How many hiking trails are listed in Maryland?

The directory currently includes 309 quality-checked routes in Maryland, covering 3.6k km of mapped lines. These are routes with a traceable source, sufficient geometry and elevation data.

Which route ranks highest in Maryland?

Appalachian Trail currently has the highest directory score in this set. Compare its distance, ascent and route type with Catoctin National Recreation Trail and Meadow Mountain Trail before choosing.

When should you hike in Maryland?

Varies by region is the season stored for this place in the directory. It is not a live conditions report: consult the route source, land manager and local forecast before travelling.

Are there routes rated easy in Maryland?

189 routes are rated easy by the directory’s distance-and-elevation model. The rating does not rule out rough surface, exposure or temporary hazards, so verify the individual route.

🇺🇸 United States

Hiking trails in Maryland

309 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped in Maryland, United States. Together their route lines cover 3.6k km. The average route is 11.6 km with 138 m (453 ft) of recorded ascent.

309
Trails: 3.6k
Kilometres: 0
Parks: 1.0k m
Highest point

The directory difficulty mix is 189 easy (61%), 95 moderate (31%) and 25 hard or expert (8%). 77 routes (25%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.

The most frequent route tags are mountain (28), river (14), forest (12), lake (9). The highest recorded point in this set is 1,040 m (3,412 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. Appalachian Trail, Catoctin National Recreation Trail, Meadow Mountain Trail currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

5.4 km

Meadow Mountain Trail

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

86 m

Meadow Mountain Trail

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Comparison of the first 6 listed routes
Route	Distance	Ascent	Moving time	Shape
Catoctin National Recreation Trail	42.8 km	1,151 m	11 hr	Point to point
Appalachian Trail	64.0 km	1,488 m	17 hr	Point to point
Meadow Mountain Trail	5.4 km	86 m	1 hr 15 min	Point to point
Tuscarora Trail	381 km	5,199 m	98 hr	Point to point
ADT - Maryland - Seg 2	69.1 km	254 m	16 hr	Point to point
Mid-State Trail	516 km	4,597 m	129 hr	Point to point

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.