woman standing among tall, leafless trees on Maryland hiking trail

Local Guide To Hiking In Maryland: 11 Best Trails + Tips!

Wondering where to go hiking in Maryland?

Having lived in the Mid-Atlantic region for nearly 20 years, I have spent quite a bit of time exploring the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). The area has diverse landscapes that are easily accessible. I love that I can go from the mountains to the beach in just a few hours!

My warm-weather weekends almost always include a hike in one of Maryland’s state or regional parks. Whether exploring on my own or joining one of the local hiking groups, I’ve uncovered some amazing Maryland hiking spots to share with you here.

11 BEST Maryland Hiking Trails

So what are my go-to hiking trails in Maryland? Here are my top 11 choices, in no particular order.

1. The Flowing Free Trail at Patuxent River State Park

Quick Facts

  • Free – Patuxent River State Park has no parking or recreational use fees…and as my brother would say, if it’s free, it’s for me!
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Hiking, swimming/tubing, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking are all permitted
  • 5 Marked Trails – Marked trails range from 1.5 – 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain
  • Historic Area – Access the Howard Chapel Cemetery, a historic African-American cemetery, via the Cemetery Trail
  • Trash Free Park – You must carry out all of your trash when you leave the park
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Ellicott City, Maryland

The Patuxent River State Park is one of my favorite hiking spots in Maryland when I’m looking for some time in nature without too much strenuous climbing. In addition to five marked hiking trails, the park has several unmarked trails that have been worn by visitors over the years.

My favorite trail, the Flowing Free Trail, is beautifully canopied with trees and runs nearly north to south for about 1.5 miles along the Patuxent River. I could not find this trail on my AllTrails app but you’ll want to use the South Entrance to access it, along with the nature center.

Narrow dirt trail among tall trees and lush, green ground covering at Maryland hiking location
Calm river surrounded by lush green trees and reeds with yellow butterfly along hiking trail at Patuxent River State Park

Mullinix Mill and Annapolis Rock Road provide access to the other marked trails. The Hipsley Mill and Brown Church Road entrances provide access to many undeveloped and unmarked trails.

2. The Billy Goat Trail Section C at Great Falls Overlook

Quick Facts

  • Free – No entrance fee or pass is required
  • This trail is limited to hiking
  • 1 Marked Trail about 1.5 miles
  • The Caderock Parking Area is open 24 hours (but really, why would you go there in the dark?!?)
  • Historic Area – wander alongside the Potomac River for up to 30 miles on the C&O Canal, a pre-Civil War way of moving goods up and down the Potomac River
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Bethesda, Maryland

I can’t say enough good things about Billy Goat Section C, especially if you’re looking for an adventurous hike close to Washington DC. Located in Carderock, Maryland, the 1.6-mile loop is rated moderately difficult due to rock scrambles and a slight elevation gain.

Section C follows the Potomac River, and hikers are rewarded with some amazing views of the powerful river. The hiking trail is shaded, and you will encounter fallen logs or boulders that you’ll need to scramble over. These sections provide just enough adventure and challenge for the average hiker!

3. The Generals Walk Trail at Smallwood State Park

Quick Facts

  • Fees – varies throughout the year but never more than $3/person (Maryland residents) and $5/person (out-of-state residents)
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping are available
  • 2 Marked Trails – Generals Walk Trail (2 miles) and Birdwatchers Trail (¾ mile)
  • Marina, Fishing Pier, and General Store – Sweden Point Marina has boat ramps and slips (fee) or fish from the pier (license required)
  • Historic Area – Visit the Retreat House, a restored 18th-century tidewater plantation home (first Saturday of each month, May-September, 1-5pm)
  • Stay and eat at nearby National Harbor

Nestled along the Potomac River south of Washington DC is Smallwood State Park. I first visited here one November and fell in love with the General’s Walk Trail. The 2-mile trail provides a thorough tour of the state park without being overly strenuous.

Red wooden sign that says "State of Maryland, Sweden Point Marina, Department of Natural Resources, Discovery Center"
Two small cabins sitting on top of a hill among trees with orange and red leaves, several sitting benches in foreground

After your hike, I recommend swinging into the Sweden Point Discover Center or the Mattawoman Creek Art Center. This was a quaint little building featuring pieces from local artists.

At Sweden Point Marina, you can launch boats (fee required) or fish from the spacious pier! With so much to do, you might want to spend the night in one of the six cabins at Smallwood State Park – or bring your own tent!

4. The Gunpowder Falls Trail at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Quick Facts

  • Free – No entrance fee or pass is required
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Fishing, hunting, hiking, leashed pets, and horseback riding are all permitted (hunting, leashed pets, and horseback riding have some restrictions)
  • 6 Parking Areas – Each area has multiple trails
  • Gunpowder Falls State Park hours vary by location
  • Recreation Area – Visit the Hammerman Area for food concessions, swimming, canoe rentals, and fishing (summer season)
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Baltimore, Maryland

One of the longer hikes on this list, the Gunpowder Falls Trail is a 9-mile out-and-back hike in the Sweathouse area of Gunpowder Falls State Park. The trail meanders along the river, offering several access points. 

This trail can be overgrown in places, and you will likely encounter some water crossings. However, hikers are rewarded with shaded forests and beautiful views. And you can always swing by the swimming beach at the Hammerman Area to cool off afterwards!

5. The Snavely Ford Trail at Antietam National Battlefield

Quick Facts

  • Fees – a standard entry pass is $10-20; the park also accepts America the Beautiful passes
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Hiking, fishing, and horseback riding are permitted
  • 10 Marked Trails – Trails range from just under 2 miles to a quarter of a mile and most meander past key historical sites
  • Visitor Center – Open daily from 9am-5pm (closed holidays), stop by and talk to a park ranger for some great tips!
  • Historic Area – There are several historical sites at this park, including monuments, Dunker Church, Pry House Field Hospital, and a National Cemetery
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Sharpsburg, Maryland

One of my favorite hikes in Maryland is the nearly 2-mile Snavely Ford Trail loop at the Antietam National Battlefield. This well-maintained and shaded trail meanders along the Antietam Creek for much of the way. 

Hiking trail along Antietam Creek at Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland
Burnside Stone Bridge over Antietam River with stone wall in foreground

The Snavely Ford Trail loop is easy to access from the parking lot at the Burnside Stone Bridge. This is a great place to start (or finish) your hike along the trail. The historic bridge is the ideal photo opp for capturing this picturesque and solemn location.

6. The Upper Gambrill Mill Trail at Monocacy National Battlefield

Quick Facts

  • Free – No entrance fee or pass is required
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Monocacy National Battlefield is best suited for walking and hiking as well as learning more about the Civil War
  • 6 Marked Trails – Trails range from just under 2 miles to a quarter of a mile
  • Visitor Center – Open daily from 9am-5pm (closed holidays), stop by and talk to a park ranger for some great tips!
  • Historic Areas – There are six historical farms at this park that were significant to the Battle of Monocacy
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Frederick, Maryland

I stumbled upon the Monocacy National Battlefield one sunny spring day. Because my original goal was finding fishing spots, I initially settled on the Gambrill Mill Trail, a half mile trail along the Monocacy River that is wheelchair accessible.

Large, open pasture with green grass and blue sky with clouds along hiking trail at Monocacy National Battlefield
wooden pier overlooking Monocacy River with a bridge in the distance on Maryland hiking trail

Since the day was so beautiful, I ended up piecing that hiking trail with two others, the Dam Ruins trail and the Upper Gambrill Trail, for a total hike of about 2 miles. The Upper Gambrill Trail meanders through woods and up hills before finishing in an open meadow.

Although a short hike, the incline gain and bright sun in the meadow really made me feel like I had a workout! And, the wheelchair accessible portion of this hike made my heart sing!

7. The Red Trail at Calvert Cliffs State Park

Quick Facts

  • Free – No entrance fee or pass is required
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Fishing, hunting, hiking, leashed pets, and fossil hunting are all permitted
  • 6 Marked Trails – Trails provide 13 miles of hiking opportunities throughout the park
  • Calvert Cliffs State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset (no visitor center, but bathrooms are available)
  • Historic Area – Take the Red Trail to Fossil Beach and look for sharks’ teeth!
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Solomons Island, Maryland

If you’re a fossil nerd like me, the Red Trail at Calvert Cliffs State Park is a great trail to add to your Maryland hiking list! This out-and-back hike will log you about 3.5 miles without breaking too much of a sweat.

The Red Trail features various landscapes, including a raised wooden boardwalk over a marshy area. Overall, the trail is well-maintained, but you may encounter water you have to navigate around (through) in low-lying areas.

Fallen tree debris at Fossil beach on Chesapeake Bay
Wooden boardwalk over swamp with trees in the background

And the best part? The Red Trail hike leads to a beach along the Chesapeake Bay where you can hunt for sharks’ teeth and other fossils! I’ve yet to find one, but haven’t given up. So grab your hiking (and fossiling) gear and get out there!

8. The Cascade Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park

Quick Facts

  • Fees – varies throughout the year but never more than $3/person (Maryland residents) and $5/person (out-of-state residents) depending on which area you visit
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Fishing, hunting, hiking, leashed pets, and horseback riding are all permitted (hunting, leashed pets, and horseback riding have some restrictions)
  • 6 Parking Areas – Each area has multiple trails around and along the Patapsco River
  • Patapsco Valley State Park Orange Grove Area is open daily from 9am to sunset
  • Historic Area – Visit the William Offutt Johnson History Center, a restored stone home turned park visitor center
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Baltimore, Maryland

If you are not too far in your hiking journey but ready for a challenge, be sure to check out the Cascade Falls Trail at the Orange Grove Area of Patapsco Valley State Park. This 2.3-mile loop is easy enough to bring the family and tough enough to wear the kids down! 

Brown sign at hiking trailhead pointing to the Cascade Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park
Small waterfall along jagged rocks spilling into small pool below along Maryland hiking trail

The path is nicely shaded, and you’ll catch some smaller waterfalls along the way. I enjoyed the wildlife and greenery, and felt I got enough of a workout to justify a sweet treat afterward!

Note that Patapsco Valley State Park has six parking areas that each offer trails and access to various recreational activities. Be sure to do your homework and know the exact address of the area you want to visit!

9. The Northern Peaks Trail at Sugarloaf Mountain

Quick Facts

  • Free, Donation Requested – Although Sugarloaf Mountain is free, a $5 donation is requested to help maintain the property (donate online or at the park dropbox)
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Hiking, leashed pets, and horseback riding (Yellow Trail only) are all permitted
  • 4 Marked Trails – Trails range from 1.5 miles (yikes!) to 7 miles
  • Sugarloaf Mountain is open from 8 am to Sunset (entrance closes at 4 pm)
  • Trash Free Park – You must carry out all of your trash when you leave the park
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Frederick, Maryland

The Northern Peaks trail at the privately owned Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most popular hiking trails in Maryland. This trail offers 5 miles of hiking, perfect for a good workout and outstanding views!

This is one of the more challenging hiking trails on this list due to the elevation gains, but the work is worth it. You’ll get some spectacular views of the area’s farmland and rock formations. Oh, and be sure to drop into the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard on your way home!

10. The Cliff Trail at Cunningham Falls State Park

Quick Facts

  • Fees – varies throughout the year but never more than $5/person (Maryland residents) and $7/person (out-of-state residents)
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping are available
  • 10 Marked Trails – Trails range from 27 miles (yikes!) to half a mile – Cunningham Falls waterfall trails are accessible at the William Houck Area
  • Marina, Fishing Pier, and Boat Rentals (summer only) – Hunting Creek Lake offers additional recreational opportunities after you’ve finished your waterfall hike!
  • Historic Area – Visit the African American Cemetery Trail, accessible from the Manor Area
  • Stay and Eat in nearby Frederick, Maryland

I am a total sucker for a good waterfall hike, and the Cliff Trail at Cunningham Falls State Park totally fits the bill! This ~1-mile out-and-back hike provides a great workout with a rewarding view. I even got to see some fun critters nestled in the cracks and crevices along the way!

Black striped lizard with blue tail laying on textured rock at Cunningham State Park in Maryland
People sitting along the waterfall at Cunningham Falls in Maryland

The Cliff Trail does include some rock scrambles as you climb the 400-foot elevation gain. If you prefer a less strenuous hike to the falls, the Lower Falls Trail is also a great option. Whichever trail you choose, be sure to allow some time to just sit and enjoy the waterfall!

11. The Twin Oaks Trail at Green Ridge State Forest

Quick Facts

  • Free – No entrance fee or pass is required
  • Multi-Recreational Use – Hiking, biking, leashed pets, camping, paddling, fishing and hunting (license required), and horseback riding (public roads only) are all permitted
  • 9 Marked Trails – Trails range from 2 miles to 30 miles (whoa!)
  • Green Ridge State Forest is open 24 hours a day; office hours are 7am to 3pm daily
  • Historic Area – wander alongside the Potomac River for up to 30 miles on the C&O Canal, a pre-Civil War way of moving goods up and down the Potomac River

One of my favorite Maryland hiking trails, the Twin Oaks Trail, is found in the Green Ridge State Forest in the northwestern part of the state. Although technically a 2-mile trail, I recommend you combine it with a portion of the Pine Lick Trail for a nice 4-mile loop. 

This well-marked trail is rated as moderate. Hikers will encounter fallen logs and water crossing so be mindful of your shoe selection. There is also a modest elevation gain of 600 feet. 

I’ll also give a general plug for the Green Ridge State Forest. In addition to hiking trails, visitors can also fish, paddle, camp, and ride horses in certain parts of the forest!

Map

Recommended Gear For Hiking In Maryland

✅ Mini First Aid Kit: This little kit gives me big peace of mind out on the trails. It’s packed with anything you might need to provide basic first aid, including several types of bandages, cleaning and prep pads, and burn ointment. And, it’s in a waterproof case.

✅ Collapsible Hiking Sticks: I really like these collapsible hiking sticks for rocky terrain and elevation gains. Not only do they help with balance, but I can also use them to pull myself along a bit. And they’re easy enough to pack away on hikes where I don’t need any extra help!

✅ Emergency Rain Ponchos: I have a couple of these in my hiking backpack at all times in case I get caught in the rain without my raincoat.

Top Trail Tips

Whether you’re a novice hiker or ready to conquer the Appalachian Trail, it’s important to be prepared before you head out. Following these trail tips helps you enjoy your Maryland hiking experience with less worry and stress!

Download the Trail Map

I always try to have the trail map handy whenever I go out for a hike, and I recommend you do too, especially if you’re hiking alone. It’s easy to get turned around on poorly marked hiking trails and discover that you have no cell phone coverage.

One way I do this is to take a photo of the trail map that is posted in the parking area. It’s not the most high-tech solution, but it does help when used with your cell phone’s compass. Hiking apps, such as AllTrails, permit trail map downloads and tracking offline (subscription required).

Bring the Essentials

Whether you’re headed out for a full day of hiking or just a couple of hours, be sure to pack some essentials! Water or sports drinks are essential for staying hydrated on the trail. I also carry a small first aid kit, sunscreen, a cheap poncho, and bug repellent.

I do bring a change of clothes and shoes, which I leave in the car. Trail conditions can be unpredictable, and it’s nice to know you have fresh clothes to go home in if you need them.

Regardless of what you decide to bring with you, be sure to carry out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles on all Maryland hiking trails.

Be Aware of Local Wildlife

Before you head out into the great Maryland wilderness, take some time to educate yourself about the local wildlife you may encounter. Maryland is home to black widow spiders, black bears, copperhead snakes, and timber rattlesnakes, each posing a specific threat to hikers.

Hiking in Maryland also means you will likely encounter mosquitoes and ticks, which carry diseases that can have lifelong implications. Bug repellent can help, but it is also important to check yourself thoroughly for these pesky hitchhikers before they’ve burrowed their way under your skin.

FAQs

We’ve covered many of the specifics of hiking in Maryland. Here are answers to a few more general questions that come up:

Does Maryland have good hiking?

Heck yeah! Maryland offers great hiking options for people of all skill levels. Additionally, Maryland offers a variety of landscapes – you can find a hike near the ocean, in the mountains, or through the woods.

How long is the Maryland part of the Appalachian Trail?

The Maryland portion accounts for about 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail and is best suited for experienced hikers.

How many hiking trails are there in Maryland?

This is nearly impossible to answer, but with nearly 80 state parks, 20 national parks (check out 15 Amazing National Parks in Maryland), and countless local parks, there are loads of hiking trails in Maryland! And that doesn’t include the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath!

Conclusion

So there you have it, my favorite 11 hiking trails in Maryland, along with tips for making the most of your experience. Of course, there are so many more to discover that I might have to do a second list. See you on the trails!