Laurel, Maryland
Looking for the best hiking in Laurel? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Laurel. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Laurel
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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 -
Elkridge, Maryland
Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail
4.72.4 mi / 285 ft gainPark on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash.Read more -
Elkridge, Maryland
Cascade Falls Loop
3.02.31 mi / 381 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
4.51.5 miThe Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...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 -
Washington, District of Columbia
Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail
4.02 miThis is an out-and-back trail that starts and ends on different roads, but you will have better luck parking on Albemarle Street NW (where I have indicated the trailhead is on the map). This is a long street with plenty of street parking, just pay attention to the signs to see how long you can le...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.
4.67 miEveryone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast. This centralized location makes the National Mal...Read more -
Arlington, Virginia
Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island
4.32 miIt seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own. Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-...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 -
McLean, Virginia
Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean
4.02 mi / 200 ft gainTurkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike.Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When yo...Read more -
Montgomery Village, Maryland
Hike the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Upper Section
5.014.86 mi / 836 ft gainPark in the lot off of Watkins Mill Road to access the trail. This hike is dog friendly and is accessible from March until November.Read more -
McLean, Virginia
Scott's Run Nature Preserve Loop
4.22.51 mi / 397 ft gainThis nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...Read more -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Serpentine Trail
4.52.39 mi / 226 ft gainPark in the area off of Deer Park road to access the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Trail can get muddy in the spring, and there are some stream crossings.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 -
Great Falls, Virginia
Hike from Riverbend Regional Park to Great Falls National Park
5.02.5 mi / 75 ft gainThis hike utilizes the Potomac Heritage Trail from Riverbend Park to Great Falls National Park. This section is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you along the Potomac until you reach Great Falls National Park. When you reach Riverbend Park turn right into the parking lot. At the end of t...Read more -
Potomac, Maryland
Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail
4.54.61 mi / 272 ft gainJust 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...Read more