The Best Walks and Hikes in Maryland for You and Your Dog

With hiking routes ranging from forest walks and coastal paths, to mountainous tracks and flat trails, there are plenty of places to go hiking in Maryland with your pup. If you’re looking for a new place to walk with your favorite four-legged friend, don’t miss these fantastic hikes.

Why Go Hiking With Your Pooch?

There are plenty of benefits of hiking with your dog. Not only do they discover new sights and smells to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated, but the more time you spend together, the closer the bond between you will be.

What to Pack for Hiking With Your Dog

If you’re planning to take your dog hiking with you in Maryland, remember to first locate a traveling vet near you just in case your pup gets injured on the trail, and the doggie first-aid kit doesn’t cover the cuts and scrapes.

It’s also recommended to keep your dog on the leash when advised by the trail and to keep them under control at all times. There’s nothing more complicated than practicing recall in the overgrown wildlife.

Last but not least, bring plenty of water and energy-boosting treats; a collapsible water bowl will ensure your dog always has plenty to drink after the walk has finished.

The Best Hikes in Maryland

Calvert Cliffs Red Trail

If your pooch is a big fan of the beach, the Calvert Cliffs Red Trail near Lusby is the perfect 6.4-km out-and-back trail for you. Heads up, this route is generally considered moderately challenging, but it’s definitely an excellent trail for introducing your dog to new things to sniff and more new people; you’ll likely encounter others while exploring this trail, given the area’s popularity for birding, fishing and of course, hiking.

The trail takes an average of an hour and 15 minutes to complete, and you can finish the hike off with a swim in the sea (and a picnic on the sands) afterward, too.

US 40 to Pogo Campground

For dogs that favor rocky trails over coastal walkways, this route is perfect for exploring the spectacular valley views overlooking Annapolis Rock and Black Rock. You can access the Appalachian Trail from starting at the parking lot – shortly after, you’ll be taking in all the fantastic vistas of Greenbriar State Park.

Word of warning: the best times to visit this trail are March through October and the route is generally quite popular with campers and other hikers, so it’s definitely worth keeping your dog on their leash when you can.

Morgan Mill Trail

The great thing about the Morgan Mill Trail is that you can extend the route if you and your pup are having a great time. Looping through the forest and heading towards Loch Raven Reservoir, make your way down the spur trails that head down to the shores… but don’t forget to heavily anticipate a few hills along the way that will definitely get your heart rate up.

Since sections of the Morgan Mill Trail are not well marked, it’s worth downloading the map ahead of time, especially if you completely lose cell signal on the walk.

Shenandoah National Park

A little further afield in the state of Virginia, the dog-friendly Shenandoah National Park is definitely worth the drive to go hiking with your dog. It might be tempting to pull the car over on your way to this national park, but keep going until you get there. Why? Because you’ll need all the time, you can get to explore one of many beautiful trails totally open to four-legged hikers.

This national park truly is a Shangri-La, and you’ll immediately want to go back to experience the beautiful wilderness and wild waterfalls on offer to you and your favorite hiking buddy.

If you’re looking for a new hiking trail in (or around) Maryland with your dog, try these fantastic hikes above.