Best Southern Maryland Hiking Trails

Adventure awaits in Southern Maryland, a hiker's paradise where history and nature intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. Our curated selection of hiking destinations will guide you through diverse terrains, from mysterious swamps and lush forests to the serene banks of the Patuxent River, along historic roads and past the stately homes of a bygone era. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious explorer, the natural splendor and historical intrigue of these trails will captivate you. Before we embark on a journey through some of our favorite hiking paths in Southern Maryland, a reminder— dress appropriately during hunting season, stick to the trails, and leave behind nothing but footprints. 

Cedarville State Forest

10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
Phone: 301-888-1410
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Website

This 3,707-acre forest, situated at the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, Maryland's largest freshwater swamp, offers visitors over 19 miles of trails designed for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. The forest is home to more than 50 species of trees, making it a living showcase of diverse forestry practices and natural resource management techniques employed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This includes a collaboration between fishery scientists, wildlife biologists, foresters, and park rangers, ensuring the protection and sustainable management of the forest's rich biodiversity.

One of the most popular trails is the Orange Trail, a 7-mile loop known for its flat terrain and scenic beauty, featuring semi-mature forest stands and pine-dominated areas. The trail intersects with the White and Blue Trails, providing options to extend or shorten the hike. The Blue Trail, spanning 4 miles, offers short hills and passes by streams and abandoned farmland, while the 3.5-mile White Trail is renowned for bird watching, meandering through hardwood forests and pine plantations.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Brown Trail, a 2.5-mile easy loop, passes by an abandoned pine plantation and a serene four-acre pond. Additionally, the 2-mile Green Trail, winding through the Zekiah Swamp headwaters, offers a unique wetland hiking experience.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. During hunting season, hikers in designated hunting areas are advised to wear bright orange for safety. The park’s dedication to conservation, coupled with its rich historical features like the loblolly pine plantations planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and the remnants of moonshine production, makes Cedarville State Forest a unique destination for nature and history lovers.

Rosaryville State Park

7805 West Marlton Ave
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: 301-888-1410
Hours: 8am-Sunset
Website

Rosaryville State Park offers a splendid mix of natural beauty and history that makes it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts in Southern Maryland with over 16 miles of trails open daily. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. You can find the historic Mt. Airy Mansion located here, too, for a glimpse into Maryland’s past.

One of the unique features of Rosaryville State Park is the Agriculture Heritage Trail. This 1.5-mile trail beautifully intertwines the region's rich agricultural history with the serene natural landscape. As hikers traverse this easy, down-and-back trail, they encounter old barns, silos, and other remnants of farm life, alongside interpretive panels that shed light on the area's historical significance. The trail begins near the old Tobacco Barn, serving as a gateway to a journey through time and nature.

The park's most popular hiking route is the Perimeter Trail, a 9.75-mile loop of moderate difficulty. This single-track trail, open year-round, features varying elevations and a captivating view of the park’s diverse ecosystem. For those looking to customize their hiking experience, the Tilly Trail, accessible via the Perimeter Trail, offers a 3-mile loop that can either shorten or extend your hike. 

Greenwell State Park

25420 Rosedale Manor Lane
Hollywood MD 20636
Phone: 301-872-5688
Hours: May-Sep 7:00 a.m. to sunset, Oct-April 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Website

Greenwell State Park, a 596-acre haven in St. Mary's County, Maryland, is not just a destination for outdoor enthusiasts but a symbol of inclusivity and accessibility. Founded on the vision of John Philip Greenwell, Jr., this park on the Patuxent River embodies a commitment to ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the therapeutic and rejuvenating qualities of nature.

Established in 1966, the Greenwell Foundation was a pioneering effort in accessibility, long before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. John Philip Greenwell's legacy lives on through the park, which opened to the public in the mid-1990s. The Greenwell Foundation, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, has continuously worked to enhance the park’s accessibility, ensuring that its buildings, grounds, and waterfront are welcoming to everyone.

Today, the park offers an array of programs through the Foundation. These include therapeutic riding for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, veterans’ programs, and inclusive recreational activities. The Foundation serves a diverse community from Southern Maryland counties and Washington, D.C., offering kayaking, nature camps, and accessible site rentals, among other activities.

For hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders, Greenwell boasts eight marked trails that span a total of 10 miles and are open year-round. Five of these wind their way around the scenic shores of the Patuxent River, while the Yellow and White Trails offers visitors tranquil forest paths to hike, embodying the park’s commitment to providing outdoor experiences for everyone.

Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm

2695 Gray's Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: 410-535-5327
Hours: Dawn - Dusk daily
Website

Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm offers a unique hiking experience that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Southern Maryland's rural and natural heritage. Spanning 196 acres within the Calvert Creeks Rural Legacy Area, this picturesque farm features rolling agricultural fields bordered by lush hardwood forests, epitomizing the historic charm of Calvert County farmland. The farm’s five miles of trails invite visitors to explore both the rich heritage and natural beauty of the area.

The highlight of hiking at Biscoe Gray is without a doubt The Rolling Road, which evidence suggests has been used since 1725. The trees and vegetation that now adorn this historic path, named for the practice of rolling wooden barrels of tobacco down it, only add to its quiet charm. You can take in panoramic views of the entire landscape across the northeast-southwest spine of the property, the gentle hillock along Grays Road, the picturesque Orchard Knoll, old barns, and outbuildings like a meat house, chicken coop, and cow shed.

The hiking adventure at Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm doesn’t end there. The trails (via the Gatewood Preserve) connect to two more miles of trail at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees in North America. A short boardwalk trail allows visitors to immerse themselves in the majesty of the cypress trees and the serenity of the swamp, complemented by interactive exhibits on local wildlife and the cultural history of the area.

Salem State Forest

Maryland DNR Forest Service
Carter Building
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: 301-880-2745
Website

Salem State Forest is a hidden gem for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in Southern Maryland. Acquired by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 2003, this expansive 1,754-acre forest offers a tranquil escape into nature. The forest, previously owned by the Glatfelter Pulpwood Company and primarily managed for Loblolly pine production, showcases a diverse woodland ecosystem, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities.

The forest is divided into two main tracts, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. The main tract, accessible off Indian Bridge Road and situated north of St. Mary’s Lake, directly adjoins St. Mary’s River State Park to the south. This proximity provides hikers with an extended network of trails, including a scenic route around the northern portion of St. Mary’s Lake that connects with Salem State Forest’s trail system. The second tract, located on both sides of Wilderness Road, is bordered by Whirlwind Road and La Grande RV trailer park.

Hikers can start their journey from the parking area off Indian Bridge Road or Maryland Route 5 in Redgate, where a kiosk and map provide valuable information about the forest's roads and trails. You might find it more convenient, however, to start your hike at St. Mary’s River State Park instead— especially because Salem State Forest has no comfort stations, porta-johns or other amenities available.

More Great Trails in Southern Maryland

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, a site of immense archaeological significance in Calvert County, offers an enriching hiking experience with over 15 miles of trails. As you wander through these trails, you can delve into the region's rich history and cultural heritage, which is also detailed in our Museums article.

Maxwell Hall Park in Hughesville presents a unique combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue. With its 15 miles of trails, visitors can enjoy scenic walks in a serene environment. The park's centerpiece, the colonial-era Maxwell Hall, provides a glimpse into the region's past, as explored further in our Historic Homes article.

Calvert Cliffs State Park, a natural wonder of Southern Maryland, is named for the massive cliffs that dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for roughly 24 miles in Calvert County. 1,079 acres of the park is dedicated to hiking and nature preservation. Unlike most of the entries on this list, cycling and horseback riding are prohibited here, but feel free to bring your leashed pet.