Baltimore for Dogs

Yay spring! I love to hike with my dogs and this is the perfect weather for it. Plus, it’s great exercise for the whole family and a chance to get out and enjoy nature as all of the new plants begin to peek out of the ground. Maryland has a ton of wonderful hiking spots that range from easy walks in the woods to more strenuous hilly hikes. Make sure to wear a sturdy pair of shoes (flip-flops, bad) pack water for you and the pups as well as some snacks for everyone. For longer hikes, you can even do a little picnic lunch.

Some of my favorite hiking spots in and around Baltimore:

Gunpowder Falls State Park in PerryHall / Kingsville

In my opinion, this is the best of the best! There is a really nice trail map at the trail head where you can plan a long, hilly hike or a shorter, easy one. Lots of water for the dogs to romp around in and well marked trails.

Location: Parking and trail head are off of Route 1 (Belair Road) where it crosses the Big Gunpowder Falls, about 5.4 miles north of I-695. For your navigator, put in 10092 Belair Rd, Kingsville, MD 21087 – that’s the restaurant right across the street from the parking lot.

Gambrill State Park in Frederick

I hiked this trail with friends and dogs last summer and fell in love. It’s on on Catoctin Mountain and quite hilly for Maryland but it is truly beautiful! There are miles and miles of trails (we did 15, ugh) so you can make your hike as long or short as you like.

Location: 8602 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick MD 21702. From U.S. 70, exit onto U.S. Route 40 at Frederick. Travel approximately six miles. Turn right onto Ga

mbrill Park Road and follow it approximately one mile to the park entrance.

Merryman’s Trail at Loch Raven Reservoir (Towson)

A nice trail that’s not quite as busy as the other two. My dogs really like this one and it’s easy enough that my 14 year old lab mix can hike for an hour and be happy and not too worn out.

Location: This trail can be reached by exiting I-695 at exit 27, Dulaney Valley Road north. Drive 3.5 miles and park on the left just after Bosley Road. If you cross the bridge over Loch Raven you’ve gone too far.

Written by Brooke, FuzzyMug