2023-11-22 08:44:28
Maryland’s world-class network of water and land trails make the state a top destination for adventure lovers of every age and fitness level. Test yourself with a mountaintop scramble or take a stroll along Chesapeake shores. Mountain bike singletrack trails or take a skinny-tire day trip on flat expanses of car-free bike paths. For paddlers, choices range from serene lakes to raging rapids to the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay. No one size fits all here! Along the way, there’s so much magical Maryland to see and enjoy, like waterfalls, covered bridges, historical lighthouses and the lush beauty and wildlife of the bay — not to mention inspiring sites along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway and other historic spots. Maryland’s Water Trails Prevail There’s no more thrilling way to experience the marvels of maritime Maryland than on our water trails. Paddle your way through marshlands, brave rushing white waters, float down tidal rivers or explore the Chesapeake Bay. With water-trail systems covering hundreds of miles, the possibilities for aquatic adventure are unlimited. “Everglades of the North” Nearly 50 square miles of forests, fields, marshes and open water await at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Its shady reaches are alive with the sights and sounds of waterfowl, bald eagles and ospreys. Trails are color-coded by skill level so you can choose the best route for your group. Outfitters like Blackwater Adventures offer equipment rentals along with guided tours. Calling All Daredevils Test your paddling skills with Class IV and V white-water adventures on the breathtaking Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River. This extremely challenging 21-mile stretch of river flows through forests and wilderness, with public access points at Swallow Falls State Park and off Sang Run Road. Local outfitters offer rentals and guide services. River guides are highly recommended. History & Heritage The swift and storied waters of the Potomac River shaped our nation, and boating on it remains an unparalleled way to experience the excitement of American history. One of Maryland’s longest rivers, the Potomac offers 300 miles of pristine paddling. With plenty of camping and lodging along the way, the river is perfect for single- and multi-day trips. Topside & Dockside Kent Island, the Chesapeake’s largest island, is surrounded by six water trails. Whether you enjoy a leisurely paddle on your own or a guided tour with an outfitter like Chester River Kayak Adventures, you’ll want to stick around after you drop anchor. Kent Island is a treasure trove of sunset dining with legendary seafood, cocktails and sweet treats. Explore more Maryland water trails to find your paddle paradise. Hike It, Bike It, Ride It, Roll It ... Just Do It! With hundreds of miles of trails traversing terrain from beaches and mountains to forests and riverbanks, exploring our trail system is the ultimate way to experience the beauty and wonder of Maryland’s distinctive landscapes. Fulfilling the GAP The award-winning, beautiful Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail stretches 159 miles from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. The terrain is mostly flat and smooth and takes you through a series of tunnels, viaducts and bridges. As you wind through the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find plenty of charming small towns that roll out the welcome mat for cyclists. The trail connects to the C&O Canal Towpath, making it easy to turn a day trip into a longer trek. If you aren’t up for biking, the trail is also great for hiking, and some portions can be explored on horseback. Guided rides are available through Spring Gap Farm. Rail Trail Utopia The 19.7-mile Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail traces the path of the former Northern Central Railway in northern Baltimore County through Gunpowder Falls State Park. Hikers, joggers, bicyclists and horseback riders can enjoy the flat trail and stunning views of the park’s namesake river. On the way back to town, stop at Hereford Zone Snoballs to cool off with Maryland’s favorite shaved-ice treat. And all rail trails are electric-bike friendly, too. Hike Through History The C&O Canal is a beautiful transportation artifact of 20th-century engineering. Now, it’s a beloved route for thru-hikers and bikers as well as day trippers. It’s also a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, bird-watching and even old-fashioned, mule-drawn barge rides. At the heart of this remarkable trail is the C&O Canal National Historical Park with its 74 unique lift locks and the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath. Along the way from Cumberland to Washington, D.C., you’ll find fascinating and informative visitor centers, convenient campsites, welcoming canal towns and great recreational activities with guides offering everything from tire patches and picnics to white-water adventures. Tracks and Yaks Frostburg’s Tracks and Yaks is one of the few railbike-trail tour operators in the country. Railbiking uses pedal-powered, seated bikes that run along a steel railroad to offer a completely unique way to experience the state. With two or more guests on each bike, the effort is shared equally, and there’s even a pedal-assist function for the slight uphill sections. Beginning at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Depot, take your railbike on a 10-mile jaunt alongside the beautiful and beloved Great Allegheny Passage. In 2023, Tracks and Yaks opened a new location traversing Historic Berlin’s farmlands and coastal forests. Cycle the State On the BWI Loop, WB&A and B&A trails — three connected paths with sections on the nation’s Eastern Greenway — you’ll see various different sides of Maryland as you pedal 30-plus paved miles. Watch airplanes take off and land, ride past ponds and vine-framed tunnels, and hop off to explore parks while traveling from Linthicum Heights to Glen Burnie to Annapolis. Accessible Trails for All From waterfall watching to accessible playgrounds, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources works hard to ensure the state’s unmatched natural resources are accessible to everyone. Here are a few of our favorites: At Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, the short-and-sweet Boardwalk Trail to the base of the park’s namesake 78-foot cascading waterfall is easily traversed by visitors with mobility impairments and wheelchair users. The Western Maryland Rail Trail offers 28 miles of smooth, flat and ADA-accessible trails — perfect for a lengthy adaptive bicycle ride. And in Patapsco Valley State Park, the paved Grist Mill Trail connects the famed swinging bridge to Lost Lake. Find more accessible adventures on p. 75 Check out hiking and biking on our landlubber trails.
©Maryland. View All Articles.