Maryland, a mid-Atlantic state, has several trails traversing along different topographies, including blooming wildflowers and shimmering rivers. Most of the state parks have other trails of various difficulty levels from which hikers can choose according to their preferences. From unique rock formations to gorgeous waterfalls, the result of the strenuous hike is sure to be a rewarding one. The sights of various floras like oak, maple trees, and fauna like deer, turkeys, squirrels, bald eagles, and so on are a bonus.
You’ll find numerous hiking trails within Rock State Park. Among these, many enjoy hiking the 3.5 miles of White Trail to the King and Queen Seat. It is a spectacular rock outcrop, rising 190 feet above Deer Creek. Head to the park’s main office to start your hike from the trailhead there. It is moderately challenging as parts of the trail are pretty steep and rocky. So, it would help if beginners undergo professional training before starting the adventurous hike.
On reaching the King and Queen Seat, you will surely be mesmerized by the views from there. Legend has it that the Susquehannock Indians used this site for ceremonial gatherings. However, there is no such evidence to prove it to be true. You can also reach the spot by hiking along the Red Trail from the Rock Ridge Picnic Area or along the Purple Trail from the Rapids Parking lot.
Another popular attraction is Kilgore Falls, the state’s second-highest vertical dropping waterfall. Park your cars at the Falling Branch Parking Area and hike along the 1.5 miles Falling Branch Trail. It’s a great place to come with your family and dogs. You need to make a reservation if visiting here on holiday or weekends.
Length: White Trail is 3.5 miles, and Falling Branch Trail is 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: March to October
This rocky trail at Cunningham Falls State Park includes several steep uphill and downhill paths. You can either start from the Visitor Center or the Hog Rock Parking Lot. Do not forget the hiking shoes and carry your hiking poles along to climb the steep paths. Instead of going clockwise, you can consider the anti-clockwise path for a less steep climb.
A pretty waterfall awaits you at the end of the trail. Besides this, you’ll also find a lake where you can enjoy taking a refreshing dip after the strenuous hike.
Length: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
This epic trail has about a 2,190-mile route passing through 14 states from Maine to Georgia. With several access points, the entire trail traversing through Maryland is about 40 miles. You can hike from Thurston Griggs Trail to Black Rock via Appalachian Trail. It is approximately 3.5 miles long, and the views from Black Rock are incredible. Though a rocky trail, carrying a hiking pole would help you reach the site more easily. Go further to Annapolis Rock to enjoy some more spectacular views.
Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: February to November
Maryland Heights Trail is within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. There is so much to see as you hike along this trail, from picturesque scenic vistas to historical sites and fascinating geology. The changing hike takes about 3 hours to complete. Though most of the trail is paved, there are muddy and rocky paths as well, so do wear appropriate footwear. Along the way, you can take short breaks to read the interesting interpretive signs or admire the views.
As you go higher, the breathtaking views of Harper Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers would appeal to you to the fullest. Once you reach the summit of Maryland Heights, you’ll be able to see the remnants of the historic fort of the Civil War period. You can hike further from here along the 2-mile loop trail to Stone Fort for additional views.
Length: About 6.5 miles round trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Best time to visit: All-year-round
This trail traverses along the former Northern Central Railway’s historic rail corridor from Ashland Road in Cockeysville, Maryland, to the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. The 10 feet wide trail is used not only by hikers but also by bikers, joggers, horseback riders, etc. There is also a visitor center at Monkton Station, where you can learn fascinating historical facts about the old railroad. In addition, there is a rental shop there that provides bikes. It is pet-friendly, so you can also bring your dogs for a walk but keep them leashed.
Besides these, you will also find a wide variety of amenities along the long trail, including picnic benches and drinking fountains.
Length: 19.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All-year-round
This loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park starts and ends at the Visitor Center near the parking lot. It is a rugged and narrow trail with partly steep climbs. Despite the moderate hike, the views of the rolling topography will keep you going. As you approach the Wolf Rock outcropping, the trail becomes flatter. Once you reach here, you will be able to witness the Wolf Rock, a quartzite ledge formed about 550 million years ago by sand deposition. You can further head to the Chimney Rock following the signs from the ridge.
On a rainy day, the trail can be wet and slippery. So, remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Though dogs can go to the Wolf Rock, there is a sign saying that they aren’t allowed on Chimney Rock.
Length: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
The three significant loops in Catoctin Mountain Park combine to form this loop trail that begins from the Visitor Center. It is a moderate hike, with some parts of the trail being steep and challenging. If it rains, watch out for the slippery rocks. The major sports and views that catch the interest of hikers include Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, Thurmont Overlook, and Blue Ridge Summit. You won’t find it difficult to hike on a summer day as the trail is shady enough. Also, it is well-marked, and you can complete the entire hike within 3-4 hours.
Length: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
Loch Raven Reservoir is a pristine lake flowing in Baltimore in north-central Maryland. You can hike the different scenic trails surrounding it, all varying in difficulty levels. Two of the major ones include Merryman’s Mill Trail Loop and Morgan Mill Trail. As a bonus, you’ll also get to see several birds, including ravens, cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, and bald eagles flying overhead.
Length: 11 miles (Merryman’s Mill Trail Loop), 2.6 miles (Morgan Mill Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate(Merryman’s Mill Trail Loop), Moderate (Morgan Mill Trail)
Best time to visit: All-year-round
Elk Neck State Park has several trails, some of them offering the best views of Chesapeake Bay. If you are a novice hiker or want only to enjoy the sights, you can hike the 1.5 miles of Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail. At the trail’s end stands the 35 feet historic lighthouse on a bluff. Once you climb up, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the bay and birds flying overhead.
Apart from this, there are also some moderate-rated trails for avid hikers, like the Beaver Marsh Trail or Orange Trail. It is a 2-mile loop trail circling Beaver Marsh along the Elk River. It traverses through the dense woods, giving you some fantastic views of the flora and wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and eagles.
Length: 1.5 miles (Turkey Point Lighthouse), 2 miles (Beaver Marsh Trail)
Difficulty: Easy(Turkey Point Lighthouse), Moderate (Beaver Marsh Trail)
Best time to visit: All-year-round
Billy Goat Trail within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a well-hiked trail in Maryland. You can choose to hike on any one of the three sections A, B, or C, depending on your skill levels. All of them offer marvelous views of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.
Among these, section A is majorly traveled and the most challenging one, even requiring technical hiking. Start from the upstream entrance near the Great Falls and the Stop Gate and then traverse along the Potomac River’s Mather Gorge. As it is a rocky and steep trail, you need to scramble over massive boulders. The 1.75-mile trail ends downstream near the Angler’s access point. This trail, however, does not allow dogs.
While section B is moderate and requires scrambling, section C is the easiest of the three. You can bring your dogs in these two sections and do put a leash on them. You can access these two trails from Carderock Recreation Area.
Length: 1.7 miles (Section A); 1.4 miles (Section B); 1.6 miles (Section C)
Difficulty: Difficult (Section A); Moderate (Section B); Easy (Section C)
Best time to visit: All-year-round
You can start hiking Cascade Falls Loop Trail from the parking lot within Patapsco Valley State Park. The otherwise flat trail includes some steep climbs and stream crossings but is doable for kids. You can treat your eyes to the natural beauties all along. The waterfall at the end is a pretty one, a perfect spot for a family picnic. Of course, your furry friends, too, can join you.
Following the blue markings along the trail can be pretty confusing, and there are chances of you getting lost. Hence, it would be helpful if you download the All Trails map beforehand.
For parking your car, you need to spend $ 5 if you’re a non-resident or $ 3 for the state residents.
Length: About 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
This trail is a must-visit for any wildlife or nature lover as you will find plenty of them here. It is a moderate hike with intense climbs at the beginning and towards the trail’s end to Sugarloaf Mountain. The woods that include oak, poplar, birch, and hemlock trees provide shade all along, making the hike a comfortable one, even on a hot summer day. In addition, you can treat your eyes to the diverse wildflowers blooming on your way.
Though a busy trail, once you get to Sugarloaf Mountain, which is about 14 million years old, the scenic vistas are sure to take your breath away. Once you soak in the views, you can start the hike to Northern Peaks Trail for more picturesque sceneries. Also, you will be able to spot varied wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, squirrels, and many more. In addition, glimpses of birds like wild turkeys, horned owls, hawks, and many songbirds are sure to surprise you.
Length: 6.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
This hike along Great Falls Overlook Trail is an enjoyable one, and you’ll have a good time scrambling and bouldering rocks in some parts. The views of the Potomac Rivers are stunning, and the best part of hiking this trail is the cascading waterfall. Bring your camera with you to click some fantastic pictures of the falls and the surrounding areas.
There is an entrance fee at The Great Falls area of C&O Canal National Historical Park ranging from $10 to $20, depending on your mode of transportation. However, dogs are not permissible to the trail area.
Length: About 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
This serene trail is a favorite among many, also ideal for beginners to practice their hiking. With so much to see all along, including waterfalls and historical ruins and buildings, you will undoubtedly lose track of how far you’ve traveled. In addition, most of the trail is paved and shady, making it a family and dog-friendly hike. However, if not prepared for a long hike, you can turn off the trail at any point in time. Those planning to complete the loop come ready with all the hiking essentials.
Length: 20 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
The various trails in Gun Powder Falls State Park provide hikers a great time to explore them. Whether an avid hiker or a nature lover, there are at least 25 trails, rated as moderate, divided among the six sections of the state park. In addition, you’ll get to see some fascinating historical sites as well.
Two of the significant ones you can consider hiking are Little Gunpowder Trail to Jerusalem Mills Trail Loop and Sweathouse Branch and Wildlands Loop. Both the trails meander along the streams and can be muddy, so it would help if you wear proper footwear.
Length: 4.2 miles (Gunpowder Trail to Jerusalem Mills Trail Loop), 4.7 miles (Sweathouse Branch and Wildlands Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
Savage River State Forest houses numerous trails that traverse through the scenic forests. Most of them are moderate or difficult. So, lace up your hiking shoes to tread along the rugged trails. Apart from the picturesque beauty, you might also spot the forest inhabitants, including white-tailed deer, black bears, owls, songbirds, raccoons, squirrels, eagles, and many more.
Two of the popular trails are High Rocks Trail and Monroe Run Trail, which are moderately strenuous.
Length: 2.1 miles (High Rocks Trail), 9.5 miles (Monroe Run Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
The trail system in Swallow Falls State Park Trail will lead you to some of the impressive natural wonders, particularly the gorgeous waterfalls. You can hike along the Canyon Loop Trail, which is a short hike with some steep and rocky parts. Traversing along the Youghiogheny River, you will get to see the state’s highest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls. In addition, the views of the stunning Swallow Falls and many rock outcroppings along the trail are sure to be rewarding. There is a handicap accessible path also to the Muddy Creek Falls.
Length: 1.5 miles (Canyon Loop Trail)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best time to visit: All-year-round
TOP PICKS
Best Mountain Hikes: Avalon Loop Trail, Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail, Appalachian Scenic Trail
Best Waterfall Hikes: Cascade Falls Loop Trail, Great Falls Overlook Loop Trail, Swallow Falls State Park Trail
Best Dog- Friendly Hikes: Rock State Park Trails, Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, Cascade Falls Loop Trail
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