Maryland Hikes Recommended by Us!
1. Billy Goat Trail (Section A) at Great Falls
Location: Great Falls
Address: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac, MD 20854
Length: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 354 feet
Skill Level: Difficult
Description: A rugged trail along the Potomac River with stunning views and challenging rock scrambles.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
Location: Dickerson
Address: 7901 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842
Length: 5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: A scenic hike offering panoramic views from the summit of this monadnock mountain.
3. Cunningham Falls
Location: Thurmont
Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
Length: 2.8 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 541 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: A trail leading to the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, surrounded by a lush forest.
4. Catoctin Mountain Park
Location: Thurmont
Address: 6602 Foxville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
Length: 8.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 1,666 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: Features Chimney Rock, Hog Rock, and Cunningham Falls with scenic mountain views.
5. Annapolis Rock
Location: Boonsboro
Address: Appalachian Trail, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Length: 5 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: A rewarding hike with views of the Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier Lake.
6. Rocks State Park
Location: Jarrettsville
Address: 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084
Length: Various trails, including the 3.5-mile King and Queen Seat Trail
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: Trails lead to a rock outcropping with stunning views and Kilgore Falls, Maryland's second-highest waterfall.
7. Gunpowder Falls State Park
Location: Middle River
Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220
Length: 8.4 miles (Lost Pond Trail)
Elevation Gain: 492 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: Features multiple trails along the Gunpowder River with scenic forest views.
8. Patapsco Valley State Park
Location: Ellicott City
Address: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Length: Various trails, including the 2.5-mile Cascade Falls Trail
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: Offers over 200 miles of trails with waterfall views and historic sites.
9. Seneca Creek State Park
Location: Gaithersburg
Address: 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Length: 16.5 miles (Greenway Trail)
Elevation Gain: 656 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: A scenic trail following Seneca Creek through forests and fields.
10. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Location: Lusby
Address: 10540 H.G. Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
Length: 4 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: A trail leading to a beach with fossil-rich cliffs.
11. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Cambridge
Address: 2145 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613
Length: Various trails, including the 1-mile Marsh Edge Trail
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Skill Level: Easy
Description: Offers scenic views of tidal marshes and abundant wildlife.
12. Savage River State Forest
Location: Grantsville
Address: 127 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536
Length: Various trails, including the 6.3-mile Meadow Mountain Trail
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: Features rugged mountain trails with streams and forested areas.
13. Assateague Island National Seashore
Location: Berlin
Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811
Length: Various trails, including the 3-mile Life of the Forest Trail
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Skill Level: Easy
Description: Coastal trails with views of wild horses, dunes, and beaches.
14. Green Ridge State Forest
Location: Flintstone
Address: 28700 Headquarters Dr NE, Flintstone, MD 21530
Length: Various trails, including the 5.5-mile Big Savage Mountain Trail
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: Offers rugged trails with scenic overlooks and abundant wildlife.
15. Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area
Location: Owings Mills
Address: 5100 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Length: 7 miles (Serpentine Trail)
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Description: Unique serpentine barrens with rare plants and scenic vistas.
16. Fort Foote Park
Location: Fort Washington
Address: 8915 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Length: 1.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: Features historical fort ruins and scenic views of the Potomac River.
17. Swallow Falls State Park
Location: Oakland
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
Length: 1.25 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: A short hike to Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall.
18. Elk Neck State Park
Location: North East
Address: 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901
Length: 2 miles (Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail)
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: A trail leading to a historic lighthouse with views of the Chesapeake Bay.
19. Deep Creek Lake State Park
Location: Swanton
Address: 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561
Length: Various trails, including the 1.5-mile Brant Mine Trail
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: Trails with views of Deep Creek Lake and surrounding forest.
20. Tuckahoe State Park
Location: Queen Anne
Address: 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657
Length: 4 miles (Tuckahoe Valley Trail)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Skill Level: Easy
Description: Scenic trails along Tuckahoe Creek with diverse wildlife.
*Hike Maryland provides information for general guidance only. We do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Verify all details independently, including trail difficulty, elevation, length, location, and descriptions, before use. Hike Maryland is not liable for any inaccuracies or outdated information. Use at your own risk.*