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

  • Cool Spring Path South Parking, Virginia

    Hike Cool Spring Path

    4.0
    2 mi / 70 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Parkton, Maryland

    Hike the Gunpowder Falls North and South Loop Trail

    5.0
    13.3 mi / 1180 ft gain
    Park 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. 
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  • Kingsville, Maryland

    Jerusalem Village Trail & Jericho Covered Bridge Trail

    2.98 mi / 318 ft gain
    This is a moderately rated hike that features a river and quite a few hilly sections. The trail is known to be rather muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate waterproof footwear. Note that some sections of the trail are not well marked. You may want to review a map before embarking. There is park...
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  • Myersville, Maryland

    Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff via Appalachian Trail

    4.4
    7.15 mi / 1172.35 ft gain
    Hike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots. From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (white blaze...
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  • Sharpsburg, Maryland

    Antietam National Battlefield Trail

    4.5
    3 mi / 358 ft gain
    Antietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Cat Rock via Old Misery Trail

    3.0
    2.89 mi / 797 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Graceham, Maryland

    Cunningham Falls via Lower Trail

    4.3
    1.04 mi / 156.17 ft gain
    This 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing platform. To lengthen the adventure, Hunting Cree...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike Catoctin Mountain

    4.5
    8.4 mi / 1370 ft gain
    Park at Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center. The hike starts at the end of the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. This is definitely a popular hiking location, so come early on the weekends to guarantee a parking spot and to avoid the crowds. To start, take the right trail towards th...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park

    4.4
    5 mi / 600 ft gain
    Chimney Rock is the quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile. By parking at the most northeast parking lot on the trail map you are able to include the sweeping views of Thurmont Vista, and Wolf Rock on your way to Chimney Rock. Highly recommend visiting in the fall, and on w...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

    4.5
    8.6 mi / 1696 ft gain
    This 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...
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