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Best partially paved hiking trails in Maryland
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Best partially paved hiking trails in Maryland

Looking for a bit of the wild with a dash of smooth? These partially paved trails offer the best of both worlds, where easy walking meets rugged adventure.

Here are some great trails to explore in Maryland.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Fort Howard Park Loop

Baltimore County, Maryland · star 5.0 (30) · 1.9 km · Est. 25 min

2

Easy

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and Billy Goat Loop Trail

Montgomery County, Maryland · star 4.0 (27) · 6.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 27 min

3

Easy

Boardwalk - Ocean City

Worcester County, Maryland · star 5.0 (29) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 27 min

4

Easy

Ma and Pa Trail - North Bel Air

Harford County, Maryland · star 4.0 (35) · 10.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 25 min

5

Medium

Rachel Carson Greenway Trail and Northwest Branch Loop Trail

Montgomery County, Maryland · star 5.0 (34) · 12.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 44 min

6

Easy

Lake Elkhorn via Patuxent Branch Trail

Howard County, Maryland · star 5.0 (33) · 15.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 13 min

7

Easy

Pine Lake - Wheaton Regional Park Loop

Montgomery County, Maryland · star 5.0 (32) · 10.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 18 min

8

Easy

Torrey C Brown Trail from Paper Mill Flats

Baltimore County, Maryland · star 4.0 (31) · 31.6 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

9

Easy

Ma and Pa Heritage Trail - North

Harford County, Maryland · star 4.0 (39) · 5.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 9 min

10

Easy

Turkey Point LightHouse Trail

Cecil County, Maryland · star 5.0 (26) · 3.1 km · Est. 43 min

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Reviews for partially paved hiking trails in Maryland

Wyatt Bashirian avatar

Fort Howard Park Loop

TrekkerWilderness42 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Lawrence Metz avatar

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and Billy Goat Loop Trail

ValleyExplorer51 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Erica Spencer avatar

Boardwalk - Ocean City

ValleyTrotter80 · reviewed 12 months ago

star star star star star

Msgr. Darius Miller avatar

Ma and Pa Trail - North Bel Air

OutbackWilderness59 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Jeremiah Oberbrunner DO avatar

Rachel Carson Greenway Trail and Northwest Branch Loop Trail

BirchNomad12 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Maryland

What is the climate like for hiking in Maryland?

Maryland's climate offers variety for hikers year-round. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures ideal for comfortable trekking. Summer can be hot and humid, yet the tree canopy in forests like Catoctin Mountain Park provides some respite. Winters are cold but trails in parks like Gunpowder Falls State Park remain open.
For up-to-date weather conditions, check with the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/).
Keep in mind, conditions can change rapidly in any season, so it's important to pack and dress accordingly. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (https://dnr.maryland.gov) can provide additional guidance on hiking preparedness.

Do I need a permit to hike in Maryland?

In Maryland, most trails don't require hiking permits, but camping or other special activities might. Check with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (https://dnr.maryland.gov) for specific details and to obtain any necessary permits for activities like backcountry camping or fishing.

Is wild camping allowed in Maryland?

Wild camping in Maryland is allowed but comes with restrictions. Only certain state parks and forests permit backcountry camping and often require a permit. Strict leave-no-trace principles should be observed. Consult Maryland's Department of Natural Resources for detailed rules and regulations. (https://dnr.maryland.gov)

Are there mountain rescue services in Maryland?

In Maryland, emergencies while hiking should be reported to local authorities via 911. For specific mountain rescue operations, the Appalachian Search and Rescue Conference (ASRC) serves the Appalachian region including Maryland. Ensure to have a charged cell phone for communication. (https://www.asrc.net)

Are there dangerous plants in Maryland?

In Maryland, hikers can encounter a variety of flora, from deciduous forests with oak and maple trees to colorful wildflowers like Black-eyed Susans. This biodiversity changes with elevation and location, adding to the hiking experience. Learn more here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/home.aspx.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Maryland?

Hikers in Maryland may encounter diverse wildlife, from deer and foxes to insects like butterflies. Always observe from a distance, and be alert to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. More wildlife information can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/plants_wildlife/mdwllists.aspx.

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