Maryland hiking - EpicFrederick

Hiking the Annapolis Rock Trail, Possibly Frederick’s Best Day Hike

Glenn VanLandingham — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:44:30 +0000

The Annapolis Rock Trail Hike is not only one of the best day hikes near Frederick, but one of the most popular hikes in Maryland.

After doing it recently with Nicole, I can see why. The 5.3-mile up-and-back length is perfect for a day hike, and you are rewarded with beautiful views.

Annapolis Rock Trail Hike Basics

Location: Just off Exit 42 of I-70 South of Hagerstown (see below)
Distance from Frederick: 14.4 Miles, ~25 Minutes

Parking and Fees: Ample Parking Is Available at the Annapolis Rock Trailhead (but it fills up quickly). No Fees. Annapolis Rock Parking Address Link
Trailhead: Look for the “Welcome to the Appalachian Trail” sign at the top of the parking lot
Total Distance: 5.3 Miles, Out and Back
Duration: ~3 Hours
Elevation Gain: 780 Feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes

What You'll Experience on the Annapolis Rock Trail Hike

This is a classic ‘reward’ hike. You’ll start by reading about the Appalachian Trail at the trailhead; there are multiple day hikes that begin from this parking lot.

The Appalachian Trail runs for 41 miles in Maryland, marked by its classic white blazes. (Fun Fact: my aunt was president of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club when I was young, and took me on a maintenance trip where I got to paint white blazes on trees.)

The first half mile of the trail is alongside I-70 and beneath US-40, both of which create plenty of traffic noise, and you’ll initially wonder why anyone would consider this hike peaceful.

But fear not. Soon, you’ll be climbing the Appalachian Trail along a wide, comfortable, and peaceful trail, with everything building towards a rewarding finish.

Along the way, you’ll pass signs for an offshoot trail to the Pine Knob Shelter. This is a popular camping area for through-hikers on the AT.

After ~2.2 miles, look for signs for the connector trail to “Annapolis Rocks,” which is only 0.3 miles from your reward.

The Rewards of the Annapolis Rock Views

No one is going to identify Maryland as a state with epic views from towering peaks or stunning mountain summits. But here and there, you’ll find amazing panoramas. Annapolis Rock is one of them.

After 2.5 miles, you’ll finally reach Annapolis Rock, with breathtaking views of the Cumberland Valley before you. You’ll likely see the lake at Greenbrier State Park.

The views are great anytime, we did it after work at sunset, and the colors were splendid.

Check Out the Area Hotels and Vacation Rentals!

Additional Tips and Suggestions for the Annapolis Rock Hike

Finishing the hike means retracing your steps back to the parking lot
There’s an option to continue to Black Rock Cliff, ~1 more mile for more rocks and views
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer
Also, I recommend bringing a ‘summit beer.’

Suggested After-Hike Refreshment Stop

Since you’ve completed this epic hike and you are in rural Maryland, why not visit a beautiful venue for refreshments?

Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery is a gorgeous property on your way back to Frederick, where you can relax and try both mead and wines.

See our map of the best wineries around Frederick for more ideas.

More Information and Resources

Outdoor Activities In and Around Frederick, MD

The post Hiking the Annapolis Rock Trail, Possibly Frederick’s Best Day Hike first appeared on EpicBend.

The 11 BEST Hikes Near Frederick MD [for Views, Waterfalls, and Mountain Treks] – SPONSORED

Glenn VanLandingham — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:04:16 +0000

Nicole and I are big outdoor enthusiasts, we love to bike, paddle, play sports, and especially hike. It’s part of the reason we love both Frederick and Bend.

In this article, we share what we think are the best hikes near Frederick, MD. We also give you some considerations for hiking in the Frederick area.

This guide is sponsored by The Jim Bass Group of Real Estate Teams.

The Jim Bass Group of Real Estate Teams proudly supports local guides who help residents and visitors explore the Frederick area.

While hiking around Frederick would probably never be compared to the incredible quality of hiking around Bend, there are plenty of great places to hike around Frederick. In fact, some of the best hikes in Maryland are in the Frederick area.

Within 45 minutes, you can be in the Catoctin Mountains, on the Appalachian Trail, hiking around the overlooks around Harpers Ferry, or simply strolling the downtown parks in Frederick.

Whether you are visiting Frederick or just looking to get your family outdoors on the weekend, there’s a hike for everyone in the area.

This includes short, easy hikes like the Ford Loop Trail at Monocacy Battlefield and longer all-day hikes like Maryland Heights orAnnapolis Rocks.

If you want something epic, drive a little farther to Shenandoah National Park and do the Old Rag Hike, often ranked among the best hikes in the US.

Did we miss your favorite hike? Did we rank something too high or low? Let us know in the comments.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Hiking Around Frederick MD - Map

Things to Consider When Planning a Hike Around Frederick

Here are some things you should plan for before heading out on any of the hiking trails around Frederick MD.

Weather. You won’t be climbing to extreme altitudes on any mountain ranges around Frederick, but that doesn’t mean the weather can’t change quickly. Many of the hikes below are to open rock outcroppings, and these are not good places to be when a thunderstorm rolls in.

Check the weather, especially in summer when afternoon storms are common, and especially if you are heading to open viewpoints like Annapolis Rocks or Maryland Heights.

Parking. The parking situation at trailheads varies depending on the hike below. But it’s definitely something you should check into before heading out.

Many popular trailheads (Annapolis Rocks, Cunningham Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain) fill up quickly on weekends. Know exactly where you are going, try to get there early, and have a backup plan if the main lot is full.

Nicole and I have encountered full parking lots many times, but this has never deterred us from going on a hike we wanted to do, as we can always find a nearby backup parking option.

Footwear. Many of the hikes below are in the Catoctin or Appalachian Mountain environments. The trails are almost always very well maintained, but usually extremely rocky.

Going downhill is especially hard on your feet, as you’ll be pounding on rocks most of the way. Many hikes involve rock scrambling (fun!).

A solid pair of hiking shoes or boots makes a big difference. You can do most of these hikes in tennis shoes, but don’t try them in flip-flops or sandals.

Passes and Day-Use Fees are another planning item that varies greatly depending on where you are hiking. Another great thing about hiking around Frederick is that most of the best hikes require no reservation and no day pass—they are totally free!

However, some hikes below in Maryland State Parks require a day-use pass (like Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Park). Besides the Old Rag Hike, none of the hikes below require any type of reservation in advance.

Frederick summers can be brutally hot, and sudden storms are common. Just like you plan ahead on the trail, it’s worth making sure your home is prepared for temperature swings too.

Local HVAC companies like BPM Heating & Cooling help residents keep indoor comfort steady no matter how unpredictable the weather gets.

The Best National and State Parks in Maryland for Hiking Around Frederick

Our Top 10 List of Frederick Hikes below makes it easy for you to identify the right hike in the area. But many of the best hikes are in the National and State Parks around Frederick, so it’s worth reviewing these parks.

Catoctin Mountain Park is one of our favorite parks for hiking around Frederick. It is only 25 minutes north near Thurmont. A great network of trails travels through thick forests, so you can quickly immerse yourself in nature with a short drive from Frederick.

The best hike in the area is the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop Hike, but an extensive network of trails, trailheads, and parking areas makes it great for exploring. It’s free and easy to access.

Cunningham Falls State Park is located near Catoctin and is very popular due to the numerous activities it offers. However, hiking the Upper Loop Trail is very pleasant, and the falls are particularly beautiful, especially in the spring.

Gambrill State Park is even closer to Frederick (15 mins north on Route 15). The Black Locus Trail is a great moderate hike, and Gambrill is fabulous for biking near Frederick or just a great viewpoint.

Patuxent River State Park is in Montgomery and Howard counties, past Damascus. It has various access points. We recommend a hike on the Bootjack Trail and Scotts Branch Trail.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maryland

The Appalachian Trail is a continuous mountain trail that travels 2,168 miles from Georgia to Maine. Approximately 40 miles of this trail are in Maryland, most very close to Frederick.

Some of the best hikes in the Frederick area are on the AT, including the Annapolis Rocks Hike and Weverton Cliffs. There’s something exhilarating about hiking on a trail where you know the endpoints are ahead of you in Georgia or Maine.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center is also located in Harpers Ferry and is definitely worth visiting if you are in town.

Post Hiking Rewards - Frederick Breweries!

What’s my favorite part of hiking around Frederick? The post-hike beer at a Frederick Brewery!

If you’ve hiked outdoors, especially if you’ve done something longer and strenuous, reward yourself with a beer (or two) or a great post-hike meal in Frederick.

So, if you are ready to choose a great hiking trail near Frederick, check out are list of the 10 best below.

1. Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail

Rating: Moderate

Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Trailhead
5.3 Miles Out and Back (~3 Hours)
Elevation Gain 1,600 Feet
Free Parking
No Pass Required

Why Do It: The Annapolis Rock Hike is not just the best hike near Frederick, it’s one of the best hikes in Maryland. Easily accessible from a trailhead right off I-70, this hike utilizes the Appalachian Trail to bring you to a spectacular viewpoint.

After leaving the trailhead, the hike starts noisy along the highway. But soon, you’ll be climbing the Appalachian Trail (which runs ~40 miles in Maryland) for about 2.5 miles until you reach Annapolis Rocks.

Below you is Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier State Park. It’s a gorgeous place to be at sunset. The hike is about 5.2 miles out and back and takes ~3 hours.

2. Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop Trail

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: We find that the best and fastest way for Frederick residents or visitors to get deep into nature is to head to Catoctin Mountain Park, just 25 minutes north of Frederick near Thurmont. Here, you can quickly get into thick forests with wildlife, viewpoints, and several good hikes.

The best hike in the area is the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop Hike. This moderate 3.8-mile loop takes you into the heart of Catoctin and includes visits to two interesting rock outcroppings high up on the mountain.

The second outcropping is Chimney Rock, a gorgeous vista with a zen-like vibe that makes downtown Frederick feel a long, long way away.

This great park is free, but the trailheads and parking lots get full quickly on weekends.

3. Cunningham Falls Upper Loop Trail

Rating: Moderate

Cunningham Falls - Northern Trail
2.5 Miles Out and Back (90 Minutes)
Elevation Gain 350 Feet
Trail Map
Free Parking
Day Use Pass Required

Why Do It: Visiting Cunningham Falls State Park is one of the best things to do around Frederick. This park is adjacent to Catoctin Mountain Park, and in addition to hiking, you can fish, canoe, picnic, or camp.

Anyone can visit the actual Cunningham Falls via a short nature trail, but you can also do a great extended hike via the Cunningham Falls Upper Loop Trail.

This hike starts at the trailhead on Foxville Road, takes you through deep forest, and eventually up and around the 78-foot-high falls. It’s a great way to enjoy this popular attraction while avoiding crowds.

Cunningham Falls is home to many other hikes we love, such as the Misery Trail to Cat Rock, which leads to a beautiful viewpoint.

To visit Cunningham Falls, you need a day-use pass, usually $3 or $5 per person, depending on the season and whether you live in or out of state.

4. Sugarloaf Mountain Loop Trail

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: Sugarloaf Mountain is a prominent peak 30 minutes south of Frederick, with a great network of hiking trails around and up the mountain.

It’s actually on private property run by a non-profit called Stronghold, and a great place to visit for a short walk or longer hike.

Our favorite hike at Sugarloaf is the Sugarloaf Mountain Loop Trail. This trail follows the white circuit for just over three miles, including a climb to the summit. The top of Sugarloaf offers expansive views over the Maryland countryside.

Visiting and parking at Sugarloaf are free, but parking is notoriously crowded and strict (don’t park on the road!).

If you have time, try to visit the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard while in the area, one of the best wineries in the Frederick area.

Book Your Frederick Area Hotel or Vacation Rental

5. High Rock Overlook and Raven Rock Trail

Rating: Moderate

Raven Rock Road, near Smithsburg
6.2 Miles Out and Back (~3 Hours)
Elevation Gain 1,010 Feet
Roadside Parking
No Pass Required

Why Do It: This is another hike on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, offering multiple rocky viewpoints.

The High Rock Overlook and Raven Rock Trail starts close to Smithsburg, about 40 minutes from Frederick, and picks up the AT from roadside parking.

The hike starts with a steep climb. Most of the hike is on a ridge in a thick forest, especially lush in summer.

The High Rock Overlook is genuinely distinctive, probably for the wrong reasons. It’s covered with graffiti, which gives it character, but some call it ugly. The view from High Rock is fabulous.

Stop at Raven Rock on the way back to enjoy a second rocky viewpoint.

6. Carroll Creek Linear Park

Rating: Easy

Why Do It: This is slightly different but definitely belongs on this list. Carroll Creek Linear Park is one of the top attractions in Frederick and the heart of downtown. You can turn Carroll Creek into a 2-mile loop hike, starting from just about anywhere in the park.

The entire park is paved with several bridges and attractions and lined with some of the best restaurants and bars in Frederick. On weekends, there is almost always an event at Carroll Creek.

It’s a great place for an easy stroll. You can park on the street anywhere near the park, or the Carroll Creek Parking Garage is cheap and easy.

Try turning your Carroll Creek hike into a beer crawl—many of the best breweries in Frederick are clustered on Carroll Creek!

7. Black Locust Trail (Gambrill State Park)

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: Gambrill State Park is a short 15 minutes North of downtown Frederick. It has a network of trails and, in fact, is one of the best places to mountain bike near Frederick.

But the Black Locust Trail in Gambrill is perfect for a pleasant, moderately strenuous loop hike. This loop (we recommend going counter-clockwise) takes you through the main section of Gambrill, rich vegetation and forest, and some nice viewpoints. Spring has beautiful blooming trees.

The parking lot is small and fills up fast, and you need to pay for a day pass onsite.

The best bet is to leave Frederick and head to Gambrill for sunset at one of the overlooks—it’s gorgeous.

Planning a Trip to Frederick, Maryland?

We are locals! Let’s us guide and ensure you get the best deals.

Top Rated Hotels in Frederick

Best Overall Hotel. The Visitation Hotel
Best Luxury Hotel. The Visitation Hotel
Best Budget Hotel. Econo Lodge I-70
Best Bed and Breakfast. 10 Clarke B&B
Best Downtown Location. The Wedgewood Inn
Best Hotel for Families. Homewood Suites by Hilton Frederick

Looking for a rental? Check out the best Airbnb and VRBOs in Frederick.

Book Adventure Tours around Frederick

8. Maryland Heights Loop (Harpers Ferry)

Rating: Difficult

Why Do It: Harpers Ferry is one of the best outings in the Frederick area. Filled with history, this National Historical Park is a fascinating venue only 30 minutes from Frederick.

Sitting at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry also has some fantastic hikes surrounding the town. The best is the Maryland Heights Loop on the Maryland Heights Trail.

This strenuous climb above the town rewards you with the area’s best views, with more history along the way.

This hike starts in Harpers Ferry proper at the Visitor Information Center and takes you across a footbridge over the Potomac. You then climb to a historic Naval Battery and eventually a Stone Fort before looping back down.

Harper’s Ferry requires an entry pass (generally $20 per vehicle or $10 per person), and parking is tricky. The Harpers Ferry Visitor Center Parking Lot is the best place to park, from which you can take a shuttle into town.

9. Weverton Cliffs

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: Weverton Cliffs is another viewpoint hike in the Harpers Ferry area (but shorter and less strenuous than the Maryland Heights Loop). This hike utilizes the Appalachian Trail to lead you up to a gorgeous view of the Potomac.

The trailhead is at a park-and-ride with a small but easy-to-access parking lot. The trail climbs 600 feet, but the switchbacks make it relatively moderate.

You’ll do some scrambling at the top of the cliffs, but it’s a great place for a break or, better yet, to bring your lunch.

10. Patuxent River State Park

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: Patuxent River State Park covers the north section of the river, sprawling across Montgomery and Howard Counties. It’s a great place for mountain biking near Frederick, with some great hiking trails as well.

We recommend the Bootjack Trail and Scotts Branch Loop, which, when combined, create a moderately strenuous 6.5-mile hike.

The beginning of the hike through tall pines is lovely, with views of the river along the way.

Follow EpicFrederick for Local Info You Won't Find in Guides:

11. Ford Loop Trail (Monocacy National Battlefield)

Rating: Easy

Why Do It: Frederick has a lot of history, but the most interesting historic site in Frederick is Monocacy National Battlefield. We rank it as the best attraction in Frederick.

In 1864, a momentous Civil War battle raged on these grounds. The Confederates ultimately won, but their march on Washington, D.C., was significantly delayed. Monocacy Battlefield is certainly worth a day’s visit while in Frederick.

Walking the grounds is a great way to experience Monocacy National Battlefield. A network of trails guides you around and tells the history of this important site.

In our opinion, the best hike at Monocacy is the Ford Loop Hike. Starting at Worthington Farm, this 1.6-mile hike uses the Worthington Farm Trail up and around one of the main battlefields.

On this hike, you’ll also get close to the Monocacy River and read several historical markers along the way.

Bonus: Old Rag Hike (Shenandoah National Park)

Rating: Very Difficult

Why Do It: This list has many great Frederick area hikes.

But if you are willing to travel slightly farther and want a truly epic Appalachian hike, consider heading to Shenandoah National Park for the Old Rag Hike.

Old Rag is consistently ranked the best hike in Virginia. It’s a long, grueling hike (almost 10 miles round-trip), with a significant amount of rock scaling towards the top.

But the experience is amazing, including the views from the top and the sense of accomplishment scaling Old Rags boulders along the route.

Plan carefully. Old Rag now has a permit system, with only 800 passes issued per day. Parking fills up really early, and you need a park pass since the hike is inside Shenandoah National Park.

Nicole and I have done it several times, and if you are a Frederick area hiker, we highly recommend you make the two-hour trek to Virginia and do it!

This guide includes a sponsored placement. All businesses featured are selected editorially, and sponsorship does not influence our recommendations.

Want More of the Best of Frederick, Maryland?

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The post The 11 BEST Hikes Near Frederick MD [for Views, Waterfalls, and Mountain Treks] – SPONSORED first appeared on EpicBend.

The 11 BEST Hikes Near Frederick MD [for Views, Waterfalls, and Mountain Treks]

Glenn VanLandingham — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:46:13 +0000

Nicole and I are big outdoor enthusiasts, we love to bike, paddle, play sports, and especially hike. It’s part of the reason we love both Frederick and Bend.

In this article, we share what we think are the best hikes near Frederick, MD. We also give you some considerations for hiking in the Frederick area.

Hiking Around Frederick MD - Map

Did we miss your favorite hike? Did we rank something too high or low? Let us know in the comments.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

1. Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail (Myersville, MD)

Rating: Moderate

Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Trailhead
5.3 Miles Out and Back (~3 Hours)
Elevation Gain 1,600 Feet
Free Parking
No Pass Required

Below you is Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier State Park. It’s a gorgeous place to be at sunset. The hike is about 5.2 miles out and back and takes ~3 hours.

2. Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop Trail (Catoctin Mountain Park, MD)

Rating: Moderate

The second outcropping is Chimney Rock, a gorgeous vista with a zen-like vibe that makes downtown Frederick feel a long, long way away.

This great park is free, but the trailheads and parking lots get full quickly on weekends.

3. Cunningham Falls Upper Loop Trail (Cunningham Falls State Park, MD)

Rating: Moderate

Cunningham Falls - Northern Trail
2.5 Miles Out and Back (90 Minutes)
Elevation Gain 350 Feet
Trail Map
Free Parking
Day Use Pass Required

Anyone can visit the actual Cunningham Falls via a short nature trail, but you can also do a great extended hike via the Cunningham Falls Upper Loop Trail.

Cunningham Falls is home to many other hikes we love, such as the Misery Trail to Cat Rock, which leads to a beautiful viewpoint.

To visit Cunningham Falls, you need a day-use pass, usually $3 or $5 per person, depending on the season and whether you live in or out of state.

4. Sugarloaf Mountain Loop Trail (Dickerson, MD)

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: Sugarloaf Mountain is a prominent peak 30 minutes south of Frederick, with a great network of hiking trails around and up the mountain.

It’s actually on private property run by a non-profit called Stronghold, and a great place to visit for a short walk or longer hike.

Visiting and parking at Sugarloaf are free, but parking is notoriously crowded and strict (don’t park on the road!).

If you have time, try to visit the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard while in the area, one of the best wineries in the Frederick area.

Book Your Frederick Area Hotel or Vacation Rental

5. High Rock Overlook and Raven Rock Trail (Smithburg, MD)

Rating: Moderate

Raven Rock Road, near Smithsburg
6.2 Miles Out and Back (~3 Hours)
Elevation Gain 1,010 Feet
Roadside Parking
No Pass Required

Why Do It: This is another hike on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, offering multiple rocky viewpoints.

The High Rock Overlook and Raven Rock Trail starts close to Smithsburg, about 40 minutes from Frederick, and picks up the AT from roadside parking.

The hike starts with a steep climb. Most of the hike is on a ridge in a thick forest, especially lush in summer.

The High Rock Overlook is genuinely distinctive, probably for the wrong reasons. It’s covered with graffiti, which gives it character, but some call it ugly. The view from High Rock is fabulous.

Stop at Raven Rock on the way back to enjoy a second rocky viewpoint.

Follow EpicFrederick for Local Info You Won't Find in Guides:

6. Carroll Creek Linear Park (Frederick, MD)

Rating: Easy

The entire park is paved with several bridges and attractions and lined with some of the best restaurants and bars in Frederick. On weekends, there is almost always an event at Carroll Creek.

It’s a great place for an easy stroll. You can park on the street anywhere near the park, or the Carroll Creek Parking Garage is cheap and easy.

Try turning your Carroll Creek hike into a beer crawl—many of the best breweries in Frederick are clustered on Carroll Creek!

7. Black Locust Trail (Gambrill State Park, MD)

Rating: Moderate

Why Do It: Gambrill State Park is a short 15 minutes North of downtown Frederick. It has a network of trails and, in fact, is one of the best places to mountain bike near Frederick.

The parking lot is small and fills up fast, and you need to pay for a day pass onsite.

The best bet is to leave Frederick and head to Gambrill for sunset at one of the overlooks—it’s gorgeous.

Planning a Trip to Frederick, Maryland?

We are locals! Let’s us guide and ensure you get the best deals.

Top Rated Hotels in Frederick

Best Overall Hotel. The Visitation Hotel
Best Luxury Hotel. The Visitation Hotel
Best Budget Hotel. Econo Lodge I-70
Best Bed and Breakfast. 10 Clarke B&B
Best Downtown Location. The Wedgewood Inn
Best Hotel for Families. Homewood Suites by Hilton Frederick

Looking for a rental? Check out the best Airbnb and VRBOs in Frederick.

Book Adventure Tours around Frederick

8. Maryland Heights Loop (Harpers Ferry, WV)

Rating: Difficult

Why Do It: Harpers Ferry is one of the best outings in the Frederick area. Filled with history, this National Historical Park is a fascinating venue only 30 minutes from Frederick.

This strenuous climb above the town rewards you with the area’s best views, with more history along the way.

9. Weverton Cliffs (Knoxville, MD)

Rating: Moderate

The trailhead is at a park-and-ride with a small but easy-to-access parking lot. The trail climbs 600 feet, but the switchbacks make it relatively moderate.

You’ll do some scrambling at the top of the cliffs, but it’s a great place for a break or, better yet, to bring your lunch.

10. Patuxent River State Park (Gaithersburg, MD)

Rating: Moderate

We recommend the Bootjack Trail and Scotts Branch Loop, which, when combined, create a moderately strenuous 6.5-mile hike.

The beginning of the hike through tall pines is lovely, with views of the river along the way.

11. Ford Loop Trail (Monocacy National Battlefield)

Rating: Easy

Why Do It: Frederick has a lot of history, but the most interesting historic site in Frederick is Monocacy National Battlefield. We rank it as the best attraction in Frederick.

Walking the grounds is a great way to experience Monocacy National Battlefield. A network of trails guides you around and tells the history of this important site.

In our opinion, the best hike at Monocacy is the Ford Loop Hike. Starting at Worthington Farm, this 1.6-mile hike uses the Worthington Farm Trail up and around one of the main battlefields.

On this hike, you’ll also get close to the Monocacy River and read several historical markers along the way.

Bonus: Old Rag Hike (Shenandoah National Park)

Rating: Very Difficult

Why Do It: This list has many great Frederick area hikes.

But if you are willing to travel slightly farther and want a truly epic Appalachian hike, consider heading to Shenandoah National Park for the Old Rag Hike.

Old Rag is consistently ranked the best hike in Virginia. It’s a long, grueling hike (almost 10 miles round-trip), with a significant amount of rock scaling towards the top.

But the experience is amazing, including the views from the top and the sense of accomplishment scaling Old Rags boulders along the route.

Plan carefully. Old Rag now has a permit system, with only 800 passes issued per day. Parking fills up really early, and you need a park pass since the hike is inside Shenandoah National Park.

Nicole and I have done it several times, and if you are a Frederick area hiker, we highly recommend you make the two-hour trek to Virginia and do it!

What to Expect With Hikes Around Frederick MD

Within 45 minutes, you can be in the Catoctin Mountains, on the Appalachian Trail, hiking around the overlooks around Harpers Ferry, or simply strolling the downtown parks in Frederick.

Whether you are visiting Frederick or just looking to get your family outdoors on the weekend, there’s a hike for everyone in the area.

This includes short, easy hikes like the Ford Loop Trail at Monocacy Battlefield and longer all-day hikes like Maryland Heights orAnnapolis Rocks.

If you want something epic, drive a little farther to Shenandoah National Park and do the Old Rag Hike, often ranked among the best hikes in the US.

The Best National and State Parks in Maryland for Hiking Around Frederick

Our Top List of Frederick Hikes has hikes from all over the area. But many of the best hikes are in the National and State Parks around Frederick, so it’s worth reviewing these parks.