Maryland is a beautiful state, with a lot to offer. There are several hiking opportunities in Maryland that are worth checking out if you’re into exploring the great outdoors or just want to get away from it all for a little while. Here are three of our favorite places to go hiking when we want to get out and about without having to travel too far from home base:
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park, a 52,000-acre park located in central Maryland, is a great place to explore. There are five trails that cover the majority of the park and have been ranked as some of the best hiking trails in the country. The trailhead for all five are on River road, which leads into the main section of Patapsco Valley State Park. There is also an entrance off of Falls Road which leads to Patapsco Valley State Park’s northern section and its most popular spot: Sherwood Forest Loop Trail.
All five trails include various elevation changes and obstacles such as rock scrambles but they are not too difficult so they would be suitable for beginner hikers who want to try out different terrains before delving into more challenging terrain. That being said, all trails require you to walk through rivers so make sure you wear appropriate shoes with good grip! Each trail takes between 1-2 hours depending on your speed and how much time you spend taking pictures/hanging out at river crossings (I know we did).
Cascade Falls Trail
The Cascade Falls Trail is a 3.2-mile loop that follows the Potomac River through Mather Gorge and climbs to the top of a waterfall. The trailhead is located off of MD Route 28 in Cumberland, MD. This is a great hike for all ages, but there are some steep sections along the path; younger hikers should be monitored by an adult.
There’s no set time to go here—you can hike it year-round! There will be more people during warmer months, but if you’re looking for less crowded trails then winter or fall are great options (temperatures may be cooler in these seasons). In addition to hiking this one day trip destination there are plenty of other things to do in Cumberland: visit its aquarium or zoo; tour Fort Necessity National Battlefield; check out neighboring Frostburg State University or Western Maryland College campuses; see some live music at local bars like Muldoon’s Pub & Restaurant on Saturdays from 10 p.m.-12:30 p.m., listen to local musicians performing at various locations around town during weekends throughout summer months (if you want advance tickets check out Eventbrite), spend an afternoon shopping at nearby outlets like Rocky Gap Casino Resort Outlet Village which offers over 200 stores including Gap Outlet Store; find good deals on name brand merchandise when visiting consignment shops such as Redeeming Grace Consignment Shop where they sell gently used items like clothes furniture housewares toys baby gear etc…
West and South Side Trails Loop
West and South Side Trails Loop
This 6.5-mile loop is moderate, but it’s a great introduction to the mountains around Maryland. The trail starts at the Cascade Falls Trailhead and travels through woods before turning into more open areas. It makes its way back down to Cascade Falls before crossing over a footbridge across the Cascade River and ending at an overlook of the falls.
Maryland is beautiful and great for exploring via hiking.
You don’t have to go far to find some of the best hiking spots in Maryland. The state is beautiful and great for exploring via hiking, with over 300 miles of trails available. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or something more serene and relaxing, there are plenty of options that will give you an experience representative of what this state has to offer.
As you begin your journey through Maryland’s backcountry, make sure you don’t miss these three essential-to-try destinations:
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for a way to get out in nature and see some of Maryland’s beauty, then these hikes are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just getting started on your trail adventures, there are plenty of trails in the state that will be perfect for any skill level. Just remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as well as comfortable shoes (preferably sneakers) with good ankle support since sometimes trails can be uneven and rocky!