Love a good hike but always have your kids in tow? Not to worry. There are several spots around the Old Line State where you can enjoy rustic sights without a whole lot of effort. The following kid-friendly hikes in Maryland are all under a mile in length, making them perfect for the whole family.
- Cascade Falls Trail
Flickr / Bart Located at Patapsco Valley State Park, the hike to this natural wonder is only a quarter mile from the parking lot. Be aware that it’s rather rocky so strollers may not be an option. Once you see the waterfall and pool, you’ll know that the (little) effort was worth it. It’s perhaps one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland!
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Cascade Falls Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland. Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
- The trails at Assateague Island
Flickr / Miguel Vieira Assateague Island has a few trails, including a dunes trail, forest trail, and marsh trail. They’re all under a mile in length and full of beautiful sights along the way. Be sure to check them all out, as they all offer something different to see. Some of the best hikes in Maryland can be found here.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the boardwalk trails at Assateague Island in Maryland. Assateague Island, United States
- Savage Historic Mill Trail
Flickr / Matthew O’Thompsonski This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail showcases ruins and the Little Patuxent River. Enjoy the sounds of rustling water and woodland views. After you’re finished, treat yourself to some grub at Savage Mill Mall next door.
Visit AllTrails for more information on Savage Historic Mill Trail in Maryland. Savage Mill Trail, Savage, MD, USA
- The boardwalk trail at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Flickr / alliecat1881 This short and sweet boardwalk trail is only 0.4 miles in length. Since it’s flat, it’s perfectly suitable for children - just make sure they don’t fall in the swamp! Keep your eyes peeled for frogs and turtles.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the boardwalk trail at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Maryland. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, USA
- Flag Ponds Nature Park
Flickr / alliecat1881 This park is perfect for children, as there are several shallow pools in which to splash around. The hike from the parking lot to the beach is a mere 1/2 mile. Be on the lookout for shark teeth! It’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Maryland.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Flag Ponds Nature Park in Maryland. Flag Ponds Nature Park, 1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
- Rocky Gap State Park
Flickr / zizzybaloobah There are several short trails under a mile in length at this western Maryland park, making it a favorite spot for families to camp out each year. There’s also a beach on site where you can take a dip among the blue water.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about one hike at Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland. Rocky Gap, Maryland 21502, USA
BONUS: C & O Canal
Flickr / Mr.TinDC Okay - I know that the C & O Canal is actually a little over 184 miles in length, BUT you can choose to walk, jog, or cycle any distance you’d like. Every time I visit this spot, I see kids riding their bikes along the towpath. It’s all flat (though a little rocky), making for a day trip that’s perfect for all ages.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about hiking along the C & O Canal in Maryland. C & O Canal National Historic Park Headquarters, 142 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
Do you know of any other kid-friendly hikes in Maryland that are one mile and under? What are your favorite hikes to take the kids on around the state? Feel free to share below!
Flickr / Bart
Located at Patapsco Valley State Park, the hike to this natural wonder is only a quarter mile from the parking lot. Be aware that it’s rather rocky so strollers may not be an option. Once you see the waterfall and pool, you’ll know that the (little) effort was worth it. It’s perhaps one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland!
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Cascade Falls Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland.
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Flickr / Miguel Vieira
Assateague Island has a few trails, including a dunes trail, forest trail, and marsh trail. They’re all under a mile in length and full of beautiful sights along the way. Be sure to check them all out, as they all offer something different to see. Some of the best hikes in Maryland can be found here.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the boardwalk trails at Assateague Island in Maryland.
Assateague Island, United States
Flickr / Matthew O’Thompsonski
This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail showcases ruins and the Little Patuxent River. Enjoy the sounds of rustling water and woodland views. After you’re finished, treat yourself to some grub at Savage Mill Mall next door.
Visit AllTrails for more information on Savage Historic Mill Trail in Maryland.
Savage Mill Trail, Savage, MD, USA
Flickr / alliecat1881
This short and sweet boardwalk trail is only 0.4 miles in length. Since it’s flat, it’s perfectly suitable for children - just make sure they don’t fall in the swamp! Keep your eyes peeled for frogs and turtles.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the boardwalk trail at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Maryland.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, USA
This park is perfect for children, as there are several shallow pools in which to splash around. The hike from the parking lot to the beach is a mere 1/2 mile. Be on the lookout for shark teeth! It’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Maryland.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Flag Ponds Nature Park in Maryland.
Flag Ponds Nature Park, 1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Flickr / zizzybaloobah
There are several short trails under a mile in length at this western Maryland park, making it a favorite spot for families to camp out each year. There’s also a beach on site where you can take a dip among the blue water.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about one hike at Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland.
Rocky Gap, Maryland 21502, USA
Flickr / Mr.TinDC
Okay - I know that the C & O Canal is actually a little over 184 miles in length, BUT you can choose to walk, jog, or cycle any distance you’d like. Every time I visit this spot, I see kids riding their bikes along the towpath. It’s all flat (though a little rocky), making for a day trip that’s perfect for all ages.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about hiking along the C & O Canal in Maryland.
C & O Canal National Historic Park Headquarters, 142 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kid-Friendly Hikes In Maryland April 03, 2022 Melissa M. Are there any kid-friendly road trips in Maryland? It’s time for a family adventure and there’s no better way to have one than on a road trip. Take our curated family-friendly road trip in Maryland to whimsical attractions and themed restaurants. You’ll visit a discovery museum, stop for a bite to eat at an Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant, visit a zoo, and so much more. There’s plenty of fun to be had along the way. What is one of the best campgrounds with amenities in Maryland? If you love to camp but also want to spend some time at a campground with amenities, there’s perhaps no better place than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Williamsport. Fun for the whole family, you can enjoy miniature golf, a pool with waterslides, zip-lining, and more. What are some of the best hikes in Maryland? While there are many incredible, scenic hikes throughout the state, we suggest you do these five hikes in Maryland. These beautiful hikes have extraordinary payoffs that you can’t miss!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kid-Friendly Hikes In Maryland
April 03, 2022
Melissa M.
Are there any kid-friendly road trips in Maryland? It’s time for a family adventure and there’s no better way to have one than on a road trip. Take our curated family-friendly road trip in Maryland to whimsical attractions and themed restaurants. You’ll visit a discovery museum, stop for a bite to eat at an Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant, visit a zoo, and so much more. There’s plenty of fun to be had along the way. What is one of the best campgrounds with amenities in Maryland? If you love to camp but also want to spend some time at a campground with amenities, there’s perhaps no better place than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Williamsport. Fun for the whole family, you can enjoy miniature golf, a pool with waterslides, zip-lining, and more. What are some of the best hikes in Maryland? While there are many incredible, scenic hikes throughout the state, we suggest you do these five hikes in Maryland. These beautiful hikes have extraordinary payoffs that you can’t miss!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s time for a family adventure and there’s no better way to have one than on a road trip. Take our curated family-friendly road trip in Maryland to whimsical attractions and themed restaurants. You’ll visit a discovery museum, stop for a bite to eat at an Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant, visit a zoo, and so much more. There’s plenty of fun to be had along the way.
What is one of the best campgrounds with amenities in Maryland?
If you love to camp but also want to spend some time at a campground with amenities, there’s perhaps no better place than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Williamsport. Fun for the whole family, you can enjoy miniature golf, a pool with waterslides, zip-lining, and more.
What are some of the best hikes in Maryland?
While there are many incredible, scenic hikes throughout the state, we suggest you do these five hikes in Maryland. These beautiful hikes have extraordinary payoffs that you can’t miss!
