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Towson, Maryland

Top Spots in and near Towson

  • Cockeysville, Maryland

    Hike the Oregon Ridge Park Trail

    4.0
    4.02 mi / 475 ft gain
    Park in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families. 
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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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  • Kingsville, Maryland

    Hike the Jerusalem Village Trail & Jericho Covered Bridge Trail

    4.3 mi / 341 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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  • Owings Mills, Maryland

    Hike Soldiers Delight

    4.7
    7 mi / 100 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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  • Baltimore, Maryland

    Paddle Dundee Creek

    1.5 mi
    Follow the main entrance road down and to the right of the nature center to a turn around loop, where a car can be temporarily parked to unload/load boats onto the pier. You can launch canoes and kayaks on the end of the pier which goes directly out to Dundee Creek. From the launch site, paddlers...
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  • Baltimore, Maryland

    Hike Marshy Point Nature Center

    5 mi
    Marshy Point Nature Center is 25 minutes northeast of Baltimore in Middle River, Maryland. Convenient from I-95 with lots of parking and miles of interconnected trails, it's a perfect spot for a quick hike or an all-day excursion.  The trails are mostly within the 1-2 mile range, but you can comb...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Edgemere, Maryland

    Hike the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park

    2.5 mi
    First, a few disclaimers: The parking lot may be "at capacity" if you choose to visit the park in the summer. Do not despair; there is an auxiliary lot of sorts just near the gate.The park may be "full" but chances are you'll have the trails to yourself. Most people are here to hang in the design...
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  • Parkton, Maryland

    Photograph Prettyboy Dam

    4.0
    Make sure you park in the designated spots located above the Dam. Walk across the Dam road bridge and about mid way stop and take a look over the edge. You will be greeted with the a beautiful view of the valley. To explore more keep walking over the dam bridge and walk down the stairs to view ...
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  • Eldersburg, Maryland

    Mineral Hill Trail

    4.0
    2.04 mi / 282 ft gain
    Mineral Hill Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Finksburg, Maryland.
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  • Street, Maryland

    Hike the White Trail

    5.0
    3.4 mi / 643 ft gain
    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. 
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  • Pylesville, Maryland

    Hike to Kilgore Falls

    3.8
    1.2 mi
    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...
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  • Freeland, Maryland

    Hike Hemlock Gorge

    5.0
    3.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    This is one of Baltimore's little known gems. The area contains an ecosystem which is essentially non-existent outside of the Appalachian mountain regions. It has also been seemingly under-appreciated and abused by locals. I am trusting that the Outbound Collective community will do its part to e...
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  • Bel Air, Maryland

    Hike the Deer Creek Trail

    5.0
    2 mi
    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...
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Camping and Lodging in Towson

Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Millersville, Maryland

Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday

Greenbelt Campground
Greenbelt, Maryland

Greenbelt Campground

Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas
Greenbelt, Maryland

Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas

Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Washington, District of Columbia

Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas

Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Washington, District of Columbia

Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas

Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Washington, Virginia

Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts

Guides, Insights and Stories from Towson

How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

Outdoor Alliance