We may be biased, but it’s our belief that there are a handful of hikes in Maryland that could rival many others around the globe. Check out these best hikes in Maryland with views for days.
- Billy Goat Trail (Potomac)
Flickr / ehpien The Potomac River flows through this rocky hiking spot, making for glorious water views and one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland. This hike is a bit of a challenge but it’s so worth the effort. Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
2, Swallow Falls State Park (Oakland)
Flickr / Swallow Falls State Park This western Maryland park belongs on every Marylander’s bucket list. There’s an easy 1.25-mile trail that leads between the two major waterfalls here and the sights along the way are perfectly rustic. Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
- Maryland Heights (Knoxville)
Flickr / jcsullivan24 This 2.5-mile climb in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is mostly uphill, so make sure you have the energy. Once you reach the top, you’ll have astounding views of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Maryland Heights Trailhead, 489-551 Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA
- Calvert Cliffs State Park (Lusby)
Flickr / bobistraveling I always feel like the cliffs at Calvert Cliffs State Park get all the glory but the 1.8-mile hike to the cliffs is just as stunning. You’ll pass swamps, gorgeous foliage, and may spot many turtles and water birds along the way. To say this place is unique would be an understatement. Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
- Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont)
Flickr / Jason and Tina Coleman The twists and turns of Cunningham Falls will wow even the most seasoned of hikers. This place is one of the kid-friendly hikes around Maryland, so pack up the family and bring a picnic. 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
- Patapsco Valley State Park (Howard and Baltimore County)
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program It’s hard to find swinging bridges and Patapsco Valley State Park has a couple. That’s only the beginning since this spot also boasts tunnels, ruins, a waterfall, and more. If you love camping, then this park is a must-visit. Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
- Rocks State Park (Jarrettsville)
Flickr / Jeffrey Kontur This park is appropriately named since it has one of the most well-known and impressive rock formations in the state. The King and Queen Seat overlooks stunning mountain views that are especially beautiful during autumn, making this another one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland . Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA
How many of these best hikes in Maryland have you done? Let us know your favorite in the comments!
Flickr / ehpien
The Potomac River flows through this rocky hiking spot, making for glorious water views and one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland. This hike is a bit of a challenge but it’s so worth the effort.
Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Flickr / Swallow Falls State Park
This western Maryland park belongs on every Marylander’s bucket list. There’s an easy 1.25-mile trail that leads between the two major waterfalls here and the sights along the way are perfectly rustic.
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Flickr / jcsullivan24
This 2.5-mile climb in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is mostly uphill, so make sure you have the energy. Once you reach the top, you’ll have astounding views of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Maryland Heights Trailhead, 489-551 Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA
Flickr / bobistraveling
I always feel like the cliffs at Calvert Cliffs State Park get all the glory but the 1.8-mile hike to the cliffs is just as stunning. You’ll pass swamps, gorgeous foliage, and may spot many turtles and water birds along the way. To say this place is unique would be an understatement.
Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Flickr / Jason and Tina Coleman
The twists and turns of Cunningham Falls will wow even the most seasoned of hikers. This place is one of the kid-friendly hikes around Maryland, so pack up the family and bring a picnic.
14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
It’s hard to find swinging bridges and Patapsco Valley State Park has a couple. That’s only the beginning since this spot also boasts tunnels, ruins, a waterfall, and more. If you love camping, then this park is a must-visit.
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Flickr / Jeffrey Kontur
This park is appropriately named since it has one of the most well-known and impressive rock formations in the state. The King and Queen Seat overlooks stunning mountain views that are especially beautiful during autumn, making this another one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland .
Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hike In Maryland April 08, 2022 Libby Monson Can I hike to historical sites in Maryland? Yes, you can take many great historical hikes, but the Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail is one of the best hikes in Maryland if you want to enjoy stunning views and a little history. The trail is 1.9 miles out and back and is great for hiking and biking. You’ll be hiking to the Turkey Point Lighthouse that overlooks the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1833. You can tour the Lighthouse on Saturdays and Sundays from Easter weekend to mid-November. This area is also a popular spot for birdwatching so bring your binoculars. You might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle! What are the best wildflower hikes in Maryland? Catoctin Mountain Park is where to go if you want to find some beautiful spring blooms. There are several trails to choose from, including some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Maryland. You’ll find spring beauties, cutleaf toothwort, wild geranium, bloodroot, wild ginger, rue anemone, wood anemone, yellow violet, yellow trout lily, cardinal flower, hepatica, jack-in-the-pulpit mayapples, and several species of orchid. You might get lucky and spot a purple-fringed orchid. This rare flower is on the endangered watchlist and can sometimes be seen in the park. Catoctin Mountain Park offers guided “Wildflower Walks” in April and May. Remember to bring your camera and take wildflower pictures home, not the actual flowers! Are there any good swimming holes in Maryland? Rocks State Park is home to Kilgore Falls, a beautiful drop waterfall that creates the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. You’ll hike to the falls along Falling Branch Trail, a short, out-and-back trail that takes about 18 minutes to complete. Unfortunately, this special spot can get crowded on the weekends and holidays, so reservations are required.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hike In Maryland
April 08, 2022
Libby Monson
Can I hike to historical sites in Maryland? Yes, you can take many great historical hikes, but the Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail is one of the best hikes in Maryland if you want to enjoy stunning views and a little history. The trail is 1.9 miles out and back and is great for hiking and biking. You’ll be hiking to the Turkey Point Lighthouse that overlooks the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1833. You can tour the Lighthouse on Saturdays and Sundays from Easter weekend to mid-November. This area is also a popular spot for birdwatching so bring your binoculars. You might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle! What are the best wildflower hikes in Maryland? Catoctin Mountain Park is where to go if you want to find some beautiful spring blooms. There are several trails to choose from, including some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Maryland. You’ll find spring beauties, cutleaf toothwort, wild geranium, bloodroot, wild ginger, rue anemone, wood anemone, yellow violet, yellow trout lily, cardinal flower, hepatica, jack-in-the-pulpit mayapples, and several species of orchid. You might get lucky and spot a purple-fringed orchid. This rare flower is on the endangered watchlist and can sometimes be seen in the park. Catoctin Mountain Park offers guided “Wildflower Walks” in April and May. Remember to bring your camera and take wildflower pictures home, not the actual flowers! Are there any good swimming holes in Maryland? Rocks State Park is home to Kilgore Falls, a beautiful drop waterfall that creates the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. You’ll hike to the falls along Falling Branch Trail, a short, out-and-back trail that takes about 18 minutes to complete. Unfortunately, this special spot can get crowded on the weekends and holidays, so reservations are required.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes, you can take many great historical hikes, but the Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail is one of the best hikes in Maryland if you want to enjoy stunning views and a little history. The trail is 1.9 miles out and back and is great for hiking and biking. You’ll be hiking to the Turkey Point Lighthouse that overlooks the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1833. You can tour the Lighthouse on Saturdays and Sundays from Easter weekend to mid-November. This area is also a popular spot for birdwatching so bring your binoculars. You might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle!
What are the best wildflower hikes in Maryland?
Catoctin Mountain Park is where to go if you want to find some beautiful spring blooms. There are several trails to choose from, including some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Maryland. You’ll find spring beauties, cutleaf toothwort, wild geranium, bloodroot, wild ginger, rue anemone, wood anemone, yellow violet, yellow trout lily, cardinal flower, hepatica, jack-in-the-pulpit mayapples, and several species of orchid. You might get lucky and spot a purple-fringed orchid. This rare flower is on the endangered watchlist and can sometimes be seen in the park. Catoctin Mountain Park offers guided “Wildflower Walks” in April and May. Remember to bring your camera and take wildflower pictures home, not the actual flowers!
Are there any good swimming holes in Maryland?
Rocks State Park is home to Kilgore Falls, a beautiful drop waterfall that creates the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. You’ll hike to the falls along Falling Branch Trail, a short, out-and-back trail that takes about 18 minutes to complete. Unfortunately, this special spot can get crowded on the weekends and holidays, so reservations are required.
