Hiking In Maryland For Memorial Day Weekend: Guide To Scenic Trails

MARYLAND — The Memorial Day extended weekend gives Marylanders time to check out scenic trails in the state. Numerous paths perfect for hiking and biking await an adventure for this weekend or throughout the summer, and Patch has the scoop on where they're at and the level of difficulty.

From challenging and rugged mountain-top trails to sedate saunters along Chesapeake shores, Maryland is a hikers’ paradise.

Some trails offer stunning views of waterfalls or traverse across iconic covered bridges. There are even water trails to try if you enjoy kayaking.

Rocks State Park

Hike up to the majestic King and Queen Seat, a natural promontory that sits 190 feet above Deer Creek and offers an unimaginable view of the Maryland Piedmont. With more than 855 acres of forest to explore, this terrain is terrific.

Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park

Brace yourself for a good workout if you're hiking the Cunningham Falls Nature Trail at Catoctin Mountain Park. The 2.8-mile loop offers a breathtaking view of the 78-foot-high cascading falls. An even more strenuous workout awaits at the Wolf Rock Loop Trail that leads to the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock formations.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Found at a national park, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal offers a variety of trail options. The 1.7-mile Billy Goat Trail offers a steep descent with jagged cliffs and views of the Potomoc River and its falls. The Maryland Heights Trail in Knoxville features a 1,200-foot climb that results in beautiful views.

Fort Foote Park
The Fort Foote Civil War Ruins Trail boasts an easy 1.7-mile trail that traverses through a Civil War fort with real Civil War bunkers and other interesting elements of history.

National Colonial Park and National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park

Home to a variety of nature trails, a stroll at this park will offer views of bald eagles, beavers, deer, foxes and other wildlife. Shorter trails meander through forests, wetlands and along the Potomac River. The River Trail highlights views of Mount Vernon, George Washington's historic home.

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Known previously as the Northern Central Railway, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail happens to be popular among joggers, walkers and cyclists for its wide and flat terrain. The trail spans 20 miles and stretches from Hunt Valley to the state line.

Greenbury Point

A hidden gem inside Annapolis, this 3.1-mile loop trail showcases the Severn River. Trails also lope past the Nature Center and Naval Academy Golf Course.

Swallow Falls State Park

For minimum effort and maximum views, visit Swallow Falls State Park where hikers will find two waterfalls including the tallest waterfall in Maryland.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

A total of 13 miles of trails winds along the Chesapeake Bay coastline. The 1.8-mile red trail ends at the beach where you can hunt for ancient fossils. You might even find massive megaladon shark teeth here.

Loch Raven Reservoir

The Upper Loch Raven Reservoir Trail allows for a more relaxing hike along the 6.5-mile loop along the water and surrounded by tall forest.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center and Park

Families flock to Oregon Ridge where the loop boasts an easy 4.4-mile groomed trail.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

This trail allows for a leisurely nature walk where you can explore the old railroad and see local wildlife like otters, blue crabs and even bald eagles.

Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area

The 5.7-mile Sugarloaf Mountain Loop highlights stunning quartzite cliffs. The Civil War Trail shares the history of Sugarloaf Mountain, which once was a Civil War signal station.