Freeland, Maryland

The 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...

Starting from the small parking area on Bunkerhill Rd, head north (turn right) onto Michaux Rd. After about 1/3 of a mile you will reach the Appalachian Trail where you will want to head west (turn left).This will lead you on a leisurely hike through the woods (follow the white blazes). It won't ...

Park in the lot (see map) and follow signage for the loop trail. This is not a highly trafficked trail so there may be sections that need some maintenance, but that won't get in the way of completing the hike. 

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...

For 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...

Start your hike where the AT crosses Raven Rock Road (Maryland Route 491). This crossing is well-marked from both sides by large, yellow signs and blazed stakes. You will need to park on the side of the road, but the shoulder is wide and can accommodate a crowd.  The first half mile or so of this...

The pull-off for parking is located at 250 Sherwood Drive in Carlisle (roughly .3 miles off of Bernheisel Bridge Rd). Go north on the AT and climb Blue Mountain to the overlook where you can enjoy views of Carlisle, Newville and Camp Hill. Return by the same route. This hike is steep at points b...

Start your hike where the AT crosses Raven Rock Road (Maryland Route 491). This crossing is well-marked from both sides by large, yellow signs and blazed stakes. You will need to park on the side of the road, but the shoulder is wide and can accommodate a crowd.  The first half mile or so of this...

Hike along the creek for about a half mile, we stop where the trail meets the stream and let the kids play in the water for a bit and then head back. There are 2 large pull-off parking areas alongside of the road. The spot is exactly 3.7 miles from Adventure Park in Mechanicsburg. If you are unfa...

Park in the lot off of Watkins Mill Road to access the trail. This hike is dog friendly and is accessible from March until November. 

White Rocks, a segment of the slightly larger Pond Bank area, is a single pitch top rope or traditional climbing area. To get there, follow 30 until you are a few miles west of Caledonia State park and reach an intersection of 997. You can then head south on 997 until you reach White Rock Road.  ...

Park 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. 

From 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...

Once you reach the power lines, about a mile after cresting the top of the mountain you can look one way and you’ll see the Susquehanna River. Look the other way, and you’ll see beautiful woods and farm fields in Perry County. Return by the same route for a total of about 7 miles.Parking is at th...

The 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...

Park on Sugarloaf Mountain Drive (as indicated on the map below) to access the trail. It is open from March-November and is dog friendly.