Top 10 Dog Friendly Hikes Near Baltimore, MD

Get some fresh air and exercise with your pup all while exploring these great hiking spots near Baltimore, MD! These are some of the most popular dog-friendly hikes and walks of all difficulties in Baltimore City and surrounding counties.

1. Lake Roland Park, Red and Green Trails – Baltimore, MD

Length: 5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Lake Roland Park is located in the Jones Falls valley with over 500 acres of beautiful and diverse ecosystems. Besides this, the park has a significant historical value and features many recreational amenities.

The Red and Green Trails are approximately 2.0 miles and 0.5 miles respectively, and take you along the lake and through some beautiful wooded areas.

The Red and Green Trails are approximately 2.0 miles and 0.5 miles respectively, and take you along the lake and through some beautiful wooded areas.

2. Patapsco State Park, Cascade Falls Loop Trail – Ellicott City, MD

Length: 2.3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Patapsco State Park is a large park, spanning over 14,000 acres along 32 miles of the Patapsco River. There are countless trails, but one of the most popular (especially for dog owners) is the Cascade Falls Trail.

There is plenty of shade throughout the relatively flat trail that follows a small tributary, featuring a few stream crossings and several waterfalls along the way. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh forest air with your pup!

3. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Sweathouse Branch and Wildlands Trails – Kingsville, MD

Length: 4.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Gunpowder State Park is one of Maryland’s biggest state parks and it spans over 18,000 acres across both Harford and Baltimore Counties.

The Sweathouse Branch Wildlands Area is home to some of the best loop trails in the park. This particular trail features some small, easy-to-cross sections of stream, a waterfall and a refreshing swimming hole.

4. Cromwell Valley Park, Willow Grove Loop – Parkville, MD

Length: 1.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Cromwell Valley Park is just north of Baltimore City in Parkville, MD and is on over 400 acres of rural farmland. There are open fields, gardens, orchards and wooded areas.

The Willow Grove Loop is a fairly easy trek and is great for a quiet, peaceful outing for you and your dog.

5. Cylburn Arboretum – Baltimore, MD

Length: Varies

Difficulty: Easy

The Cylburn Arboretum opened to the public in 1958 and was originally the estate of Jesse Tyson. It’s an urban oasis in the middle of Baltimore City that’s worth a visit!

There are paved and unpaved trails throughout the park that are perfect for an easy meander through the 207 acres of gardens and the estate.

6. Patterson Park – Baltimore, MD

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

This urban park is home to the iconic “Pagoda”! The Observatory was built in the 1890s and the pagoda-looking tower is an easily recognizable landmark. Patterson Park is in Southeast Baltimore City, near the Canton, Highlandtown, Butchers Hill and Patterson Park neighborhoods.

There are smooth pathways that really make this walk in the park, well… a walk in the park! Patterson Park features many other amenities as well like sports fields, playgrounds, a seasonal swimming pool and ice rink, and a fenced-in dog park. There is plenty to do within this 137-acre park for both you and your pet!

7. Loch Raven Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, Loch Raven Reservoir Loop – Cockeysville, MD

Length: 5.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

The Loch Raven Reservoir is 1600 acres of protected land located in Baltimore County. There are plenty of areas for rowing, horseback riding, bird watching and of course, hiking.

This trail follows the reservoir and then loops back around through the woods. There are great views and variety in the trail that make for a fun and moderately challenging outing.

8. North Point State Park, Black Marsh Trail Loop – Edgemere, MD

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

This 1310-acre park features over 6 miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay, Back River and Shallow Creek. The Black Marsh Wildlands make up more than half of the park and are a quintessential example of an Upper Chesapeake tidal marsh.

The marsh wilderness area is not accessible for pets but the Black Marsh Trail Loop is a fairly easy, flat and well-marked walk for you and your pup.

9. Quiet Waters Park, Quiet Waters Trail – Annapolis, MD

Length: 4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Quiet Waters is open year-round and contains 340 acres between the South River and Harness Creek. There are plenty of amenities including a playground, picnic area, walking trails, not to mention the dog park and beach.

Take your pup on a stroll on the paved trails and unpaved offshoots while you take in some great views of the South River. The Quiet Waters Dog Beach is a small beach that’s perfect for all water-loving dogs.

10. Baltimore Waterfront Promenade – Baltimore, MD

Length: 4.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

This is a popular waterside stroll right in downtown Baltimore, stretching along the Northwest Harbor. Arguably one of the best trails in the city, it’s a great urban trek for you and your pup.

Always be sure to always double check with the park you’re looking to visit before you go to confirm their current pet policies, entrance fees, hours etc.

While outdoor adventures are a great way to spend the summer with your pets, please keep in mind summer and heat safety for you and your four-legged friend! Some summer safety tips can be found on our blog here.

Wishing you and your pet a fun-filled summer!