If you love the great outdoors, then hiking in Maryland is your best bet. Find out about the best hiking trails in Maryland.

Do you want to discover a new nature destination? Then know that Maryland, the mid-Atlantic state is a fabulous place to be. It is home to several hiking paths that hikers of all ages and personalities may enjoy.

Maryland, the mid-Atlantic state, is home to several trails crossing along varying topographies. From the Appalachian Trail and Rock State Park Trail in the north to Swallow Falls State Park Trail in the west and Billy Goat Trail in the center, you’ll find it hard to choose from all the options.

Maryland is home to many picturesque hiking trails. The state offers a diverse landscape featuring hills, mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls, and a lot more. Along with the sundry landscape, the views of various floras and faunas are a bonus. With a stunning landscape and diverse terrain, Maryland is truly a hikers' paradise.

By working closely with professional hikers and having visited hiking trails in Maryland over several years, we have compiled a list of the best hikes in Maryland. So what are you waiting for? Grab your shoes and hit the trail!

Best Hiking Trails in Maryland

In what follows, we take a closer look at some of the best hiking trails in different parts of Maryland.

Best Hiking Trails in Northern Maryland

The northern part of the state is home to several hiking trails, some of which are considered the best hiking trails in the state.

Rock State Park Trails

You will find many hiking trails in Rock State Park. The two most popular hiking trails in the park are the 3.5 miles long White Trail which leads to an amazing view known as the King and Queen Seat. If you want to start your hike on this trail, you will have to get to the park’s main office and start your hike from there. The trail is moderately challenging. While some parts are smooth and easy, others are bumpy and quite steep, which can be a challenge, especially if you are new to hiking. If you want to hike on this trail and are a beginner, it is best to undergo some extensive training before you start the adventurous hike on the White trail.

As you reach the King and Queen Seat at the end of the trail, you will be amazed by the spectacular rock and other views from there. You may also get to this point by hiking along with the Red or Purple Trail from the Rock Ridge Picnic Area. You can also get there through the Rapids Parking lot.

A popular attraction along the trail that most hikers love is Kilgore Falls. The falls make the state’s second-highest vertical waterfall which makes it an excellent place for you to visit with friends and family. However, if you are coming here over the weekend or during the holiday season, you will have to make a reservation.

Trail Length: White Trail – 3.5 miles long and takes an average of 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete.

Difficulty: Moderately difficult

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Appalachian Scenic Trail

The Appalachian Scenic trail is an almost 2,190-mile-long foot route that passes through several states from Maine to Georgia. The trail runs through Maryland for around 40 miles and can be accessed from several access points. If you plan to hike on this epic trail, you can do so along several trails including the Thurston Griggs Trail and continue till Black Rock via the Appalachian Trail. The trail is almost 3.5 miles long and holds some breathtaking views from the Black Rock.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is an exhilarating experience because the path holds two phenomenal overlooks with panoramic views. Since the trail is rocky, it is best to carry a hiking pole so you can reach your destination more easily. And as you proceed towards the Annapolis Rock, you can look forward to some more amazing views.

The Annapolis Rock Trail also offers an amazing hiking experience and attracts many rock climbers as well. To get to the Annapolis Rock Trail, you will have to take an inclining walk in the woods until you approach the rough cliffs that hold the view of Greenbrier State Park and Greenbrier Lake. If you continue to hike for another mile, you will be able to reach another spectacular view that holds the Black Rock Cliff.

While most people choose this trail for a day hike, you will also find several campground sites in the area. Moreover, when you hike on this trail, you can look forward to viewing different colors of the scenery, especially if you visit during spring or fall. This epic trial indeed offers some of the unforgettable landscapes that you will cherish forever.

Trail Length: Approximately 6 miles and takes an average of 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete the Annapolis Rock Trail via Appalachian Trail.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: February to November

Cunningham Falls Nature Trail

Another picturesque hiking trail in Northern Maryland is the Cunningham Falls Nature trail which is located in Thurmont, Maryland.

The Cunningham Falls Nature Trail is popular as there are miles and miles of hiking trails that can lead to one of the best waterfalls in the area.

The rocky trail is home to numerous steep paths up and down the hill which makes a moderately challenging hike. Make sure you are well-prepared with your hiking shoes and hiking poles when planning to hike on this trail. Another pro tip that will help you with this trail is to consider the anti-clockwise path for a less steep and smoother hike.

The view of the waterfalls is absolutely stunning, especially after there has been a decent amount of snow or rainfall. During the summer months, the view of the waterfalls is not quite as spectacular, but you can find a beautiful lake at the base of the hike that is surrounded by trees giving you a perfect spot for a refreshing dip to cool down after a long hike.

Trail Length: 5.5 miles and takes an average of 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Wolf and Chimney Rock Loop Trail

The Wolf and Chimney Rock Loop Trail starts from Catoctin Mountain Park and finishes at the Visitor Center. The narrow trail starts with a bang as there is a steep climb up to a mountain ridge, but once you get there, the path along the elevation to Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock is relatively simple.

As you get to Wolf Rock, you can walk around or relax on the rocks to enjoy nature at its best. The placemarks a location that was actually the bottom of the sea around 500,000,000 years ago before it was compressed into rocks; a process that took place during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.

Following the beautiful relaxing spot, you will notice a gentle decline for about half a mile, leading you to Chimney Rock, another popular place for views and relaxing after a long hike.

As you hike around the trail, you will observe some breathtaking views of the mountains, forest, and wildlife. If you are choosing to hike on this trail during summer, it's best to start earlier during the day as it is cooler at that time. However, if you are planning to hike during the rainy season, make sure you have sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be wet and slippery.

Trail Length: 3.4 miles which take an average of 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete

Difficulty: Moderately challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Maryland Heights Trail

Maryland Heights Trail, which lies within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, makes one of the most challenging trails in North Maryland. But the difficult hike is totally worth it as there is so much to see as you hike along this trail. From amazing geology to stunning flora and fauna and historical sites, this hiking trail has it all.

Most of the trail is paved, and you can conveniently hike without hiking poles, but it is still a good idea to have them around as there are muddy and rocky paths in between. Moreover, also ensure that you wear appropriate hiking shoes.

The challenging hike is around 6.5 miles long and will take a little more than 3 hours to complete, but along the way, you can take short breaks to relax, admire nature or to read the interesting interpretive signs along the path.

You can go high up the trail to have some of the most spectacular views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and Harper Ferry. Once you reach the top of the rail, you will be able to view the remains of the historic fort of the Civil War period. If you are looking for additional views, this is not the place where you should stop; rather go on along the 2-mile loop trail to Stone Fort and get some more amazing views.

Trail Length: 6.5 miles which takes an average of 3 hours and 16 minutes to complete

Difficulty: Challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

Another well-developed trail system in Northern Maryland is located on the Catoctin Mountain outside of Frederick and is known as the Catoctin Mountain Park, which is home to three significant loop trails. The moderately challenging hiking trail allows you to go up the elevation and treat yourself to stunning views of the farmland and trees below that give a spectacular view in most months of the year. Moreover, the trail is shaded in most parts, so you can conveniently hike during summers. Furthermore, the trail is also marked well, so there is a good chance that you will complete the hike in 4-5 hours.

Since there are several trails in the Catoctin Mountain park, you can opt for easier trails when hiking with family or go for the more challenging ones when with a group of adventurers.

Trail Length: 8.0 miles which takes an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete

Difficulty: Moderately challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Best Hiking Trails in Western Maryland

As we move to the Western part of the state, there are a couple of hiking trails there as well, but we look at the best hiking trails in Western Maryland.

Swallow Falls State Park Trail

Swallow Falls State Park is not only home to two impressive waterfalls, but you can also find a 1.25-mile-long trail that leads you between the two waterfalls along the Youghiogheny River. The trail is not very smooth, and you should be prepared for some steep and bumpy parts along the trail. If you are looking forward to a short hike, you can go for the Canyon Loop Trail. While the hike is short, it is steep and rocky.

As you pass over along the Youghiogheny River, you will get a chance to witness the state’s highest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls. Alongside, you can view several other stunning falls and numerous rock outcroppings along the trail, which will make your hiking experience at the Swallow Falls State Park a truly rewarding one.

Trail Length: 1.25 miles which takes an average of 30 minutes to complete

Difficulty: Easy to Moderately challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Best Hiking Trails in Central Maryland

Central Maryland is also home to several hiking trails. We look at the best hiking trails in Central Maryland below.

Billy Goat Trail

As you move to the Central part of the state, the best hiking trail that awaits you is the Billy Goat Trail, in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The trail has three sections namely Section A, Section B, and Section C, and you can choose the one depending upon your stamina and your skill level. All three sections of the trail offer fabulous sights and sounds of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.

Most hikers prefer to hike on section A, but it is important to note that it is the most difficult section of the trail stretches over 1.7 miles. The other two sections of the trail are 1.4 miles and 1.6 miles long, respectively. Section B of the trail is moderately challenging; however, the third section of the trail, section C is perhaps the simplest of the three sections of the trail.

Trail Length: Section A - 1.7 miles long, Section B – 1.4 miles long, and Section C – 1.6 miles long. Completing the entire trail takes an average of 1 hour and 47 minutes to complete.

Difficulty:  Moderately challenging route with Section A being the most challenging and Section C being the easiest.

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year

Great Falls Overlook Loop Trail

If you are looking for some stunning views, then the Great Falls Overlook Loop Trail within the C&O Canal National Historical Park is your ultimate go-to. There is an entry fee depending upon your mode of transportation but the expense is worth it as you get the beautiful views of the Potomac Rivers and the cascading waterfall.

The moderately challenging trail offers some of the best views, so come here prepared with the right gear and a camera so you can capture some fantastic pictures along the trail.

Trail Length: 5.8 miles long takes an average of 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete.

Difficulty:  Moderately challenging route

Best Time of the Year to Visit: Throughout the year