Maryland
The Free State
There are over 87 known hiking and trekking trails in Maryland
Most popular trails:
Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail (4.6 miles): This out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Great Falls Loop Trail (3.2 miles): This loop trail offers views of the Great Falls of the Patapsco River.
Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail (4.6 miles): This loop trail offers views of the surrounding area.
Swallow Falls Canyon Trail (2.4 miles): This loop trail offers views of the Swallow Falls, a series of waterfalls.
Rock Creek Trail (18.3 miles): This trail offers a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging.
Cunningham Falls State Park Trails (10 trails): These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging.
Best trails for certain activities:
Rock climbing: The Chimney Rock Trail in Patapsco Valley State Park and the Raven Rocks in South Mountain State Park are both good options for rock climbing.
Mountain biking: The Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park and the Bear Branch Trail in Patapsco Valley State Park are both good options for mountain biking.
Hiking with dogs: The Cunningham Falls State Park Trails and the Rock Creek Trail are both dog-friendly trails.
Birdwatching: The South Mountain State Park Trails and the Patuxent Research Refuge offer good opportunities for birdwatching.
Picnicking: The Patapsco Valley State Park Trails and the Cunningham Falls State Park Trails offer several picnic areas along the trails.
Most challenging trails:
The Pinnacle Trail (4.6 miles): This out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, but it is also challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed ledges.
The Chimney Rock Trail (1.2 miles): This out-and-back trail offers views of the surrounding area, but it is also challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed ledges.
The Bear Branch Trail (4.0 miles): This loop trail offers a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging, and is challenging due to its steep climbs and rugged terrain.
The South Mountain State Park Trails: There are several trails in South Mountain State Park that are challenging, including the Annapolis Rock Trail and the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail.
The Raven Rocks: This is a series of rock climbing trails located in South Mountain State Park. The trails are challenging due to their steep climbs and exposed ledges.
Most scenic trails:
The Swallow Falls Canyon Trail (2.4 miles): This loop trail offers views of the Swallow Falls, a series of waterfalls.
The Great Falls Loop Trail (3.2 miles): This loop trail offers views of the Great Falls of the Patapsco River.
The Rock Creek Trail (18.3 miles): This trail offers a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging, and also offers views of the Potomac River.
The Cunningham Falls State Park Trails: There are several trails in Cunningham Falls State Park that offer views of the surrounding area, including the Lower Falls Trail and the Cliff Trail.
The Patuxent Research Refuge: This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, foxes, and deer. The refuge offers several trails that offer views of the wildlife and the surrounding area.
Most family-friendly trails:
Billy Goat Trail (1.5 miles): This loop trail is located in Great Falls Park and is accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The trail offers views of the Potomac River and Great Falls.
C&O Canal Towpath Trail (184.5 miles): This trail is located along the C&O Canal and is accessible to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The trail offers views of the canal and the surrounding countryside.
Cunningham Falls State Park Trails (10 trails): These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging. The trails are also dog-friendly.
Patuxent Research Refuge Trails (10 trails): These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging. The trails also offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Swallow Falls State Park Trails (6 trails): These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging
Most accessible trails in the state:
Lower Falls Trail: This paved trail is located in Cunningham Falls State Park and is wheelchair accessible.
Cliff Trail: This paved trail is also located in Cunningham Falls State Park and is wheelchair accessible.
Patuxent Research Refuge Trails: Several trails in the Patuxent Research Refuge are wheelchair accessible.
Rock Creek Trail: Several trails in Rock Creek Park are wheelchair accessible.
C&O Canal Towpath Trail: The C&O Canal Towpath Trail is a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible.
Baltimore National Civil War Museum Trails: Several trails in the Baltimore National Civil War Museum are wheelchair accessible.
Where to get permits for trails:
Permits are required for some trails in Maryland. To get a permit, you can contact the park or forest where the trail is located. Here are some of the places where you can get permits for trails in Maryland:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources: You can contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for permits to hike on trails in state parks and forests.(410)-260-8367.
National Park Service: You can contact the National Park Service for permits to hike on trails in national parks.(410)-395-5000
U.S. Forest Service: You can contact the U.S. Forest Service for permits to hike on trails in national forests.(410)-260-8531
