The best walks and hikes around Baltimore

Yes, many parks and trails in the Baltimore area welcome dogs on a leash. Patapsco Valley State Park is a popular choice for dog owners, offering miles of varied trails. For a more relaxed, flat walk, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail (formerly the NCR Trail) is another excellent option where you and your canine companion can cover long distances.

For a family-friendly outing, the Cylburn Arboretum loop is a wonderful choice. It's a short, easy walk through beautiful gardens and wooded paths. Another great spot is Oregon Ridge Park, which is highly regarded by local families for its playground and accessible nature trails.

While the immediate Baltimore area is known for easier trails, you can find more challenging terrain in Patapsco Valley State Park. Trails there often feature steep sections with rocks and roots. For a true challenge, experienced hikers often head to nearby access points for the Appalachian Trail, such as the ascents to Annapolis Rock or Weverton Cliffs, which reward you with panoramic views.

Cascade Falls in Patapsco Valley State Park is a well-known destination for a waterfall hike. The trail to the falls involves some light scrambling over rocks and roots. For another beautiful option, consider a trip to Rocks State Park, which is home to Kilgore Falls, a serene and picturesque waterfall.

If you're new to hiking, the Stony Run Walking Path loop is an excellent starting point. It's a relatively flat and short trail through a pleasant wooded area. The Sea Wall Trail at Fort McHenry National Monument is another fantastic option, offering a flat, paved path with great views of the harbor.

Yes, there are many great loop trails. The Herring Run Greenway via Lake Montebello loop offers a longer circuit that combines a lakeside path with a greenway trail. For a more rugged loop, the Avalon Loop in Patapsco Valley State Park is a local favorite that includes varied terrain and a historic swinging bridge.

The reservoirs near Baltimore offer miles of scenic trails. Loch Raven Reservoir is a serene escape with numerous paths that wind along the shoreline through forests and fields. Prettyboy Reservoir also provides a network of trails suitable for various skill levels, allowing you to enjoy peaceful hikes with beautiful water views.

The trails around Baltimore are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the region's surprising diversity, from the peaceful, wooded stream valleys like the Gwynns Falls Trail to the scenic urban paths along the waterfront.

For stunning urban and water views, the Canton Waterfront Park to Fell's Point walk is hard to beat, especially around sunrise or sunset. If you're seeking natural vistas, the King and Queen Seat at Rocks State Park offers a dramatic rock outcrop with commanding views of the surrounding forest.

There are over 50 hiking routes to explore around Baltimore on komoot. The selection is dominated by easy and moderate trails, with 48 rated as easy and 9 as moderate, ensuring plenty of options for casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike.

Yes, some trails are accessible via public transit. The Gwynns Falls Trail, an urban greenway, has several access points within the city that can be reached by bus. Similarly, trails within Druid Hill Park are easily accessible. For parks further out, like Patapsco Valley, public transport options are more limited, and driving is often more practical.