CALIFORNIA, Md. — Maryland offers an impressive variety of trails packed into a relatively small state. From waterfront paths along the Chesapeake Bay to wooded routes through state parks and converted rail corridors, Maryland’s trail network gives residents and visitors countless ways to explore the outdoors.
Whether you live in Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore or the Washington area, there are trail options for nearly every skill level. Beginners can find paved paths for walking and biking, while more experienced outdoor enthusiasts can tackle longer natural-surface routes with changing terrain.
This guide explains what to expect from Maryland’s trail network and how to choose a route that matches your interests and experience.
What Are Maryland’s Trails?
Maryland’s trail network includes state park trails, rail trails, greenways and long-distance routes that connect communities, parks and historic landmarks. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains an interactive Trail Atlas of trails across the state and publishes free trail guides for Maryland state parks, alongside a separate network of Maryland Water Trails for paddlers. Some land trails are designed primarily for walking and hiking, while others welcome cyclists, runners and, in certain locations, horseback riders.
Trail surfaces vary widely. Visitors may find paved greenways, crushed stone rail trails, boardwalks through wetlands or natural dirt paths winding through forests. Checking trail descriptions on DNR’s site before leaving home can help you choose a route that fits your plans.
Many trails also connect with state parks, local parks and public recreation areas, making them good destinations for day trips throughout Maryland.
Scenic Walks For Beginners
If you are new to hiking, shorter scenic trails often provide the best introduction. These routes typically feature well-marked paths, gentle grades and opportunities to stop for photos or wildlife viewing.
Maryland’s diverse landscape means beginners can experience tidal marshes, hardwood forests, rivers and rolling hills without traveling far. Trails near the Chesapeake Bay often provide water views, while inland parks showcase changing seasonal colors throughout the year. In Southern Maryland, for instance, the Indian Head Rail Trail runs about 13 miles through Charles County along the Mattawoman Creek stream valley, passing forests, wetlands and farmland, according to DNR.
Walking at a comfortable pace allows visitors to enjoy nature while building confidence for longer adventures.
Bike-Friendly Trail Options
Cycling is another popular way to enjoy Maryland’s trails. Many former railroad corridors have been converted into wide, relatively flat paths that are especially welcoming for beginner riders and families.
In Baltimore County, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail at Gunpowder Falls State Park follows the former Northern Central Railway for 19.7 miles between Ashland and the Pennsylvania border and is ADA accessible, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The trail welcomes hikers, joggers, bicyclists, horseback riders and leashed pets, and DNR says Class 1 electric bicycles are also permitted.
Closer to the Baltimore-Washington corridor, the BWI Trail, a 12.5-mile paved loop encircling BWI Marshall Airport in Anne Arundel County, is maintained through a joint effort of the Maryland Aviation Administration, Anne Arundel County’s Department of Recreation and Parks and the Maryland State Highway Administration, according to the aviation administration.
Paved and crushed stone surfaces generally provide a smoother ride than rugged mountain bike trails. Riders should always check whether a trail permits bicycles, since some hiking paths are limited to foot traffic.
Wearing a properly fitted helmet, carrying water and using front and rear lights when appropriate can make every ride safer.
Explore Maryland’s History Along The Trail
One of the unique features of Maryland’s trail network is the opportunity to connect outdoor recreation with history.
Many routes pass through communities with deep colonial, maritime, railroad or Civil War heritage. The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, for example, follows a corridor once used by the Northern Central Railway, according to DNR. In Charles County, the Indian Head Rail Trail traces a rail line built in 1918 to serve the Navy’s Indian Head Powder Factory by transporting workers and supplies before it was converted into a recreational trail through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Federal Lands to Parks Program, DNR says. Along the BWI Trail, riders and walkers pass the historic Benson-Hammond House, according to the Maryland Aviation Administration.
Interpretive signs, preserved structures and nearby museums can add context to a trail visit, turning a simple walk into an educational outing for families, students and history enthusiasts.
In Southern Maryland, visitors can often combine trail trips with historic towns and waterfront destinations. Elsewhere in the state, trails may connect to preserved landscapes that highlight Maryland’s role in regional and national history.
Choosing The Right Trail
Not every trail is the same, so planning ahead can make your experience more enjoyable.
Before heading out, consider the trail’s distance, elevation changes and surface type. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Trail Atlas and individual state park trail guides can help with this planning. A paved path, such as the BWI Trail’s asphalt surface, may be ideal for strollers, wheelchairs or casual bike rides, while uneven natural surfaces may require hiking shoes and extra caution.
Weather also plays an important role. Natural trails can become muddy after rain, while exposed paved trails may feel significantly warmer during the summer.
Many trailheads include parking, maps and restrooms, but amenities vary by location. For example, the BWI Trail’s Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area includes a playground, bike racks and restrooms.
Before traveling, check for temporary trail closures, maintenance projects or weather-related advisories that could affect access.
Trail Safety And Outdoor Etiquette
Following basic trail etiquette helps everyone enjoy Maryland’s outdoor spaces.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats and reduce erosion. Carry out everything you bring with you, including food wrappers and other trash. If pets are permitted, follow posted rules and clean up after them. On the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, for example, DNR requires that pets remain on a leash.
When sharing multiuse trails, remain aware of other visitors. Cyclists should ride at safe speeds, while walkers should avoid blocking the full width of the trail. Courtesy goes a long way toward creating a positive experience for everyone.
It is also wise to bring water, wear appropriate footwear and let someone know your plans if you are exploring a longer or more remote route. State park trails such as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail are generally open from sunrise to sunset, according to DNR, so check posted hours before planning a trip.
A Great Way To Discover The State
For beginners, Maryland’s trail network provides an accessible introduction to outdoor recreation without requiring advanced skills or expensive equipment. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or a well-maintained bicycle is often enough to begin exploring.
As confidence grows, many visitors expand from short neighborhood walks to longer adventures across the state—from the 19.7-mile Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail in Baltimore County to the 13-mile Indian Head Rail Trail in Charles County and the 12.5-mile BWI Trail in Anne Arundel County. Along the way, they can discover scenic landscapes, historic sites and welcoming communities that showcase the variety Maryland has to offer.
Whether your goal is exercise, relaxation, family time or learning more about local history, Maryland’s trails offer rewarding experiences that can be enjoyed year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maryland trails suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many Maryland trails feature gentle terrain, clear markings and shorter distances that are well suited for first-time hikers and casual cyclists, including paved rail trails such as the BWI Trail in Anne Arundel County and the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail in Baltimore County.
Can I ride a bicycle on all Maryland trails?
No. Some trails are open to bicycles while others are limited to hiking or other uses. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Trail Atlas lists permitted uses for individual trails, so check the rules for your chosen trail before visiting.
What should I bring on a Maryland trail?
Bring water, comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and a trail map or navigation tool. Depending on the season, sunscreen and insect repellent may also be helpful.
Are Maryland trails open year-round?
Many trails are available throughout the year, although weather conditions, maintenance or park operating hours may affect access at certain times. DNR lists sunrise-to-sunset hours for state park trails such as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail.
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