Trails
Trails are typically under a local jurisdiction, the Department of Natural Resources (state parks) or local recreation and parks agencies.
Anacostia Tributary Trail System
The Anacostia Tributary Trail System provides miles of uninterrupted trails along the tributaries of the Anacostia River through suburban Maryland and parts of the District of Columbia. Listed below are all of the trails included in the trail system.
- Anacostia River Trail
- Indian Creek Trail
- Northeast Branch Trail
- Northwest Branch Trail
- Paint Branch Trail
- Prince George’s Connector Trail
- Sligo Creek Trail
- Rhode Island Ave. Trolley Trail
Baltimore and Annapolis (B&A) Trail
A nice trail for the whole family! This trail is part of the East Coast Greenway system. The trail is an 8-foot wide paved surface with a total length of 13 miles between Annapolis and Glen Burnie, MD. Once you reach the northern terminus, a short connector path will take you over to the recently completed BWI Trail.
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) Trail
Designed primarily with commuters in mind, the 12.5 mile BWI trail is also an excellent recreation facility in a surprisingly peaceful setting!
A 4-mile asphalt path linking Bethesda and North Bethesda, primarily by bridging two major highways 495 and 270.
Central Maryland Trails *Quick Link to a Chart from Visit Maryland
Found in diverse environments from Baltimore City down to our state capitol and up to the Mason-Dixon Line, Central Maryland trails promise a wide variety of recreational activity. Enjoy year-round opportunities like hiking, biking, and sightseeing in more than 50 natural areas that are easy to access.
Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath
184.5 miles of towpath creates one of the largest biking trails in the continental US! The surface of the towpath is, for the most part, an even hard-packed dirt trail. The C&O Canal is located along the north bank of the Potomac River, starting in Washington, DC and ending in Cumberland, MD.
Western Maryland Family Friendly Trails *Quick Link to a Chart from Visit Maryland
Ranging from easy to moderate, Western Maryland nature trails are a popular source of year-round recreation within a scenic two-to-four hour drive of the Baltimore-Washington area. Located in close proximity to other fun activities in beautiful small towns, these family-friendly trails offer incredible views and convenient amenities.
Frederick County Heritage Bike Tours
Five on road tours of Frederick County provided by the Tourism Council of Frederick County.
Now the longest rail-trail east of the Mississippi River, the 150-mile trail spans two states in its course along great rivers and across mountain passes. Running from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, the Great Allegheny Passage traces the paths of railroads that helped build America.
The Gwynns Falls Trail is a unique urban hiking and biking trail providing access to a scenic and historic greenway stream valley in Baltimore City. The trail follows the Gwynns Falls stream to the Middle Branch and the Inner Harbor of the Patapsco River.
13 miles of asphalt trail offers a unique natural outdoor experience, seemingly far removed from development and life’s often chaotic pace. The trail is the result of the generous gift of an abandoned railroad corridor
Loch Raven Reservoir is one of the most pristine outdoor locations in the Baltimore metropolitan area, with resplendent plants and wildlife and beautiful water vistas, where visitors can enjoy miles of road and off-road bicycling trails that wind their way along the banks of the reservoir.
The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Trail
D.C.’s newest Rail-to-Trail project is planned to become part of the East Coast Greenway. The 5.6-mile trail from Route 450 in Glenn Dale, running northeasterly to the Patuxent River, includes five bridge crossings, two tunnel crossings, and two at-grade intersections. The 10-foot wide trail runs from Glenn Dale through Bowie.
Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)
An 8-mile trail that runs from Union Station in the District of Columbia to Silver Spring in Maryland. Following the Metropolitan Branch Line of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, the trail passes through numerous vibrant and historic neighborhoods as well as connecting to the National Mall.
Northern Central Railroad (NCR) Trail
The Torrey C. Brown Trail, formerly known as the Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCRT) extends 20 miles, stretching from Ashland Road in the Hunt Valley area to the state line. The trail is 10 feet wide with a stone dust surface. Trail users should note that the southern end of the trail receives heavy use on weekends.
Natural surface and hard surface trails make up this network in Montgomery County. Pass by natural and cultural histories of this area including: a pioneer homestead, a covered bridge, mill ruins and a raptor aviary. Trails include the Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail, Lake Frank & Meadowside Trails, and Lake Needwood Trails.
A 20+ mile trail made of an asphalt paved path that was reclaimed from the former Western Maryland Railroad
that follows the bends and curves of both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.
Other Helpful Links
Maryland Office of Tourism
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy – Catonsville
Top Trails for Baby Boomers
Allegheny County
Anne Arundel County
Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Calvert County
Caroline County
Carroll County
Cecil County
Charles County
Dorchester County
Frederick County
Garrett County
Harford County
Howard County
Kent County
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
Queen Anne’s County
St. Mary’s County
Somerset County
Talbot County
Washington County
Wicomico County
Worcester County
If there is a trail in your community that is not listed, please contact us!
