Best Hiking Trails And Nature Parks In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Annapolis takes the cake for its beauty, as it’s one of the most scenic cities in all of Maryland. Alongside the historic streets and Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis also has plenty of scenic hiking trails surrounding the capital city, many of which you’re free to explore at no cost.

Some parks require permits or fees to enter during certain days, though an entrance fee often indicates that the location offers more than just an exciting trail. There’s a variety of parks you should visit in Annapolis, so here’s a lineup of the best trails to traverse in 2026.

Poet’s Nature Trail

The Poet’s Trail is the perfect spot for a walk through Anne Arundel nature or a day of birdwatching in the spring. Situated near the water, the Poet’s Nature Trail is home to a diverse variety of aquatic and land animals, so you never know what you might see.

With poems posted along the distinct trail and views of the water in full force, the Poet’s Nature Trail is one of the best hiking spots in Annapolis. Plus, you’ll likely feel wiser after reading the poems that follow the trail.

Address: 238–258 Bullard Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21402

Broad Creek Park

Five expansive miles of hiking trails await at Broad Creek Park, a natural wonder that spans over 91 acres in total. Pets are allowed on leashes here, too, allowing visitors to enjoy a day of exercise alongside their beloved pups.

Broad Creek is a stunning locale, as the trails have no lack of natural beauty to discover, making this the ideal hiking spot for visitors who aim to immerse themselves in nature. The Arundel Rivers Federation even conducted a floodplain reconnection and restoration project in 2023, with the result being a richer habitat environment in the great outdoors of Maryland.

Address: 1A Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401

Annapolis Waterworks Park

Located on Defense Highway, Annapolis Waterworks Park is free to visit and full of fishing spots. Hikers can bring their own lunch and choose from their preferred picnic area for a romantic meal, or simply walk the trails provided by the Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department.

The Reservoir Trail and Woodland Trail Loop are perfect for seasoned hikers, while the former is even handicap accessible. For hikers seeking a diverse lineup of nature trails to explore, the Annapolis Waterworks Park is a fantastic option, and gazebos provide shade for resting after your outdoor adventure.

Address: 260 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401

Quiet Waters Park

For $8 per car, excited adventurers can take a tour of Quiet Waters Park. This location is nestled between Harness Creek and the South River, so there’s no shortage of water views to experience or paths to walk on a nice summer day.

Alongside its hiking trails, Quiet Waters Park features a few other fun activities, like ice skating in the winter, a boat launch site for kayaking, and pavilion rentals for events — perfect for birthdays or weddings. As such, you won’t find a more expansive hiking experience than in Quiet Waters Park!

Address: 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403

Bacon Ridge Natural Area

The Bacon Ridge Natural Area offers hikers and bikers more than 20 miles of beautiful trails to walk or ride through. This is a prime spot for mountain biking due to its long trails, and even pets are allowed here if they’re kept on a leash throughout your stroll, so there are a few ways to tackle exploring the Bacon Ridge Natural Area’s stunning nature trails.

Made up of over 1,000 acres of wetlands and thick forest, you won’t find a more unique scenic trail in the area. Due to its large stretch of trails, the Bacon Ridge Natural Area is easily one of the best nature parks in Annapolis.

Address: 1284 Bacon Ridge Road, Crownsville, MD 21032

Other Parks Around Annapolis

Alongside the unique nature parks and trails listed above, we’ve also identified a few more in or around Annapolis that you may want to visit to continue your adventure through Maryland’s natural wonders. Some of these aren’t situated directly in nature or Annapolis, but they’re still great options for family fun.

• Terrapin Park – 191 Log Canoe Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666
• Broadneck Park – 613 College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409
• Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park – 7314 Edgewood Road, Annapolis, MD 21403
• Truxtun Park – 273 Hilltop Lane, Annapolis, MD 21403
• WB&A Trail – 8403 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD 21113
• Thomas Point Park – 3890 Thomas Point Road, Annapolis, MD 21403

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