Jessup, Maryland

Park 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. 

Burke 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...

Red 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...

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!

Just 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...

Because 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...

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...

Park 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. 

Reservoir 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...

The 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, ...

I'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...

This 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...

Located about 40 minutes from D.C. just off I-66 in Manassas, VA. Henry Hill is the starting point and headquarters that can lead you to multiple trails ranging from 1-5 miles depending on the route you choose here. Ample parking at HQ as well as clean restrooms. Tours are available here. Rolling...

Great spot for a run! Very accessible for those in the DC region.  A good starting point is the Henry Hill Visitor Center. If you want to avoid any crowds, start early.  From the Henry Hill Visitor Center, you can't really go wrong (as far as direction is concerned) since most trails can be linke...

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 ...

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...