There’s something timeless and restorative about hitting a trail and letting nature lead the way. Whether you’re chasing mountain top views or wandering through a quiet forest, Maryland hiking offers a chance to unplug, recharge and reconnect with the world around you.
In Maryland, where scenic trails stretch from the mountains of the west to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, it’s easy to find the perfect path for adventure and wellness.
Positive Health Impacts of Hiking
Hiking is more than a walk in the woods—it’s a full-body workout with serious health benefits. It strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, builds muscle, and improves balance and bone density. Whether you’re tackling steep terrain or strolling a wooded path, hiking helps manage weight, boosts endurance, and offers a fun, sustainable way to stay active.
Beyond physical fitness, hiking is a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, while improving mood and focus. Time on the trail promotes mindfulness, better sleep, and a stronger immune system. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others or simply reconnect with yourself in nature’s quiet spaces.
Top 10 Hiking Destinations in Maryland
From mountain views to coastal paths, Maryland is packed with unforgettable hikes for every skill level. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or scenic overlooks, these 10 trails offer the perfect blend of beauty, adventure and fresh air.
National Park Service photo by T. Kilbourn-Shear
Billy Goat Trail – Potomac
One of Maryland’s most iconic and challenging hikes, the Billy Goat Trail offers rugged terrain, scenic overlooks and close-up views of the Potomac River. Located in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park near Great Falls, Section A is the most popular stretch—about 1.75 miles of rock scrambling, steep climbs and breathtaking vistas. Though only a short distance, the trail demands good balance and endurance, making it a favorite for experienced hikers.
Catoctin Mountain Park – Thurmont
Located in the Catoctin Mountains, this national park offers over 25 miles of trails, including the 3.9-mile loop to Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Hikers are treated to expansive views of the Monocacy Valley, unique rock formations, and dense hardwood forest. It’s a great option for both moderate day hikes and wildlife observation.
Cunningham Falls State Park – Thurmont
Cunningham Falls features the tallest cascading waterfall in Maryland at 78 feet. Trails range from a short boardwalk to a half-mile wooded climb. Set in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, the park also offers access to Hunting Creek Lake, ideal for post-hike swimming, fishing, or a peaceful picnic.
Photo Garrett Trails
Swallow Falls State Park – Oakland
Swallow Falls State Park, a Western Maryland gem, is home to the state’s highest free-falling waterfall—Muddy Creek Falls at 53 feet. The 1.25-mile Canyon Loop Trail winds past multiple cascades and through a rare stand of old-growth hemlocks, some over 300 years old. This short but striking hike is ideal for photography, family outings, or a peaceful escape into nature.
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Northern Maryland
Stretching 19.7 miles from Cockeysville to the Pennsylvania line, this crushed-stone trail is a converted railway bed ideal for hiking, biking, and jogging. The mostly shaded path runs alongside the Gunpowder River, passing scenic farmland, historic sites, and old rail bridges, offering a peaceful, flat route that’s comfortable for all skill levels.
Photo AllTrails
Rocks State Park – Harford County
Best known for the King and Queen Seat, a 190-foot natural rock formation once used by the Susquehannock people, Rocks State Park offers challenging, rocky climbs and sweeping views of Deer Creek Valley. Trails vary from easy riverside walks to strenuous uphill scrambles, appealing to adventurous hikers and climbers alike.
Calvert Cliffs State Park – Lusby
A 1.8-mile forested trail leads to the iconic Calvert Cliffs, which tower above a quiet Chesapeake Bay beach. The area is famous for Miocene-era fossils—especially prehistoric shark teeth. Along the way, boardwalks pass through wetlands rich in birdlife and native plants, making this hike both educational and scenic.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Appalachian Trail – Maryland Section
Maryland’s 40-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs from Pen Mar to Harpers Ferry. Known for gentle terrain and well-maintained paths, it features landmarks like the original Washington Monument, a 40-foot stone tower built in 1827, and the panoramic views from Weverton Cliffs. With multiple trailheads and shelters, it’s perfect for both day hikes and weekend backpacking trips.
Photo Wikimedia Commons
Loch Raven Reservoir – Baltimore County
This tranquil reservoir near Towson offers dozens of interconnected trails through forested hills and along peaceful waterfronts. Popular loops include Merryman’s Mill and the Fire Road Trail, which provide elevation changes, creek crossings, and wildlife sightings. It’s a go-to spot for hikers seeking a quiet escape close to the city.
Greenbury Point – Annapolis
This flat, 3.1-mile loop near the U.S. Naval Academy runs through fields and wetlands with panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay. The site’s historic radio towers, wildlife habitats, and breezy shoreline make it an ideal spot for birdwatching, dog walking, or a low-effort walk with scenic rewards.
