Annapolis, MD is a welcoming, historic, coastal city known as a ‘museum without walls.’ Its surrounding parks, forests, and mountainous terrain offer a variety of excellent hiking trails. Read on to learn the best of them.
Cross Island Trail
For an easy nearby 5-mile hike which is suitable for the whole family, head across the bay to Kent Island. You begin in Terrapin Beach Park and cut across the island, with many restaurants and attractions along the route, and some great views of the sea as well. You also pass through a park with an excellent playground.
Annapolis Rock and Black Rock
If you’re in the mood for something a little more challenging, head into the nearby Appalachian Mountains and hike up to Annapolis Rock and also to Black Rock, a mile further along. You’ll be able to marvel at many awe-inspiring vistas of the valleys and lakes. It’s a rather strenuous hike but not overly long at just a few miles, and suitable for older children.
Quiet Waters Dog Park Loop
This trail through scenic Quiet Waters Park is a favorite for local dog-walkers. It’s paved, and so good for strollers, with many spots to stop for a picnic while enjoying some superb scenery of the South River basin. You pass through a heavily wooded area, where you’re likely to catch sight of squirrels and even the occasional deer.
Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
This 13.3-mile trail is filled with historical markers, providing the curious hiker with a wealth of knowledge about the region’s storied past. It’s a pleasant paved walk, winding through parkland, woodland, and peaceful suburbs. At one point, you pass along a stretch named Planet Walk, which gives you displays to learn about the sun and stars. If you’re interested in educational hikes, this is the one for you.
Broad Creek Trail
If you don’t want to travel far to find your hike, there’s no need. This excellent 5-mile route lies just on the west side of town. It meanders up and down hilly terrain through dense forest of pine and deciduous trees. A portion of it takes you beside a placid lake, where you can take a pause to watch osprey diving for fish.
Grist Mill Trail
The Patapsco Valley State Park to the north of town boasts 170 miles of hiking paths in total, the best of which is the 2.3-mile Grist Mill Trail, which follows a disused rail bed through some breathtaking natural scenery. The finest feature of this secluded path is a long suspension bridge, which crosses the river and continues all the way to a picturesque dam.
Trolley Line #9 Trail
This dramatic rail-trail hike takes you between some massive bluffs of granite. You walk a portion of the way along the boardwalk and another part through thick woodland, with only the rustling leaves and peaceful sounds of a nearby babbling creek to hear for miles at a time.
Whichever of the above fine trails you chose to explore, follow your trek up with a visit to Koons Annapolis Toyota, one of Maryland’s most trusted dealerships.
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