Potomac, Maryland
Looking for the best hiking in Potomac? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Potomac. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Potomac
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Knoxville, Maryland
Weverton Cliffs via Appalachian Trail
4.91.9 mi / 866 ft gainThe 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 ...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 -
Purcellville, Virginia
Potomac Wayside Park
4.00.25 mi / 75 ft gainThis is a small park along route 340 in Purcellville, Virginia near Harper's Ferry. After you have parked, look for the park sign which will be a few feet behind you. There is a trail that will take you down to the bottom of the waterfall and eventually to the Potomac River. There is also a trail...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Bears Den Overlook
4.31.31 mi / 164 ft gainBears Den is a collection of rocks and boulders that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, just off the Appalachian Trail. You have two options to access this overlook: park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up to the overlook via the trail, or drive to the top and access the...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Hollow Brook Falls
4.32 mi / 300 ft gainThis hike will start on the Appalachian Trail and will take you to a beautiful set of falls. When you arrive at the location you will see numerous spots along the side of the road to park. You'll need to look for the white blaze for the Appalachian Trail (it will head up from the parking area). ...Read more -
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry
4.74.53 mi / 1191 ft gainParking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free). Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge and take a left on the C&O Canal trail. You will ...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Raven Rock
4.35 mi / 1000 ft gainStarting at a small parking lot right off of Route 7 (wuick right onto Pine Grove Road) this hike takes you North on the Appalachian Trail in a very hilly/rocky part of the trail. Expect to gain and lose 300 feet+ multiple times! It's about 2.5 miles each way so budget at least a few hours to go ...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Maryland Heights via Overlook Cliffs
4.82.88 mi / 1056 ft gainMaryland 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...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Maryland Heights Trail Loop
4.94 mi / 1647 ft gainLearn Civil War history as you hike through forts and read signs about the war. Enjoy beautiful lookouts, including one with a great view of Harpers Ferry. The 5.3 mile hike is relatively easy and offers an interesting opportunity to learn history in one of the most important historical areas i...Read more -
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Weverton Cliffs Overlook from Harpers Ferry
5.08.71 mi / 1178 ft gainParking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free). Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point ...Read more -
Cool Spring Path South Parking, Virginia
Hike Cool Spring Path
4.02 mi / 70 ft gainThe Cool Spring Path South is an old golf course that has been and still is in the process of being returned to its natural state by Shenandoah University. The paved paths from the golf course make this an easy hike for anyone. For those who may be in a wheelchair, this loop should be fully acces...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 -
Marshall, Virginia
Hike to the Piedmont Overlook
5.00.61 mi / 400 ft gainIn just a .61 mile trail, Piedmont Overlook has so much to offer in terms of views and although it is fairly steep, anyone can do it! After arriving at Sky Meadows State Park start heading up to the white park office building, this is where the trail begins. To get to the trail head follow Bosto...Read more -
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield Trail
4.53 mi / 358 ft gainAntietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.Read more -
Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia
Camp at Sky Meadows State Park
5.02 miCamping at Sky Meadows State Park is a great location to backpack with young kids or if you are new to backpacking. The campground has 18 primitive walk-in campsites located 1.03 miles from the overnight parking lot at the park entrance. Reservations can be made online. After checking-in and park...Read more