Silver Spring, Maryland

Looking for the best hiking in Silver Spring? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Silver Spring. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Silver Spring

  • Boyds, Maryland

    Hike or Bike the Hoyles Mill Trail

    9.16 mi / 390 ft gain
    Park on Clarksburg Road (see map) and head onto the marked trail. It can get muddy at times so pack accordingly. Great for kids, and dog friendly too. 
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  • Elkridge, Maryland

    Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail

    4.7
    2.4 mi / 285 ft gain
    Park on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash. 
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  • Fairfax Station, Virginia

    Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax

    4.0
    4.7 mi / 0 ft gain
    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...
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  • Sterling, Virginia

    Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble

    5.0
    19.55 mi / 863 ft gain
    Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble is a point-to-point trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ashburn, Virginia.
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  • Elkridge, Maryland

    Cascade Falls Loop

    3.0
    2.31 mi / 381 ft gain
    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...
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  • Lorton, Virginia

    Woodmarsh Trail

    4.0
    2.83 mi / 154 ft gain
    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...
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  • Clifton, Virginia

    Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail

    13 mi
    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, ...
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  • Dickerson, Maryland

    Hike the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

    4.7
    6.05 mi / 1509 ft gain
    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. 
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  • Ashburn, Virginia

    Reservoir Park

    5.0
    7.12 mi / 413 ft gain
    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...
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  • Leesburg, Virginia

    Hike the Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Loop

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 100 ft gain
    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...
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  • Dickerson, Maryland

    C&O Canal: Whites Ferry to Edwards Ferry

    5.0
    9.84 mi / 243 ft gain
    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!
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  • Manassas, Virginia

    Hike and Explore Bull Run Battlefield

    4.3
    1.2 mi
    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...
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  • Manassas, Virginia

    Trail Run at Bull Run

    5.0
    4 mi
    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...
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  • Baltimore, Maryland

    Hike the Fort McHenry Trail

    3.5
    0.9 mi / 16 ft gain
    Park in the lot and head out either direction on this short loop trail. Trail can get crowded, so be prepared to share the space. 
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  • Owings Mills, Maryland

    Serpentine Trail

    4.5
    2.39 mi / 226 ft gain
    Park 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. 
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  • Owings Mills, Maryland

    Soldiers Delight Loop

    4.7
    5.33 mi / 466 ft gain
    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...
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