Maryland Trails Program

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Trails

Virtually all of Department of Natural Resources land units accommodate hiking or walking and provide more or less well-marked trails.

Find a State Park or State Forest

A sign that says hiking trail in the woods.Maryland’s extraordinary, diverse, and beautiful public lands were the reason the National Geographic Magazine called the state of Maryland, America in Miniature. Maryland has everything from the Appalachian Mountain and the Chesapeake Bay to marshland on the Eastern Shore to the Atlantic Ocean. The best news is that there is a state park or forest within minutes of your home. Whether you want to take a break locally or another part of the state, you can find opportunities at the click of your computer mouse.

State-Wide Water Trails in Maryland

Through partnerships with local governments, citizen associations, and nonprofit organizations Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working to build a statewide network of water trails. To date, Maryland has over 600 miles of designated water trails and existing trails or developing projects can be found in every region of the state.

Wildlife Management Areas

The Wildlife and Heritage Service currently manages 47 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s) across the state totaling over 111,000 acres of land. WMA’s provide opportunities for hunting, trapping and wildlife-dependent recreation. Trails located on WMA’s are maintained and are suitable for hunting, hiking, nature photography, birding, and other recreational activities. Trails are typically undeveloped and are not signed. There are no restroom facilities on WMA’s. Users are encouraged to contact the local wildlife management office to inquire about current hunting seasons that take place in the area. Click here for Current Hunting Seasons.

Let's Get Connected!

Momentum is Building to make Trails in Maryland "Second-to-None."