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Best rail trail hiking trails in Maryland
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Best rail trail hiking trails in Maryland

All aboard for an easy, scenic adventure! These rail-trails follow old train tracks, offering smooth paths with gentle gradients that make for a leisurely day out in nature.

Here are some great trails to explore in Maryland.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Capital Crescent Trail

Montgomery County, Maryland · star 5.0 (36) · 11.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 16 min

2

Easy

Ma and Pa Trail - North Bel Air

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

3

Easy

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail via John Overstreet Connector

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · star 4.0 (29) · 23.2 km · Est. 4 hrs 47 min

4

Easy

Big Savage Tunnel - Great Allegheny Passage

Allegany County, Maryland · star 5.0 (23) · 15.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 4 min

5

Easy

Trolley Line Trail - 9

Baltimore County, Maryland · star 4.0 (32) · 4.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 6 min

6

Easy

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

Calvert County, Maryland · star 4.0 (19) · 2.9 km · Est. 36 min

7

Easy

Indian Head Rail Trail

Charles County, Maryland · star 4.0 (32) · 20.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 19 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

Sligo Creek Trail

Montgomery County, Maryland · star 5.0 (38) · 26.4 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

10

Easy

Mason-Dixon Trail - Stafford Road

Harford County, Maryland · star 4.0 (44) · 16.2 km · Est. 4 hrs 11 min

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Reviews for rail trail hiking trails in Maryland

Sean Muller avatar

Capital Crescent Trail

DriftwoodAdventurer23 · reviewed over 1 year 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

Eufemia Murazik DVM avatar

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail via John Overstreet Connector

JourneyTrailblazer44 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Yoshie Grant avatar

Big Savage Tunnel - Great Allegheny Passage

DriftwoodTrekmaster41 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Brenton MacAloney avatar

Trolley Line Trail - 9

bosoxbrent · reviewed about 1 month ago

star star star star star

Completely paved path with beautiful views under a nice canopy. Pretty easy hike and something that can be done with a stroller or kids.

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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