by Wendy Lafond

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 11, 2008

With almost 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) traversing across the state of Maryland, many day hikes are available along its length. With a minimal amount (1,650 feet) of elevation gain between the lowest point which is the Potomac River at 250 feet and the highest point which is High Rock at 1,900 feet most of the trails in Maryland are considered easy by A.T. standards. A few sections can be challenging and there certainly is some spectacular scenery, but on the average Maryland trails are perfect for beginner's and those looking to just spend the day with nature.

Potomac-Garrett State Forest

The 47 State Parks, Forests, and public access sites in Maryland offer a multitude of varying difficulty trails, so there are day hikes available almost anywhere across the state. There is Potomac-Garrett State Forest with over 11,535 acres of mountains, valleys, forests, steams, and wildlife. This park is home to Backbone Mountain, the highest point in Maryland at an elevation of 3,220 feet. They have a number of self-guided trails.

Washington Monument State Park

Washington County is home to Washington Monument State Park, named for the monument it protects. The first monument ever erected in honor of George Washington, the father of our country. The trails that wind through this park follow the same footprints that our first President followed as a surveyor in his younger years. Part of the A.T. passes through and goes by the base of the huge stone tower.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Thirty miles of shoreline along Chesapeake Bay belong to Calvert Cliffs State Park. It offers 13 miles of well marked footpaths and boardwalks through forest, along the cliffs, and along the sandy beaches. There have been over 600 different fossils found among these cliffs, the most extensive collection of Miocene fossils in this part of the country.

Swallow Falls State Park

In Maryland's northwestern most section you will find Swallow Falls State Park. It boasts some of the state's most spectacular scenery. The Youghiogheny River meanders through Hemlock forests and ripples over rocky passages through shaded gorges. The Muddy Creek, with Maryland's highest waterfall, crashes over the 53-foot drop and creates a truly breathtaking sight.

Pokomoke River State Park

Pokomoke River State Park is 14,753 wooded acres in the southeastern part of Maryland and home to the most diverse assemblage of natural habitats and plant life in the state. With 5 well maintained trails, complete with interpretive signs along most for self-guided touring, and the Hudson Tract Trails, consisting of fire access roads within the forest, there is a day-hike experience to please everyone.

Savage River State Forest

The largest state owned forest in Maryland is Savage River State Forest with over 54,000 acres. Over 12,000 acres of the forest have been declared Wildlands. Located in the northeast corner of this magnificent forest lies the Mount Aetna Tract where there is a selection of loop trails to fit any day outing. There are longer trails throughout this forest, but any of them can be shortened and done as in-and-out trails to accommodate a day-hike itinerary.

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