Maryland

This 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...

Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don...

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...

From 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...

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...

Maryland Heights is at the convergence of Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath are also easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot holds about 16 cars and is between Locks 33 and...

Most people visit Elk Neck to photograph the lighthouse, or access to the Bay (the throttle of speed boats is never far), but don't miss out on the trails. The three mile out-and-back White Banks Trail offers crazy-beautiful views of the Chesapeake as well as a moderately difficult workout. Park ...

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...

The 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 ...

Park on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash. 

This 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...

This 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...

Assateague Island is a 37 mile long barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, and is home to the famous herd of wild horses. Asssateague National Seashore is located on the Maryland side of the island, and offers Atlantic beaches, bay beaches, biking routes, hiking trails, and wil...

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. 

Park 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!

What 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 ...