Maryland
Looking for the best hiking in Maryland? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Maryland. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Maryland
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Kingsville, Maryland
Hike the Jerusalem Village Trail & Jericho Covered Bridge Trail
4.3 mi / 341 ft gainThis is a moderately rated hike that features a river and quite a few hilly sections. The trail is known to be rather muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate waterproof footwear. Note that some sections of the trail are not well marked. You may want to review a map before embarking. There is park...Read more -
Oakland, Maryland
Hike the Herrington Manor/Swallow Falls Trail
5.011 mi / 25 ft gainI began my adventure at the trailhead in Herrington Manor State Park. The parking lot was empty and the trail was very easy to access. From start to finish this trail varies in the width of its path. For the first mile I had a lot of foot room, but as I went deeper into the forest, the trail turn...Read more -
North East, Maryland
Hike the Elk Neck State Forest Trails
3.56.6 mi / 450 ft gainPark in the lot (see map) and follow signage for the loop trail. This is not a highly trafficked trail so there may be sections that need some maintenance, but that won't get in the way of completing the hike.Read more -
Cockeysville, Maryland
Hike the Oregon Ridge Park Trail
4.04.02 mi / 475 ft gainPark in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families.Read more -
7, Smithsburg, Maryland
Hike to Devil's Racecourse on the Appalachian Trail
4.53 mi / 1500 ft gainStart your hike where the AT crosses Raven Rock Road (Maryland Route 491). This crossing is well-marked from both sides by large, yellow signs and blazed stakes. You will need to park on the side of the road, but the shoulder is wide and can accommodate a crowd. The first half mile or so of this...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Hike Maryland Heights Trail Loop
5.3 mi / 1600 ft gainLearn Civil War history as you hike through forts and read signs about the war. Enjoy beautiful lookouts, including one with a great view of Harpers Ferry. The 5.3 mile hike is relatively easy and offers an interesting opportunity to learn history in one of the most important historical areas i...Read more -
Bel Air, Maryland
Hike the Deer Creek Trail
5.02 miBecause Palmer State Park is still under development (with no timeline given for its completion), there are only a few trails that meander through this 555-acre reserve. Palmer's official website offers a not-so-helpful topographical map, but the easiest way into the park that I could find was ne...Read more -
Freeland, Maryland
Hike Hemlock Gorge
5.03.5 mi / 300 ft gainThis is one of Baltimore's little known gems. The area contains an ecosystem which is essentially non-existent outside of the Appalachian mountain regions. It has also been seemingly under-appreciated and abused by locals. I am trusting that the Outbound Collective community will do its part to e...Read more -
Pocomoke City, Maryland
HIke the Bald Cypress Trail
3.01 mi / 0 ft gainThe beautiful Pocomoke River State Park is divided into two sections, the Shad Landing Area and the Milburn Landing Area. The Bald Cypress Nature Trail is located in the Milburn Landing Area. Once you are in the Milburn Landing Area, you'll want to look for the Mattaponi Pavilion sign and turn do...Read more -
Wildlife Trail Parking Area, Maryland
Explore Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
1 miAlthough the trails at Eastern Neck may be small in size (the longest is just over a mile) they're big on sights. It's practically impossible to visit the refuge and not see wildlife, particularly the dizzying number of avian species here. Visit during the winter to see the majestic Tundra Swan, ...Read more -
Swanton, Maryland
Hike the Big Savage Mountain Trail (Southern Terminus to High Rock)
11 mi / 1500 ft gainThis is not a casual hike; it is one which should be taken taken seriously. However, it will be an enjoyable experience for anyone with the resolve to face the early 1,500 ft. climb in elevation, as well the ascent of a slightly dodgy (but still structurally sound) mid-20th century fire tower. ...Read more -
Montgomery Village, Maryland
Hike the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Upper Section
5.014.86 mi / 836 ft gainPark in the lot off of Watkins Mill Road to access the trail. This hike is dog friendly and is accessible from March until November.Read more -
Edgemere, Maryland
Hike the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park
2.5 miFirst, a few disclaimers: The parking lot may be "at capacity" if you choose to visit the park in the summer. Do not despair; there is an auxiliary lot of sorts just near the gate.The park may be "full" but chances are you'll have the trails to yourself. Most people are here to hang in the design...Read more -
Boyds, Maryland
Hike or Bike the Hoyles Mill Trail
9.16 mi / 390 ft gainPark on Clarksburg Road (see map) and head onto the marked trail. It can get muddy at times so pack accordingly. Great for kids, and dog friendly too.Read more -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Serpentine Trail
4.52.39 mi / 226 ft gainPark in the area off of Deer Park road to access the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Trail can get muddy in the spring, and there are some stream crossings.Read more -
Baltimore, Maryland
Hike Marshy Point Nature Center
5 miMarshy Point Nature Center is 25 minutes northeast of Baltimore in Middle River, Maryland. Convenient from I-95 with lots of parking and miles of interconnected trails, it's a perfect spot for a quick hike or an all-day excursion. The trails are mostly within the 1-2 mile range, but you can comb...Read more