Maryland
Looking for the best hiking in Maryland? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Maryland. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Maryland
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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 -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Soldiers Delight Loop
4.75.33 mi / 466 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 -
Sabillasville, Maryland
Hike to High Rock on the Appalachian Trail
4.06 mi / 2000 ft gainStart 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...Read more -
North East, Maryland
Hike the White Banks Trail at Elk Neck SP
5.06 miMost 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 ...Read more -
Parkton, Maryland
Hike the Gunpowder Falls North and South Loop Trail
5.013.3 mi / 1180 ft gainPark in the lot on Bunker Hill Road and then continue a short ways to the trailhead (see map). There are no bridges for crossing the water so be prepared to pick your way across.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 -
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 -
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 -
Berlin, Maryland
Bike Assateague Island National Seashore
5 miAssateague 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...Read more -
Dickerson, Maryland
Hike along the C&O Canal: Whites Ferry to Edwards Ferry
5.010 mi / 165 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 -
Scotland, Maryland
Explore Point Lookout State Park
4.50.5 miPoint Lookout State Park is at the southern most tip of the joining of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County, Maryland. The park offers many activities such as fishing, canoeing, boat launch, camping and lounging at the beach. When you arrive, there are multiple places t...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 -
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 -
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 -
Street, Maryland
Hike the White Trail
5.03.4 mi / 643 ft gainPark in the lot off of St. Clair Bridge Rd to access the trail. Be aware that some parts of the trail are rocky and/or steep. This trail is dog friendly and is accessible from October through November.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