Weverton Cliffs
Weverton Cliffs is one of the top Maryland scenic hikes because of the vista views from this spot. It’s a rocky destination with views of the Potomac River and Harpers Ferry in the distance. If you hike from the base of the mountain, it’s a 1.5-mile out-and-back on a semi-steep switchback trail. For a longer point-to-point day hike, you could start in Crampton Gap and end just below Weverton Cliffs (approximately 6.3 miles). This is one of the best views you can get from hiking in Maryland.
In 2017, my sister, my husband, and I backpacked 17+ miles on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and passed by Weverton Cliffs on our way to Harpers Ferry. You can read about our trip and see many more pictures of Weverton Cliffs here.
AllTrails Map of Weverton Cliffs
Annapolis Rock and Black Rock
Annapolis Rock is probably the most popular of the Maryland scenic hikes. If you want to watch the sunset and stay the night, there’s a small backpacking camp that you walk by as you come to the overlook. The overlook can get crowded and the small parking lot at the bottom of the hill fills early in the day.
Black Rock is an easy extra mile further and it has a wider panoramic view towards Hagerstown. It’s always less crowded than Annapolis Rock if you’re looking for a quieter space. The hike has an 800+ foot elevation gain and is over 7 miles round-trip if you include both overlooks.
Our very first backpacking trip was to Annapolis Rock/Black Rock so you can check out this post to see more of the vista views.
AllTrails Map of Annapolis Rock/Black Rock
Billy Goat Trail at C&O Canal Historical Park
The Billy Goat Trail is known for its rock scrambling instead of elevation gains and panoramic mountain views. This 1.75-mile trail is extremely popular for hiking in Maryland and requires good shoes and sure footing. I’ve done this trail multiple times and I’ve always loved it. Check out the posts below for more photos and information on the trail.
- An early morning fall hike on the Billy Goat Trail (as seen above)
- The first time we hiked the Billy Goat Trail
- Hiking the Billy Goat Trail with my sister
AllTrails Map of the Billy Goat Trail A
Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park
I’ve hiked to Chimney Rock many times since I was a kid. This trail is a moderately steep 2.2-mile out-and-back switchback trail. If you want a longer hike, you can do the Catoctin Mountain Park extended loop which includes Chimney Rock. See more about exploring Chimney Rock here.
Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park is in far Western Maryland near the border making it one of the least known in the top Maryland scenic hikes. The scenery here is unlike any of the other hikes on this list (or in Maryland). To me, it gives off the Pacific Northwest vibes. Though it’s short at just over 1 mile, this hike is a beauty with its rocky walls, pine trees, and multiple waterfalls.
AllTrails Map of Swallow Falls
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is a great place for a day hike or picnic since it’s conveniently situated between Frederick and Gaithersburg. There are many trails surrounding the mountain and this is the only hike on this list that is on privately owned property.
We hiked this trail on a hot summer day a few years ago. You can check out that post and see more photos here.
AllTrails Map of Sugarloaf Mountain
Washington Monument State Park
Washington Monument State Park shouldn’t be confused with the Washington Monument in D.C. We first came across this overlook spot when Brady and I did a 16-mile fall backpacking trip in 2017. Check out the post I wrote of that weekend to see more of the state park and the 1800s stone Dahlgren Chapel perfectly situated right next to the Appalachian Trail.
AllTrails Map of Washington Monument State Park
Patapsco State Park
McKeldin Area
Patapsco State Park is the best for those looking for scenic hiking in Maryland that’s close to the Baltimore suburbs. We’ve spent lots of time at the McKeldin and Avalon areas and they both offer lots of history. There isn’t as much mountain hiking but there are nice trails and is a very enjoyable park to explore.
Avalon Area
The Avalon area has Cascade Falls as well as a swinging bridge that spans the Patapsco River. Many trails here follow the river, train tracks, or various creeks through the woods.
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