The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Maryland
Hiking in Maryland may be enjoyable for the entire family, and there are several excellent and simple hikes to get you started. Maryland is a hiker’s heaven, with different terrain, gorgeous natural surroundings, and panoramas that stretch for kilometers. The city is recognized for its blue crabs and the City of Baltimore. It is also a significant historic trading port, a baseball powerhouse, and the birthplace of the national anthem. Maryland has a wide range of topography within its borders, hence acquiring its nickname, America in Miniature. The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes most of the state’s waterways. One random fact about this beautiful state is that Maryland has no natural lakes because of the lack of glacial history in the area. Today, dams built all of the lakes in the state. In addition to this, Maryland is excellent for personal and professional development, with educational possibilities and a thriving economy. Here is our selection of the ten best hiking trails in Maryland, so put on your hiking boots and head out.
10. Washington Monument State Park, Appalachian Trail – Boonsboro, Maryland
The Appalachian Trail runs through Maryland for forty miles, including Annapolis Rock. Maryland’s Washington Monument is a historical monument on top of the Appalachian Trail. Trekking from the parking lot takes only about 20 minutes. However, you can view Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia from here. The middle part of the trail is an ideal starting point for hikes in either direction. The scenery is very diversely beautiful. The Appalachian Trail has some of the most straightforward hiking on the entire trail.
9. Billy Goat Trail – Potomac, Maryland
The Billy Goat Trail is one of Maryland’s most popular trails, with three paths to select from. The spectacular views of the Potomac River on this trail are pretty breathtaking. Hike A is most people’s favorite trail due to the breathtaking sights it offers. Expect to see many people on whatever path you take, especially on those days with perfect weather.
8. Cunningham Falls State Park – Thurmont, Maryland
Cunningham Falls State Park is situated in Thurmont, Maryland. The park is separated into two distinct but unique zones. Swimming, hiking, fishing, and canoeing are among the recreational activities available. There are miles and miles of hiking routes in this park, and you may trek up to one of the best waterfalls in the vicinity. It is gorgeous when a good amount of rain or snow has fallen. The sandy beach and restaurants in the park offer the perfect area to unwind after a day of hiking.
7. Quiet Waters Park – Annapolis, Maryland
At the park entrance, the Visitor Center features two art galleries exhibiting some of the best talents in the region. Quiet Waters Park, which is more of a pleasant walk than a hike, is perfect for young children or anyone who may have stability concerns because the trail is paved. An exceptionally breathtaking and unrestricted view of the Chesapeake Bay will welcome you to this park’s edge.
6. Calvert Cliffs – Lusby, Maryland
This trek is undoubtedly exciting since there is a beach at the bottom of the cliff where many people have discovered fossils. If you enjoy looking for dinosaur fossils or your children enjoy looking for shark teeth, the Calvert Cliffs is the place to be. The sights along the way are breathtaking as you travel through wetlands, where you will see turtles and native birds. The Calvert Cliffs offer a memorable adventure for the whole family.
5. Rocks State Park – Jarrettsville, Maryland
Rocks State Park encompasses 855 acres of rocky forest terrain. The King and Queen Seat and Kilgore Falls are the main attractions in the park. The Rock State Park features a number of hiking trails. The trail leading to the outcrop known as the King and Queen Seat is the most loved by hikers in the Rocks State Park. The fantastic views will make you want to go back more often than you expected.
4. Thurston Griggs Trail – Myersville, Maryland
The Thurston Griggs Trail is one of Maryland’s most heavily trafficked trails. Despite the area having some limited parking, hikers find it to be one of the most wonderful places to go to. Thurston Griggs Trail offers a rural and rustic experience for avid hikers. This is a rocky trail in the Hagerstown highlands surrounded by trees; hikers are advised to pack a hiking stick and wear highly durable and rugged shoes. Thurston Griggs is the best hiking trail for challenges..
3. Gilbert Run Park – Southern Maryland
The Gilbert Run Park features walking pathways surrounded by trees and only modest incline grace. There is also plenty of picnic tables, a children’s playground, a lake, fishing activity, and boats for rent. The main trail in the park is about two miles long, and the scenery is breathtaking. Prepare to bring out your phone and capture many shots as the fall leaves change and their colors surround this tranquil lake.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore – Ocean City, Maryland
Although most people associate hiking with the mountains, Maryland provides plenty of beach hiking opportunities. Assateague Island National Seashore allows you to hike along a beautiful beach with wild horses. It’s a thrilling adventure to have horses running near you in their natural and wild setting. There is no more gorgeous or quiet hiking spot than this one with the ocean at your feet.
1. Greenwell State Park – Rosedale Manor Lane, Maryland
Greenwell State Park is a terrific spot to take the family to experience the great outdoors, with miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, a fishing pier, and a beach. The park is operated in collaboration with the Greenwell Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to offering outdoor accessible activities. Ten miles of defined trails are open to the public for hiking, biking, and horse riding all year. Many hikers enjoy hiking in this park because they have an opportunity to unwind through other activities like fishing. Undoubtedly, Maryland has some of the best and most diverse hiking in the country.
You can also read: