Located in the Potomac State Forest, this is a gorgeous hike through a hemlock and mountain laurel filled canyon which follows Lostland Run all the way to the Potomac River. There are several stream crossings on footbridges, a waterfall, and many opportunities to view wildlife. The first mile of the hike is over rough and rocky terrain but it becomes easier as you approach the stream.

Moderate loop trail with hills and long flat stretches. Off the Red Trail. Green to Blue to Green and back to Red. Intersections are marked with some trail blazing as well.

Deep Creek Lake State Park located in Garrett County and surrounds Deep Creek Lake, a reservoir that was created with the construction of a dam in 1923. There are trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as water sports on the reservoir. This trail takes a large loop around the park. It circles the base of the mountains and rises to the summit where several cell phone towers and a former fire tower are located. You will then descend the mountain and reach the site of an abandoned coal mine before returning.

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains and its most popular feature is the network of trails. The Blue Trail is a challenging and demanding ride that is very popular and sought out for its beauty and difficulty. The trail is rocky singletrack running through dense woods and over mountainous terrain. There are some strenuous climbs involved as well. You will reach the top of High Knob where there are three stone overlooks with breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains and its most popular feature is the network of trails. The Yellow Trail is a challenging and demanding ride. The trail is rocky singletrack running through dense woods and over mountainous terrain. There are some strenuous climbs involved as well. You will reach the top of High Knob where there are three stone overlooks with breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.

This is a great, scenic hike along the west shoulder Quirauk Mountain to High Rock, arguably the best scenic vista in all of Maryland. High Rock can be accessed by car but the hike along this short section of the Appalachian Trail is well worth it. Beginning in Pen Mar Park where there are beautiful overlooks to start, there are great views over the trees to the prairies on the west all along the path as well. Such great views and scenery is attained with little effort as the hike is mostly flat all the way until the short steep climb to High Rock and the end of the route.

Greenbrier State Park provides many recreational opportunities and mountain biking is one of them with a number of mountain bike races held here. These trails are great for the intermediate rider who is ready to challenge his skills without hitting the most arduous trails. This area has a history of early farmers who settled here and as you ride along the trails, you can spot evidence of foundations from old farmhouses, iron furnaces, and old log cabins. The trail has beautiful mountain scenery and includes sections atop the ridges for great views and dipping into the valley to cross a river and display thick forest vegetation.

This trail through Savage River State Forest follows the meadow Mountain Off-Road Vehicle Trail. This trail follows the ridge of the mountain through beautiful mature hemlock and hardwood forest, interspersed with views of Big Savage Mountain, the surrounding valleys, and small farms. There is little to no technical skill required since most of the trail is along a well-maintained woods road. There are climbs, bogs, and rough sections that give the ride some challenge and keep it interesting. The forest is filled with wildlife of many different species.

This is a challenging walk through the dark and lush Rocky Gap Canyon followed by an ascent over an old woods road to Evitts Mountain Summit where there expansive and beautiful views. Along the way, visit the historic homestead of the first white settler in the rugged Allegheny Mountains. The section of the hike through the canyon is rocky and steep at times but the scenery is gorgeous as it is filled with hemlocks, azalea, and rhododendron and has a very dense canopy. The ascent is also steep but it pauses enough to catch your breath.

Green Ridge State Forest stretches across the mountains of western Maryland with over 100 miles of dirt roads and trails and is especially suitable for mountain bikers. This route takes you along the racecourse for the Maryland Mountain Bike State Championships. This ride is for a more advanced cyclist looks for challenging climbs, tricky switchbacks, and fast forest-road descents that require technical riding skills. Along with the challenges there are many rewards such as ridge-top views overlooking the forest covered mountains and beautiful scenery as you dip into the valleys and ride past the river. One extraordinary sight is the majestic rock face of Sideling Hill, one of the United States’ greatest rock exposures.