Parks and Hiking Trails in Southern Maryland: A Local Guide

You do not have to leave Southern Maryland to find wooded trails, Chesapeake Bay shoreline, Patuxent River views, paved walking routes, and places for a longer hike. Southern Maryland parks and trails range from easy, relatively short walks to multi-mile routes through forests, wetlands, and waterfront landscapes.

Whether you live in the area, are planning a move, or simply want somewhere new to explore, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties offer plenty of options. This guide covers several of the region’s notable parks and hiking trails, along with trail maps, fees, easy-hike options, and practical tips for planning your visit.

Parks and Hiking Trails in St. Mary’s County

St. Mary’s County offers a mix of natural-surface hiking, waterfront parks, and paved multi-use trails. It is a good place to start if you want choices ranging from a longer forest hike to a casual walk.

St. Mary’s River State Park

For a longer hike, St. Mary’s River State Park is one of the region’s standout options. Maryland DNR identifies a 7.5-mile multi-use trail that circles St. Mary’s Lake. The trail is used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The route is slightly hilly and can become muddy depending on recent weather, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Official trail maps are available through Maryland DNR.

View St. Mary’s River State Park trail information and maps

Greenwell State Park

Near Hollywood, Maryland, Greenwell State Park sits along the Patuxent River and offers 10 miles of marked multi-use trails open for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.

Greenwell is useful when you want flexibility rather than committing to one long loop. Maryland DNR also provides an official park map for planning a route before arriving.

Visitors should check current park conditions because an ecological restoration project is underway through 2027 in portions of the property. Maryland DNR asks visitors to follow posted signs and remain on established trails in restoration areas.

Explore Greenwell State Park trails

Three Notch Trail

The Three Notch Trail offers a different experience from Southern Maryland’s wooded state-park trails. It is a paved, non-motorized pedestrian and bicycle trail running through portions of St. Mary’s County.

County planning documents identify Three Notch Trail as an important local pedestrian and bicycle corridor, with sections serving areas such as Charlotte Hall, Mechanicsville, California, and the Lexington Park area.

Because it is paved, this is an option worth considering when you would rather walk, run, or bike on a developed surface instead of a natural trail.

Find St. Mary’s County parks and Three Notch Trail resources

Myrtle Point Waterfront Park

Myrtle Point Waterfront Park in California, Maryland combines hiking with views of the Patuxent River and Solomons Island. The 192-acre county park includes hiking trails, a public beach, fishing, geocaching, picnic facilities, and waterfront access.

Seasonal vehicle admission fees apply on specified weekends and holidays, so check current county information before heading out.

Hiking and Parks in Calvert County

Calvert County is particularly appealing when you want to combine a hike with Chesapeake Bay or Patuxent River scenery. Several county nature parks also provide downloadable trail maps.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Near Lusby, Maryland, Calvert Cliffs State Park is one of Southern Maryland’s most recognizable hiking destinations.

The park has 13 miles of marked foot trails. The shortest route from the parking area to the Chesapeake Bay beach is the 1.8-mile Red Trail, making the round trip approximately 3.6 miles.

The park is also known for fossils from the Miocene era that can be found along the open beach area. However, visitors should not approach the base of the cliffs. Maryland DNR states that the area directly beneath the cliffs is closed because of landslide and injury risks.

A day-use vehicle service charge applies. Fees and park conditions can change, so confirm the current information before your visit.

Check Calvert Cliffs State Park trails, maps, fees, and visitor information

Flag Ponds Nature Park

Flag Ponds Nature Park provides another Chesapeake Bay experience, but you do not have to commit to a long hike. Calvert County describes a short half-mile walk to the beach, while longer trails travel around ponds and through forest. A boardwalk also leads toward the Chesapeake Bay fishing pier.

The park has seasonal operating hours and entrance fees. It can also close to additional vehicles when capacity is reached during periods of high visitation.

View Flag Ponds Nature Park information and its trail map

Kings Landing Park

Kings Landing Park is another option for people who want to combine trails with the water. Calvert County reports that several miles of trails travel through woods and meadows, while a short walk provides access to the Patuxent River.

This makes Kings Landing useful when you want a park visit that can include both walking and other outdoor recreation rather than hiking alone.

Biscoe-Gray Heritage Farm

For a quieter trail setting near Prince Frederick, Maryland, Biscoe-Gray Heritage Farm offers several miles of hiking opportunities along meadows and natural areas.

It is another example of why a Southern Maryland hiking list does not need to consist entirely of state parks.

Parks and Trails in Charles County

Charles County offers both natural hiking trails and one of Southern Maryland’s most useful paved recreational routes.

Indian Head Rail Trail

The Indian Head Rail Trail stretches 13 miles between Indian Head and White Plains. The converted railroad corridor provides a paved route through largely undeveloped areas and is open to walking, running, biking, and other permitted trail use.

Access points include White Plains and Indian Head, Maryland, with additional access and parking locations along the route.

For people searching for hiking trails around Waldorf, Maryland, the White Plains end of the Indian Head Rail Trail is one option to investigate. Bensville Park, between Waldorf and Pomfret, also provides a paved connector to the rail trail near Mile Marker 9.

Plan a trip on the Indian Head Rail Trail

Smallwood State Park

Smallwood State Park offers two notably different hiking choices.

The General’s Walk Trail is a nearly two-mile loop through hardwood forest and tidal wetland environments. Although parts are easy, Maryland DNR rates the complete route moderate because of its inclines and declines.

For an easier option, the Birdwatcher’s Trail is about three-quarters of a mile, relatively flat, and passes through a wooded area beside a meadow. Maryland DNR specifically describes it as an easy hike.

View Smallwood State Park hiking trails and maps

What Are Some Good Easy Hikes in Maryland?

If your goal is an easier walk rather than a strenuous hike, look at the individual trail difficulty rather than assuming an entire park is easy.

One Southern Maryland option is Smallwood State Park’s roughly three-quarter-mile Birdwatcher’s Trail. For another Maryland option just north of the Southside Group’s core three-county market, Rosaryville State Park in Prince George’s County has the 1.5-mile Agriculture Heritage Trail. Maryland DNR describes it as an easy out-and-back route that combines nature with the agricultural history of the property.

Rosaryville also has more than 16 miles of trails overall, including the 9.75-mile Perimeter Trail, which is rated moderate. That difference is a good reminder to check the specific trail you plan to hike.

See Maryland DNR’s recommended hiking options for beginner hikers

Free Parks, Trail Maps, and Planning Your Hike

Searching for “free parks and hiking trails in Southern Maryland” can be misleading because admission policies vary considerably.

Some trails can be accessed without the same type of state-park vehicle service charge, while other destinations charge admission seasonally or year-round. Flag Ponds, Calvert Cliffs, Greenwell, Myrtle Point, and Smallwood are examples where visitors should check current fee information before leaving home.

The same applies to hours and access. Seasonal schedules, capacity closures, weather, maintenance, hunting activity, restoration projects, and special events can affect a visit.

Before heading out:

• Open the official trail map and choose a route that matches your available time and ability.

• Check current park hours, entrance fees, and closures.

• Review whether the trail is paved or natural surface.

• Wear footwear appropriate for mud, roots, hills, and changing conditions.

• Carry water, especially on longer loops.

• Check the individual park’s pet rules before bringing a dog.

• Stay on designated trails and respect closures and restoration areas.

• Check weather conditions before committing to a longer route.

Maryland DNR provides statewide park information, trail guides, park status resources, and event information that can help with trip planning.

Use Maryland Park Service planning and trail resources

What’s Going on in Southern Maryland This Weekend?

This is one question that an evergreen hiking guide should not answer with a permanent list. Events change every week.

Calvert County’s official calendar lists outdoor activities including a Ward Farm History Hike, a guided canoe trip at Parkers Creek, and a race/walk at Kings Landing Park. 

Those examples will become outdated quickly. For any future weekend, check the current county calendars and Maryland Park Service event calendar before making plans.

Check current Maryland State Park events

Southern Maryland Hiking FAQs

What are some good hikes in Southern Maryland?

Good options include the 7.5-mile loop at St. Mary’s River State Park, trails at Greenwell State Park, Calvert Cliffs State Park’s trail system, and Smallwood State Park. The right choice depends on whether you want a longer natural-surface hike, waterfront scenery, or an easier walk. Maryland Department of Natural Resources

What are some good hiking trails in Maryland?

Maryland has hiking options ranging from short beginner routes to long forest trails. Maryland DNR maintains statewide hiking resources and recommends trails for newer hikers, including the Agriculture Heritage Trail at Rosaryville State Park. Southern Maryland options include St. Mary’s River, Calvert Cliffs, Greenwell, and Smallwood state parks. Maryland Department of Natural Resources

What’s going on in Southern Maryland this weekend?

Events change weekly, so check current St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles county calendars along with the Maryland Park Service events calendar. For October 10, 2026, official calendars include several outdoor and recreation events, but readers visiting on a later weekend should check the current listings. Calvert County Government

What are some of the best easy hikes in Maryland?

For Southern Maryland, Smallwood State Park’s approximately three-quarter-mile Birdwatcher’s Trail is officially described as easy. Rosaryville State Park’s 1.5-mile Agriculture Heritage Trail is another Maryland DNR-rated easy option. Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Where can I find hiking trails near Waldorf, MD?

Charles County maintains several hiking options. The Indian Head Rail Trail connects White Plains and Indian Head for 13 miles, and Bensville Park between Waldorf and Pomfret connects to the trail near Mile Marker 9. Charles County also identifies hiking trails at parks including Gilbert Run, Friendship Farm, Laurel Springs, Mallows Bay, Maxwell Hall, Oak Ridge, and Ruth B. Swann.

Exploring Parks When You’re Getting to Know Southern Maryland

Parks and trails offer another way to get familiar with Southern Maryland. From Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Calvert County and Patuxent River parks in St. Mary’s County to paved trails in Charles County, outdoor recreation is one of many practical factors you can consider alongside housing options, transportation, shopping, and public amenities when researching the area.

If you’re considering a move, explore Southern Maryland communities to learn more about locations throughout the region and browse available Southern Maryland homes as you narrow your search. When you’re ready for local real estate guidance, contact The Southside Group Real Estate to discuss what you’re looking for in St. Mary’s, Calvert, or Charles County.