What are the best free things to do in Maryland?

Maryland's best free activities include the Smithsonian National Zoo (always free giant pandas, elephants, lions), Assateague Island National Seashore (free beach with wild horses), the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore (Egyptian mummies, medieval armor always free), Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (free wildlife drive with bald eagles), Artscape in Baltimore (July 17-19, 2026 America's largest free arts festival drawing 300,000+), and dozens of free weekly food truck series.

Are there free activities for kids in Maryland year-round?

Yes! Maryland has free family activities throughout the year. Year-round free options include the Smithsonian Zoo, the Walters Art Museum, all Maryland public libraries (free programs and events year-round), Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, and the Havre de Grace Waterfront. Summer adds dozens of free outdoor concerts, free food truck series, and free festivals across all 24 counties.

What are the easiest hikes in Maryland for young kids?

The easiest family hikes in Maryland for young kids include the Cunningham Falls Trail in Frederick County (1.5 miles to a beautiful waterfall), any section of the flat C&O Canal Towpath along the Potomac River, the Calvert Cliffs Trail in Calvert County (1.8 miles to a fossil-hunting beach), and nature walks at Patuxent Research Refuge in Howard County.

Where is the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland?

The Billy Goat Trail is located at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, Maryland specifically at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center area near Potomac MD. Section A is the most popular (1.7 miles) and involves boulder scrambling along the Potomac River gorge. It's best for active families with kids 8 and older. Free to hike.

Are there waterfalls in Maryland to hike to?

Yes! Maryland has several beautiful waterfall hikes including Cunningham Falls in Frederick County (78 feet Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, 1.5-mile trail), Muddy Creek Falls in Garrett County at Swallow Falls State Park (53 feet Maryland's highest waterfall, 1.3-mile loop), and Great Falls on the Potomac River (dramatic falls viewable from the C&O Canal towpath).

Is hiking in Maryland free?

Many of Maryland's best hikes are completely free including the C&O Canal Towpath (184 miles along the Potomac), Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain in Montgomery County, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge wildlife trails, and trails in Catoctin Mountain Park. Some state parks charge a vehicle entrance fee (typically $3-$7) but the hiking itself is included.

Outdoor Fun📅 May 2026 · ⏱ 8 min read

Best Family Hikes in Maryland 2026

Maryland is a hiker's paradise from the dramatic Potomac River gorge at Great Falls to the high mountain peaks of Garrett County, the state packs an extraordinary variety of trail experiences into a relatively small geographic footprint. Here are the best family hikes in Maryland for 2026.

🌊 Best Easy Hikes for Young Kids

Cunningham Falls Trail (Frederick County) 1.5-mile round trip to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall (78 feet). Flat, easy, and absolutely beautiful. Kids love the falls. Free with state park entrance fee.
C&O Canal Towpath (Multiple Counties) Flat, paved towpath running 184 miles along the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland. Walk or bike any section perfectly flat and great for all ages. Free.
Calvert Cliffs Trail (Calvert County) 1.8-mile walk through beautiful forest to a Chesapeake Bay beach famous for fossil hunting. Kids find shark teeth and whale bones. Free.
Swallow Falls State Park (Garrett County) 1.3-mile loop passing four waterfalls including the spectacular Muddy Creek Falls (53 feet Maryland's highest). One of the most beautiful short hikes in the state.

🏔️ Best Moderate Hikes

Billy Goat Trail Section A (Montgomery County) 1.7-mile boulder scrambling adventure along the Potomac River at Great Falls. Rocky, physical, and incredibly fun for active families with kids 8+. Free.
Sugarloaf Mountain (Montgomery County) 2.5-mile summit loop with beautiful views of the Frederick Valley and Catoctin Mountains. Easy to moderate; good for kids 5+. Free parking.
Catoctin Mountain Park Trails (Frederick County) Multiple trail options from easy nature walks to moderate loops. Beautiful forest near Camp David. Free.
South Mountain State Battlefield (Washington County) Walk the Civil War battlefield with mountain views. Historically rich and physically accessible for most ages.

🦅 Best Nature & Wildlife Trails

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County) Wildlife drive and walking trails through one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the East Coast. Bald eagles, ospreys, and Delmarva fox squirrels. Free.
Patuxent Research Refuge (Howard/Anne Arundel County) Free wildlife refuge with excellent nature trails and a visitor center. Great for birding families.
Gunpowder Falls State Park (Harford/Baltimore County) Extensive trail network along scenic Gunpowder River. Great for all skill levels.