The warm weather is approaching and days are getting longer! This is a great time of year to check out the many hiking trails of Western Maryland.
- The New Germany State Park Trail System: New Germany is a smaller state park but it one of our favorites. They offer several trails including the Hemlock Trail and the Turnpike Trail that are suited for beginners or families with children.
- Lakeside Loop and Evitt’s Mountain Trail at Rocky Gap State Park. Lakeside Loop is suitable for beginners and offers scenic views all the way around Lake Habeeb. Evitt’s Mountain is more challenging but less traveled and leads to an old homesite and the MD/PA line.
- Lover’s Leap in Cumberland. The terrain at Lover’s Leap and Will’s Mountain State Park can get quite grown-up in the summertime. Spring is a great time to check out this famous Allegany County landmark- especially if you want to avoid snakes! The hike up to Lover’s Leap and Will’s Mountain State Park is not long but very steep.
- Lostland Run Trail in Potomac State Forest is a really fun trail that is not as frequently traveled as other state parks in Western Maryland. The 7-mile trail goes past Cascade Falls, offers two wooden suspension bridges and follows Lostland Run. This trail has a couple challenging parts if it is wet/muddy but for most part, is suitable for beginners.
- Long Pond Trail in Green Ridge State Forest. Green Ridge State Forest is a large, rugged state forest that offers privacy and serene nature. There are days where you do not run into any other hikers which is refreshing compared to other busier state parks/forests. Spring is a great time to check out Green Ridge before the brush gets too grown-up. This trail is suited for experienced hikers and hiking poles are recommended.
For more information and directions to these hikes, check out All Trails.
