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)
2. Cunningham Falls Nature Trail
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)
3. C&O Canal’s Billy Goat Trail
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)
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)
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)
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
8. High Rock and Raven Rock via the Appalachian Trail
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
9. Swallow Falls State Park
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)
10. Calvert Cliffs State Park
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
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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