Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Baltimore, Maryland, United States
1. Liberty Reservoir Trail
Moderate trail with picturesque views of Liberty Dam and reservoir, ideal for birdwatching.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of the reservoir and surrounding countryside
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe various bird species and wildlife.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Baltimore City via vehicle
2. Gunpowder Falls State Park
Extensive network of trails through a pristine forested area along the Gunpowder River.
- Diversity: Offers a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels
- Natural Beauty: Preserves the natural beauty of the Gunpowder River valley
- Historical Significance: Home to several historic sites related to the gunpowder industry
3. Patapsco Valley State Park
Variety of trails along the Patapsco River, offering waterfalls and historical sites.
- Waterfall Views: Features beautiful waterfalls like Swallows Falls and Lisbon Falls
- Historical Sites: Contains historical sites such as the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservation Center
- Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding in addition to hiking.
4. Susquehanna State Park
Scenic trails through forests and meadows with views of the Susquehanna River.
- River Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the Susquehanna River
- Wildlife Habitat: Serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
- Historical Sites: Features historic sites like the Old Stone Fort and the Grist Mill.
5. Oregon Ridge Nature Center Trails
Easy trails through a diverse ecosystem with opportunities for wildlife observation.
- Diversity: Showcases a variety of habitats, from woods to meadows and wetlands
- Educational Opportunities: Includes an on-site nature center for educational programs and exhibits.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and foxes.
6. Rocky Gap State Park Trails
Moderate trails with stunning views of Lake Habeeb and the surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers panoramic vistas of Lake Habeeb and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe black bears, deer, and a variety of birds.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes a golf course, pool, and casino for additional entertainment options.
7. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
Historic towpath trail along the C&O Canal, offering views of the Potomac River.
- Historical Significance: Follows the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
- Scenic Beauty: Provides beautiful views of the Potomac River and surrounding countryside
- Accessibility: Easy access from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and other major cities.
8. South Mountain Recreation Area Trails
Variety of trails through forested areas with panoramic views from the ridges.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning vistas from the mountain ridges
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including black bears and deer.
- Diversity: Includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, and picnicking options.
9. Fort Foote Park Trails
Historic trail through Fort Foote with views of the Potomac River and Washington D.C.
- Historical Significance: Features a Civil War-era fort
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River and Washington D.C.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Alexandria, Virginia, and other nearby locations.
10. Greenbelt Park Trails
Nature trails through a diverse ecosystem with a focus on conservation education.
- Educational Opportunities: Dedicated to the principles of conservation and sustainability
- Diversity: Showcases a variety of habitats, including woods, meadows, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.
11. Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine Trails
Historic trail around Fort McHenry with views of Baltimore's harbor.
- Historical Significance: Famous for its role in the War of 1812 and the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of Baltimore's harbor
- Accessibility: Easy access from downtown Baltimore.
12. Glenleigh Park Trails
Trails through a wooded area with a historic mansion and beautiful gardens.
- Historical Significance: Features the historic Glenleigh Mansion
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful gardens and wooded areas.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including deer and birds.
13. Loch Raven Reservoir Trails
Moderate trails with panoramic views of the Loch Raven Reservoir.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Loch Raven Reservoir
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including deer and birds.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Baltimore County.
14. York-Adams Battlefield Trails
Historic trail through the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, offering insights into the Civil War.
- Historical Significance: Features the site of one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides opportunities to learn about the history and tactics of the Battle of Gettysburg.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and other nearby locations.
15. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Trails
Historic trail through Harpers Ferry with views of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
- Historical Significance: Features historic sites related to John Brown's raid, the Civil War, and industry.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers
- Accessibility: Easy access from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and other nearby locations.