Ellicott City, Maryland
Looking for the best hiking in Ellicott City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Ellicott City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Ellicott City
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Reston, Virginia
Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop
1.65 mi / 273.62 ft gainTucked inside the heart of Reston, Virginia, the Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop is a 1.65-mile loop with 274 feet of elevation gain winding through wooded terrain along the shores of Lake Anne. It's one of the more underrated walks in Northern Virginia — quiet, scenic, and easily accessible from the...Read more -
Bel Air, Maryland
Hike the Deer Creek Trail
5.02 miBecause Palmer State Park is still under development (with no timeline given for its completion), there are only a few trails that meander through this 555-acre reserve. Palmer's official website offers a not-so-helpful topographical map, but the easiest way into the park that I could find was ne...Read more -
Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
Hike the Ranger Trails at Codorus State Park
4.05 miI'll be honest. I wasn't expecting much from Codorus State Park. But, my Saturday was open and I wanted to go somewhere I wouldn't have to fight for legroom. I didn't need anything majestic--just some space. Codorus, centrally located in the picturesque hills of York County, PA, seemed to fit the...Read more -
Sterling, Virginia
Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble
5.019.55 mi / 863 ft gainWashington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble is a point-to-point trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ashburn, Virginia.Read more -
Dickerson, Maryland
C&O Canal: Whites Ferry to Edwards Ferry
5.09.84 mi / 243 ft gainPark in the lot on Whites Ferry road and hop on the Chesapeake Ohio towpath. This is an out-and-back so you can make it as short as you want or up to 10 miles. Great for familes and dog friendly!Read more -
Leesburg, Virginia
Hike the Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Loop
5.01.2 mi / 100 ft gainRed Rock Wilderness Overlook provides 60+ acres of trails to explore right in Leesburg, Virginia. The site is home to some ruins and buildings from the late 1800's and is a wonderful spot for picnics, hiking, trail running, and geocaching.The preferable loop is to take the trail that leads straig...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Explore Point of Rocks/ Potomac River Overlook
4.00.2 mi / 95 ft gainPark at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal parking lot. Walk to the US 15 and cross the road. Trail is not marked, though its faint traces can be detected as you continue on. GPS is recommended. Enjoy the overlook and when you're ready to go back, retrace your steps.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 -
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
4.45 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 -
Graceham, Maryland
Cunningham Falls via Lower Trail
4.31.04 mi / 156.17 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Ashburn, Virginia
Reservoir Park
5.07.12 mi / 413 ft gainReservoir Park opened in 2024. You can easily hike around the entire Beaverdam Reservoir. There are boat rentals, fishing, bird watching, picnic areas, hiking, biking, and trail running. The 7-mile loop trail is marked with blue blazes. The trail was renovated in 2024 and now has boardwalks and b...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 -
North East, Maryland
Hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck SP
3.01.6 mi / 60 ft gainThis hike begins from the parking lot trailhead that is well-marked. Be cautious - parking is limited and may be full on weekends, and the paved road suddenly ends at the parking lot entrance. The path is crushed stone, wide, and relatively flat. Dogs are welcome but must be on leashes. On th...Read more