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Maryland
Maryland packs a surprising range of hiking into a compact state. In the west, you get Appalachian ridges, rocky overlooks, and deep forest corridors. In central Maryland, river gorges and old-growth stream valleys create fast-access day hikes close to major population centers. Along the Chesapeake and Atlantic side, the terrain shifts to tidal marsh, dunes, cypress swamps, and coastal wildlife habitat.
Best Seasons to Hike
- Spring: Excellent for waterfalls and wildflowers, especially in the Catoctin and Patapsco regions.
- Summer: Strong for shaded river trails and coastal hikes near Assateague, but humidity and heat can be intense.
- Fall: Peak season for ridge hikes in western Maryland with cooler temps and leaf color.
- Winter: Good for open-overlook routes and low-crowd hiking, with occasional icy sections in higher elevations.
Waterfall and Trail Character
Maryland trails combine rocky scrambles, canal and river paths, short waterfall routes, and coastal boardwalks. Expect a mix of Potomac and Gunpowder river corridor hiking, ridge viewpoints, and Eastern Shore ecosystems.
Access, Permits, and Fees
Most state park trailheads use day-use parking fees. High-demand areas can fill early on weekends. Confirm permits, parking rules, and closures before hiking.
Safety and Conditions Guidance
Rocky sections can be slick after rain. Heat and humidity are significant in summer. Cell service can be inconsistent in western ridges. Tick checks are important statewide in warm seasons.
Regional Highlights
- Western Mountains (Garrett, Allegany, Washington)
- Catoctin and Central Piedmont (Frederick, Baltimore/Harford)
- Potomac Corridor (Montgomery/Washington)
- Eastern Shore and Coast (Worcester/Somerset)
Trail Locations in Maryland
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Trails in Maryland
Showing 24 of 70 trails
Annapolis Rock Trail
washington County
Appalachian Trail route to broad cliff-top sunset views.
Antietam Creek Trail
washington County
Gentle creekside trail through historic Antietam landscapes.
Assateague Life of the Beach Trail
worcester County
Short coastal walk across dunes to Atlantic beach views.
Assateague Life of the Dunes Trail
worcester County
Coastal boardwalk and dune ecosystem interpretive route.
Assateague Life of the Forest Trail
worcester County
Maritime forest walk with wildlife viewing potential.
Assateague Marsh Trail
worcester County
Short marsh boardwalk with excellent birding opportunities.
Avalon Area Loop Patapsco
baltimore County
Mixed-terrain Patapsco loop with river and forest segments.
B and A Trail Baltimore Annapolis
anne arundel County
Popular rail-trail corridor connecting suburban green spaces.
Beaver Marsh Loop Elk Neck
cecil County
Gentle loop through marsh-edge habitats in Elk Neck.
Big Elk Creek Trail MD
cecil County
Rolling creekside route through wooded Elk Neck terrain.
Billy Goat Trail Section A
montgomery County
Iconic Potomac scramble with exposed rocks and river views.
Billy Goat Trail Section B
montgomery County
Shorter rugged section along the Potomac near Great Falls.
Billy Goat Trail Section C
montgomery County
Popular moderate loop with river overlooks and rock gardens.
Black Hill Lake Loop Trail
montgomery County
Scenic circuit around Little Seneca Lake in Black Hill Park.
Black Rock Cliff Trail MD
frederick County
Catoctin ridge hike with rocky overlooks and forest sections.
Bobs Hill Trail Catoctin
frederick County
Wooded ridge climb to one of the park's classic high points.
Buzzard Rock Trail Patapsco
baltimore County
Patapsco Valley hike to rocky overlooks above the river corridor.
Cabin John Stream Valley Trail
montgomery County
Accessible valley trail with creek views and forest shade.
Calvert Cliffs Orange Trail Loop
calvert County
Longer route to beach and fossil-hunting coastal terrain.
Calvert Cliffs Red Trail
calvert County
Family-friendly woodland trail in Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Cascade Falls Trail Patapsco
baltimore County
Patapsco valley route to waterfalls and stream crossings.
Catoctin Trail
frederick County
Long ridgeline traverse through Catoctin Mountain Park forests and overlooks.
Cat Rock Trail Catoctin
frederick County
Steeper Catoctin route to dramatic Cat Rock overlooks.
Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock Loop
frederick County
Classic Catoctin loop with rock formations and elevation gain.