If you’re looking for a great hiking destination, there’s no better place to visit than Frederick, MD. Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Piedmont Region, it’s home to some of the country’s finest hiking trails.
Top Local Hiking Trails Near Frederick, MD
1. Gambrill State Park
Gambrill State Park was created during the Depression. Located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains, it contains 16 miles of trails. There are two parts to the park, the Rock Run and the High Knob area.
Rock Run is the place to go if you are looking for camping, picnicking, and fishing. The High Knob area offers fantastic views over the Frederick and Middletown Valleys. It also has picnic areas and a stone lodge called the Tea Room. These are available for reservation.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain rises 800 feet from the surrounding plain and is crisscrossed by 16 miles of intersecting trails. These vary in distance and level of difficulty. If you want something more sedate, there is a 7-mile loop around the bottom.
There are amazing views from the summit, looking over plains, farms, and vineyards. If you don’t feel like climbing to the top to see these, parking and picnic areas are available on the way up.
3. Catoctin Mountain Park
20 minutes from Frederick, this National Park divides into two halves. The mountainous East Side offers 3 interlinked loops, covering 11 miles of trail. Some of these are challenging, but don’t be deterred. They are worth the effort, as many lookouts have stunning vistas along the way.
The West Side has 12 miles of gentle woodland hiking. It contains picnic areas, campgrounds, and shelters. Be sure to check out the Brown’s Farm and Deerfield Nature Trails. These explore the wildlife and the rich farming history of the Catoctin Mountains.
4. Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park is also a part of the Catoctin Mountains. It falls into two distinct areas. Both offer great walking, from easy strolls to challenging 7.5-mile hikes.
The William Houck Area has a 44-acre lake with a sandy beach where you can go swimming, boating, and fishing. It is also home to a 78-foot cascading waterfall, the highest in Maryland. The smaller Manor Area has an Aviary and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace. Camping is available at both sites, which are linked by a 6.5-mile scenic trail.
5. Annapolis Rocks and Black Rock Cliff Hiking Trail
The Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff hike is a 7.9-mile path on the Appalachian Trail. These outlooks offer spectacular views over Greenbrier Lake and the Cumberland Valley. If you want to stay overnight, Annapolis Rock has 16 campsites. Camping is free but is on a first-come-first-served basis. A warden is on-site in season, providing help and information.
When you’re driving through Frederick, break up your trip at DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick and discover our great deals on used cars on the way to these great outdoor locations.
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