
Top Spots in and near Columbia
-
Fairfax Station, Virginia
Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax
4.54.7 mi / 0 ft gainBurke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...Read more -
Waterford, Virginia
Hike the Historical Phillips Farm in Waterford
4.01 mi / 10 ft gainThis leisurely hike starts at the Old Mill at Waterford in Waterford, Virginia. You can find parking along the side of the road right near the mill. As you walk down and past the mill you'll see a fence and the beginning of the trail. This is a short, 1 mile hike and almost completely flat. If y...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Cat Rock via Old Misery Trail
3.02.89 mi / 797 ft gainThe best place to park is on Catoctin Hollow Road in the parking lot that's on the same side of the road as the lake. It's not a huge lot but we were here mid-summer around 10 am and found a spot easily. The trailhead is on the other side of the street from this parking lot; there is a sign letti...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Hike Catoctin Mountain
4.58.4 mi / 1370 ft gainPark 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...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park
4.25 mi / 600 ft gainChimney 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...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail
4.58.6 mi / 1696 ft gainThis 8.6 mile loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park is good for both hikers and trail runners. This loop is the larger loop in the park, comprised of Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. The trail gets a moderate rating because it's mostly roc...Read more -
Smithsburg, Maryland
Hike to Cunningham Falls
4.22.8 miThis 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 Creek...Read more -
Huntingtown, Maryland
Paddle the Patuxent River through Maryland
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...Read more -
Sabillasville, Maryland
Camp at the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park
5.04 mi / 1200 ft gainFor outdoor enthusiasts, Maryland is an ideal place to live. Between the mountains and the Bay--and the rivers, bike paths, and trails along the way--we couldn't ask for much more. But if we were feeling greedy, we would probably ask for additional backpacking options, right? Of course, there are...Read more -
Lorton, Virginia
Woodmarsh Trail
4.02.83 mi / 154 ft gainJust at the entrance to Mason Neck State Park is the Woodmarsh Trail. The entire loop is about 3 miles. This is a pleasant easy hike that is relatively flat with no rocks to speak of. The trail wanders through a forest and passes by a large swamp along the Potomac River. There is one well built o...Read more -
Clifton, Virginia
Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail
13 miThe Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...Read more -
Havre de Grace, Maryland
Hike the Susquehanna Ridge Trail at Susquehanna State Park
6 miWhat is it with Harford County and its slew of awesome parks? Nestled in the Northeast corner of Maryland, between the Chesapeake Bay and the river it takes its name from, Susquehanna State Park is gorgeous. A couple miles and a world away from I-95, SSP is expansive and lush. There are 15 miles ...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Hike the AT to Weverton Cliffs
4.93 mi / 1500 ft gainThe trailhead is located right off Weverton Cliff's Road in Knoxville, Maryland. Park at a Park and Ride on the right side of the road, then walk right out of the parking lot down Weverton Cliff's Road until you see the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail. Follow that trail for 1.5 miles along ...Read more -
Myersville, Maryland
Hike to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff
4.48 mi / 840 ft gainHike 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 blazes)...Read more -
Wye Mills, Maryland
Kayak around Wye Island NRMA
With over 2,400 acres of managed land, Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area is the perfect spot to explore via the water. There is a public boat launch in Wye Landing near the island, put in your boat there and head south a little to connect with the island's coast. To fully circle the i...Read more -
Purcellville, Virginia
Explore Potomac Wayside Park
4.00.25 mi / 75 ft gainThis is a small park along route 340 in Purcellville, Virginia near Harper's Ferry. After you have parked, look for the park sign which will be a few feet behind you. There is a trail that will take you down to the bottom of the waterfall and eventually to the Potomac River. There is also a trail...Read more