Whether you’re looking to hit the beach, wander around the city, or get lost on a trail, Maryland seems to have it all. Here are some trails and parks on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay that are well-known or off-the-beaten path, but all perfect for hiking or biking.
Please note: Based on the writers’ research, we strived to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information; however, we recommend checking the park’s website prior to visiting for the most recent updates and policies. Please consider that, if applicable, the park may require a valid Maryland fishing or hunting license.
Anne Arundel County
B&A Trail Stretching from Boulters Way in Annapolis to Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie, the B&A trail features a 13.3-mile paved, scenic trail that winds through wooded parks, suburban neighborhoods, and bustling shopping centers. The trail follows the route of the former Annapolis and Baltimore Short Line, and features plenty of interesting finds along the way. Near Harundale Mall in Glen Burnie is the Planet Walk. Sponsored by NASA, the linear museum has educational displays for the sun and each planet. The trail is rich in history, and features several historical markers. Be sure to stop by the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station and pick up a flyer to follow along with each historical marker.
Bacon Ridge Trail, Annapolis. The Bacon Ridge Trail is located within the Bacon Ridge Natural Area, a 630-acre preserved natural area which is protected through a conservation easement with Scenic Rivers Land Trust and the Maryland Environmental Trust. In 2015, the first publicly accessible trail was built, which totaled 2.5 miles. In 2016, an additional 4.5 miles of trail were added. These natural surface trails are relatively obstacle free, making them perfect for hiking and mountain biking. A map of the trails is available at the trailhead, which is located off of Hawkins Road near the 97 overpass.
BWI Trail, Glen Burnie. Though initially designed with commuters in mind, the BWI trail has proven to be a great recreational trek. If you’re traveling the B&A Trail and want to extend your trek another 12.5 miles, or vice versa, the trails are linked via the John Overstreet Connector, which is located at the southern terminus of the BWI Trail and the northern terminus of the B&A Trail. Aviation enthusiasts will want to make a stop at Andover Park, which has excellent views of the BWI airport runway. Looking for a more relaxing excursion? Not to worry! This trail also passes through natural areas, including the pine forest at Friendship Park.
Downs Park Trail, Pasadena. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Downs Park offers over five miles of paved and natural trails. The trail routes boast spectacular water views, an outdoor exercise pavilion, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family; the kids can enjoy the playground and your pup can enjoy splashing around at the dog beach.
Greenbury Point Trail, Annapolis. Located at the mouth of the Severn River, the 231-acre Greenbury Point peninsula features beautiful and unique views of the water, downtown Annapolis, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The trail offers two routes: the 3.3-mile Nature Center Trail and the 2-mile Tower Trail. The property is owned by the Naval Academy and is often used as a rifle range for NSA Annapolis, so the area may not be open every day. Before you head to Greenbury Point, be sure to check the NSA Annapolis Twitter page (@NSAAnnapolis) for any announcements or updates.
Quiet Waters Park Trail υ, Annapolis. Offering six miles of paved trail and several miles of offshoot unpaved trail, the Quiet Waters Park Trail is perfect for any and all skill levels. The park features breathtaking views of South River and Harness Creek, a dog park and dog beach, and several picnic areas. Be sure to make a pitstop at the Reading and Butterfly Garden and Watershed Education Experience, which features various programs and hands-on activities for the whole family.
Eastern Shore
Assateague Island, Berlin. A barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island offers a unique hiking experience. The island is constantly being reshaped and remade by coastal tides and strong winds, making for dynamic and, at times, challenging hiking. There are three marked trails on the Maryland side, and 11 across the Virginia border, as well as 37 miles of beach to enjoy. Make sure to keep an eye out for the park’s famous herd of wild horses, which have been native to the island since the late 17th century. The park also offers several beachfront camping sitesthat operate on a first come, first served basis and make for a great weekend getaway. Keep in mind the strenuousness of beach hiking, which can be far more exhausting than hiking on hard surfaces. The flat, empty terrain also makes it difficult to estimate mileage. During the summer, it is important to be well prepared for the island’s heat and bugs.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge. Named for the tea-colored waters of the local rivers, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is home to one-third of Maryland’s tidal wetlands, making it a very ecologically important and diverse area for the state. Boasting over 2,000 acres, including hiking, paddling and cycling trails, the park offers a variety of ways to be explored. Blackwater features everything from mixed pines and hardwood forests to marshes and reforested fields. And you may just have the opportunity to see the endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, as Blackwater hosts the largest remaining natural population in the county.
Pocomoke River State Park, Pocomoke City. Pocomoke’s 15,000 wooded acres are located in the southwestern section of Worcester County and are famous for their loblolly pines and cypress swamps. The park’s mix of swamps and forests gives it a notably diverse ecosystem. Everything from river otters to bald eagles can be found within its borders, as well as over 50 species of fish. The park also offers boat rentals, a 23-slip marina for boaters, and an Olympic-sized pool, where you can cool off. The park offers a paddling trail on the river, and just a short drive away is the Pocomoke State Forest, an 18,000-acre forest full of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Terrapin Nature Park, Stevensville. This 276-acre nature park offers three miles of flat and accessible foot and biking trails. Take your time wandering through its meadows and wetlands, and check out the tidal ponds that go in and out. Enjoy a swim under a unique view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the park’s beaches. Its 73 acres of wetlands, meadows, and wooded paths make an ideal destination for wildlife and floral enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for herons, ospreys, and, of course, turtles.
Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne. Tuckahoe State Park offers 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Featuring mostly wooded wetlands, the park offers numerous trails varying in difficulty and length. The park also boasts a 60-acre lake with 20 acres of open water, as well as kayak and canoe rentals. Fishers and hunters are also welcome, as well as mountain bikers (rentals available). If you want something really challenging, try the park’s Challenge Course. Featuring two different levels, the high course offers a 40-foot rock wall, a pamper pole, ziplines, tube nets, and a 50-foot swing, while the low course allows groups to focus on team building and problem solving. The park also contains an 18-hole disc golf course, as well as plenty of room for picnicking, camping, and general R&R.
Wye Island, Queenstown. Wye Island offers 2,800 acres of flat farmland and coastline marshes. With an emphasis on providing habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wildlife, the island has plenty of opportunities for avid bird watchers and casual onlookers. The park also has a longtime resident, a holly tree found on the Holly Tree Trail that is claimed to be over 280 years old. The island consists of five casual trails over a combined six miles of terrain, including bike and horse trails. However, the park asks you approach these trails with respect, as one of their primary objectives is stabilizing its eroding shoreline. Youth group camping is also permitted through reservations.
State/Regional
Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby. Calvert Cliffs State Park, located in Southern Maryland’s Calvert County, boasts nearly 24 miles of massive cliffs along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. The park is well-known for fossil hunting, as many remains of prehistoric species can be found here. The quarter-mile beach area of Calvert Cliffs is where parkgoers hunt for fossils and partake in other beach activities, like swimming (keep in mind, though, that there is no lifeguard present). In addition to the 13 miles of foot trails, Calvert Cliffs offers fishing on its one-acre fishing pond. For biking, visitors must use the service road. Youth group camping is available at the park through reservations.
Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swanton. Located out in Western Maryland in Garrett County, Deep Creek Lake State Park offers beautiful views and an abundance of outdoor activities. Boating and fishing on the 3,900-acre man-made lake are two reasons that bring visitors to this area. The park also offers a Discovery Center with educational and interpretive exhibits for people of all ages to enjoy, plenty of trails to choose from, and a Day Use area with two swimming beaches and picnic tables with grills. Deep Creek Lake is popular during the summer time, but the fall makes for an ideal time to visit and offers some picturesque views.
Green Ridge State Forest, Flintstone. Green Ridge State Forest is the largest contiguous block of public land in Maryland, spanning over 47,000 acres. Managed and protected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, Green Ridge is located within the Valley and Ridge Province of the Appalachian Mountains. There is an abundance of recreational activities offered here, including more than 50 miles of scenic hiking trails for day or multiple-day excursions, a 12-mile mountain biking trail, horseback riding, and hunting and fishing. Visitors can fish from the Potomac River, Fifteenmile Creek, Sideling Hill Creek, Town Creek, and White Sulphur and Orchard ponds.
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Kingsville. Featuring over 120 miles of multiuse trails, Gunpowder Falls State Park is divided into six non-contiguous areas throughout Baltimore and Harford counties. Each area offers various activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including canoeing/kayaking, picnicking, archery, fishing, and trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Hammerman Area, located in Middle River, is a popular location for visitors and features a beach and swimming area along the Gunpowder River. The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is also a unique feature of the park, spanning nearly 20 miles from Cockeysville to the Pennsylvania state line.
Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City. Spanning across multiple counties in the state, Patapsco Valley State Park encompasses over 16,000 acres of land and lies along the Patapsco River. Ideal for hiking and mountain biking, the park features rocky waterfalls, camping areas, and horseback trails. Patapsco Valley is popular among families during the summertime, as there are many areas and pavilions available for picnicking and sight-seeing. A favored spot among visitors is Cascade Falls Loop Trail in Elkridge, where parkgoers can bask in the area’s beautiful foliage and listen to the waterfall.
Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone. Rocky Gap State Park lies along the Maryland-Pennsylvania border in Western Maryland’s Alleghany County. The park is comprised of over 3,000 acres, including a 243-acre reservoir, Lake Habeeb, which is known to have the bluest water in Maryland. In addition to the many multiuse trails, Rocky Gap offers several recreational activities. During the summer, the Day Use Area of Lake Habeeb includes two swimming beaches, a pet-friendly swim area, and the opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The lake brings fishermen and boaters together, as they are both permitted year-round, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Susquehanna State Park, Havre de Grace. Located up in Harford County, Susquehanna State Park is perfect for either a long-day excursion or a relaxing camping trip. The park is located along the Susquehanna River, which is the longest river on the East Coast, covering 464 miles. Susquehanna State Park includes more than 15 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, ranging from easy to difficult. A perfect place for water lovers, boating is permissible and the park provides easy river access through the Lapidum Boat Ramp. Fishermen unite here, as the park offers opportunities to fish for bass, pike, and perch.
