The best walks and hikes around Crownsville
4.7
(16)
179
hikers
29
hikes
Hiking around Crownsville, Maryland, is characterized by its mature forests, tranquil wetlands, and rolling hills. The region is situated in the headwaters of the South River, offering diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. Natural surface trails are common, providing routes through varied woodland environments.
Best hiking trails around Crownsville
- The most popular hiking route is Bacon Ridge Natural Area – Old car wrecks loop from Generals Highway Corridor Park, an easy 2.0 miles (3.2 km) path that takes about 49…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
3.0
(1)
18
hikers
4.09km
01:05
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.33km
00:36
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
hikers
5.05km
01:18
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
7.84km
02:37
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(8)
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Spa Creek Trail is an almost 1.5 mile long trail that is popular with walkers and cyclists. It is fully paved and completely traffic-free, so it is a great place for a relaxed, family walk.
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Kinder Farm Park, located in Millersville, Maryland, is a 288-acre park that offers a variety of natural and recreational activities including walking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. The park features a 2.8-mile paved perimeter trail and several miles of natural trails. It also includes a large playground and tot-lot ideal for children of all ages, picnic tables and grills located throughout the park, and two large outdoor pavilions available for rental.
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The 900+ acre Bacon Ridge Natural Area features expansive marshes, mature forests, and Bacon Ridge Branch creek. The area includes a 630-acre section protected by a conservation easement from Scenic Rivers and the Maryland Environmental Trust.
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The Annapolis Waterworks Trail was created by the City of Annapolis and MORE (Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts). They created a great trail network of 11 miles. It's worth checking out!
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Built in the 1850s as a water source for Annapolis, the reservoir played a strategic role during the Civil War. Enjoy a mostly paved 4.5-mile loop around the reservoir, offering breathtaking views of the water, rolling hills, and the historic Annapolis skyline in the distance.
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Bacon Ridge trailhead offers a captivating hiking experience with its scenic beauty, diverse terrain, and serene ambiance. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to its well-maintained trails, providing a perfect blend of challenge and tranquility. The captivating vistas and lush surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and solace.
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In this wonderful locale, you can truly connect with the forest. Here, you'll come across several old, abandoned cars—a unique discovery amidst the natural beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Crownsville?
Yes, the trails in the Bacon Ridge Natural Area are multi-use and generally welcome leashed dogs. It's a popular spot for dog walkers. Always be sure to bring water for your pet and clean up after them to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
What are the parking options for the Bacon Ridge Natural Area trails?
There are two main access points with parking. The Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Trailhead) offers roadside pull-off parking. For a more established lot, you can use the Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Bacon Ridge Rd Trailhead), which is a well-regarded starting point for many hikes in the area.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Crownsville area?
Absolutely. The terrain around Crownsville includes many gentle, rolling hills suitable for families and beginners. A great option is the Bacon Ridge Natural Area – Old car wrecks loop from Generals Highway Corridor Park. It's a relatively short and easy walk through the woods with the fun discovery of old cars along the way.
What are the trail conditions like in the Bacon Ridge Natural Area?
The trails are primarily natural surface paths through mature forests. You can expect well-maintained routes with some rolling hills, rocks, and roots. The area is known for its serene woodlands, so trails are mostly shaded. After rain, some sections can become muddy.
I've heard about abandoned cars in the woods. Which trail can I take to see them?
The old car wrecks are a unique feature of the Bacon Ridge Natural Area. You can see them on the Old car wrecks – Bacon Ridge Natural Area loop from Generals Highway Corridor Park. This moderate hike takes you right past the historic remnants scattered in the forest.
Are there any paved trails for hiking or walking near Crownsville?
The trails within Bacon Ridge Natural Area are natural surface. For a paved experience, the nearby Baltimore & Annapolis Trail offers a smooth, accessible path perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride through scenic neighborhoods.
What other activities are popular on the trails besides hiking?
The trails in the Bacon Ridge Natural Area are multi-use. Besides hiking, they are very popular with mountain bikers who enjoy the flowing singletrack and rolling terrain. The area is also a favorite for trail runners and wildlife watchers, thanks to the diverse ecosystem.
Can I go hiking in Crownsville during the winter?
Yes, the trails are accessible year-round. Winter hiking offers a different experience, with clearer views through the bare trees. Just be sure to dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be icy or muddy depending on the weather.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, most of the popular routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A good example of a moderate circular route is the Old Annapolis City Reservoir loop from Anne Arundel County, which provides a pleasant walk through the woods.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Crownsville?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, natural surface trails that wind through serene and mature forests. The feeling of being immersed in nature so close to town is a frequently mentioned highlight.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the area?
While the region is not known for difficult mountain climbs, you can find moderately challenging hikes with some elevation gain. The Hiking loop from Crownsville is a good example, offering a longer distance of nearly 8 miles with over 100 meters of ascent through the rolling hills.
Are the hiking trails free to access?
Yes, the trails in the Bacon Ridge Natural Area and Generals Highway Corridor Park are public and free to access. Parking at the designated trailheads is also free of charge.
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