Hike Maryland: A Guide to the Scenic Trails of the Free State

Explore the natural beauty of Maryland on foot.

Maryland affords a rich variety of natural places for residents and visitors to enjoy, from the Chesapeake shores through expansive Piedmont farmland to the Appalachian Plateau. And whether you're headed to the seashore or the mountains, there are few better ways to experience these landscapes than on foot. With its excellent system of public lands--including national parks, state parks and forests, and even privately owned tracts open to the public--Maryland offers ample opportunities for hikers to find easy walks, challenging trails, and outstanding views. In Hike Maryland, Bryan MacKay takes you on twenty-five exceptional trips on the footpaths of the Free State.

Drawing on his decades of experience as an avid hiker, lifelong Marylander, and expert naturalist, MacKay has assembled a list of the best hikes in the state. His beautifully illustrated guide tells you how to find the trails, describes the flowers and wildlife you'll see along the way, and shares sensible advice about such concerns as ticks and poisonous snakes.

Each individual trail guide includes key information, a map, and background on the natural history and ecology of the park, forest, or preserve, and offers a brief essay featuring a local plant, animal, or environmental issue. Whether you are venturing out on a solo trek on the Appalachian Trail, hiking with friends through Patapsco Valley State Park, or heading to Assateague Island with your family, this book will be an invaluable resource on your journeys.

Hike Maryland is a companion guide to Cycle Maryland and Paddle Maryland.

Bryan MacKay is a senior lecturer emeritus in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is the author of Cycle Maryland and Paddle Maryland as well as A Year Across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region and Baltimore Trails: A Guide for Hikers and Mountain Bikers.