Top 10 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Maryland, USA

hiking in maryland
Rebecca
Rebecca 
Published
| 5 min read

You will find Maryland an intriguing place to hike, not only because of its unique landscapes, ranging from riversides and creek beds to rock outcroppings overlooking rich forests, but because of the historical significance many of these places hold. You’ll find yourself hiking through gorgeous landscapes holding stories linked to times of the Civil War, so be sure to pack your camera along with your hiking boots! Due to the varying landscape of Maryland, you’ll find trails of varying difficulty, from casual strolls for beginners to hearty hikes for the more experienced. No matter what you prefer, keep reading for the top hiking and trekking spots in Maryland, USA.

1. King and Queen's Chair Loop


The King and Queen’s Chair Loop is located within Rocks State Park in northern Harford County. Access to the Loop is relatively easy via the Rapids parking area off Route 24. From the lot, you’ll be able to access the purple blazed trail to the white-blazed loop trail, which leads you through rocky forested trails up to the outcropping of rocks known as the King and Queen’s Chair.

This 3-mile (4.8-km) hike is rated as moderate, a perfect choice if you are seeking a bit of a challenge, but nothing too precarious! Be sure to pack a camera, for the views from the King and Queen’s Chair will have you feeling like royalty overlooking a gorgeous wooded kingdom.

King and Queen's Chair Loop

Address: Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084

Website: King and Queen’s Chair Loop

Opening hours: 9am - sunset (March - October); 10am - sunset (November - February)

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2. Cunningham Falls Nature Trail

Creek Running Under a Bridge in Cunningham Falls State Park
Source: Photo by user John Brighenti used under CC BY 2.0

You will find the Cunningham Falls Nature Trail located in Cunningham Falls State Park in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains. Located in the northern part of Maryland as part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, you will find a moderately populated park with plenty of space to walk off into and find solitude and peace.

The Cunningham Falls Nature Trail is a particularly lovely part of the park, with 5.5 miles (8.9 km) of hiking trail meant to provide a sturdy workout to visitors, but nothing too difficult. Plan to allow yourself some time to rest at the waterfalls, for those are a sight you’ll certainly want to take in!

Cunningham Falls Nature Trail

Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Website: Cunningham Falls Nature Trail

Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)

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3. C&O Canal’s Billy Goat Trail

C&O Canal NHP Billy Goat Trail A in January (8365973988)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user C&O Canal NHP used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The highly trafficked Billy Goat Trail continues to be one of the more popular trails in the area of Washington, D.C., with 8 miles (12.9 km) of trails divided into three different sections, based on difficulty. You’ll definitely want to pack good hiking shoes for this! The 1.75-mile (2.8-km) Trail A hike is classified as strenuous, designed for the more experienced hiker. If you want a challenge, but nothing impossible, opt for Trail B – 1.4 miles (2.3 km) of rocky trail that will keep you focused.

Trail C is 1.6 miles (2.6 km) of peaceful walking trail frequented by locals and visitors alike. All trails can be accessed from the path between the Great Falls Tavern and Carderock.

C&O Canal’s Billy Goat Trail

Address: 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854

Website: C&O Canal’s Billy Goat Trail

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

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4. Fort Foote Civil War Ruins Trail


This trail is a popular destination for many for a number of reasons! It is great for all ages and skill levels, it is a lovely trail with many birds and flowers beautifying the hike, and it is wrought with Civil War landmarks, artifacts, and historical sites just outside Fort Washington. The trail overall is 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long, providing a perfect length of time for a leisurely stroll. Whether you’re planning a field trip for students, looking for something to do on a Saturday, or just want a change in scenery for your early morning walk with the dog, the Fort Foote Civil Ruins Trail offers a great venue!

Fort Foote Civil War Ruins Trail

Address: 8901 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Website: Fort Foote Civil War Ruins Trail

Opening hours: 10am - sunset (daily)

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5. Accokeek Farms


Located in picturesque Piscataway Park, Accokeek Farms offers a handful of nature trails located on their property, perfect for a casual sunny day stroll. Choose from six different trails, all of them easy and ranging from 0.3 miles (0.4 km) to 0.9 miles (1.4 km), except for the Pawpaw Trail, which rates more moderately with some steep climbs, but is still only half a mile long (0.8 km). And you don’t have to choose just one, as many of the trails intersect with each other.

You’ll encounter forests and wetlands, as well as the awe-inspiring Potomac River flowing right near the Pumpkin Ash Trail, in particular. No matter which one you pursue, you’re sure to be delighted by Accokeek Farms!

Accokeek Farms

Address: 3400 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607

Website: Accokeek Farms

Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)

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6. Torrey C. Brown Trail


You will find the Torrey C. Brown Trail in Gunpowder Falls State Park up in northern Baltimore County, Maryland. The 19.7 miles (31.7 km) traces the old pathway of the Northern Central Railway and provides a stunning expanse of land through which you will find it easy to meander peacefully. The trail has no sections to it which are challenging, plus it welcomes dogs and horses, making it a great place to enjoy the fresh air with your furry buddies!

Torrey C. Brown Trail

Address: 1320 Paper Mill Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030

Website: Torrey C. Brown Trail

Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)

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7. Greenbury Point


Greenbury Point is situated across the road from the Naval Academy Golf Club and can be reached by Bryant Road, where you will find two hikes offering chances to see the colorful wildflowers blooming throughout. The Nature Center trail stretches for 3.3 miles (5.3 km) and, though it can become overgrown at times, it enchants visitors with its peaceful winding through the woods.

The Tower Trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) of dirt road that many joggers and bikers find very suitable for exercising throughout the day! With the flowing water nearby and the gorgeous views of Annapolis, Greenbury Point will not leave you disappointed.

Greenbury Point

Address: Greenbury Point Nature Center, Annapolis, MD 21402

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8. High Rock and Raven Rock via the Appalachian Trail

hiking in maryland | high rock and raven rock via the appalachian trail
Source: instagram

High Rock and Raven Rock via the Appalachian Trail winds its way through South Mountain State Park in the region of Smithsburg, Maryland. Climbing about 990 feet (301 meters) over a length of 6.4 miles (10.3 km), you will find this trail to be of moderate difficulty, although the two stunning views from High Rock and Raven Rock make it well worth the effort.

The trail head begins on the north side of Raven Rock Road and eventually, as you climb, you’ll see signs directing you onward to High Rock, uniquely marked with its artwork of spray paint, making for a totally Instagram-able spot!

High Rock and Raven Rock via the Appalachian Trail

Address: 23615-23901, MD-491, Smithsburg, MD 21783

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9. Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park - Maryland
Source: Photo by user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Swallow Falls State Park is home to some of Maryland’s most naturally gorgeous views, including the towering Muddy Creek Falls – 55 feet (16 meters) of rushing water sure to take your breath away. Access the falls via the Canyon Trail, an easy trek of 1.25 miles (2 km), passing through the old forest, as well as other waterfalls scattered throughout the boundaries of the park.

If you prefer mountain biking to hiking on foot, try the 5.5 Mile Trail (8.8 km), which connects the Muddy Creek Falls to Harrington Manor State Park, allowing you to traverse through more than one of Maryland’s preserved lands.

Swallow Falls State Park

Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550

Website: Swallow Falls State Park

Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)

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10. Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs, Calvert Cliffs State Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex Zorach used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Calvert Cliffs State Park appropriately received its name from the rock formations that characterize the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay. A perfect place for a day trip, you’ll find the area rich with a sandy beach, optimal opportunities for seeking out fossils in the rock cliffs, a playground for the little ones, and miles of hiking trails for an after-lunch stroll. With 1,079 acres (443 hectares) of land to explore, you will not soon run out of things to do at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Address: 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657

Website: Calvert Cliffs State Park

Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)

Price: 5 USD per vehicle

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Beauty, history, adventure

With so much of its land dedicated to state parks, Maryland is a virtual natural playground for those who love spending their time in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer a challenging hike with a view to make it worth it, or a casual stroll as a way to soak in the afternoon sun, there’s sure to be a trek in Maryland you’ll want to explore!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rebecca has been a content writer for five years, writing about everything, including mental health, animals, and, of course, travel. She knows, as a big mental health advocate, the importance of...Read more

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