My Favorite Walking Trails in Baltimore County

Good morning friends!! I am really excited to be sharing this post, because it’s honestly nothing I ever thought would be of interest! Then one of my lovely followers, Bayly, gave me the idea to share where I like to walk in Baltimore county! Since walking is such an important part of my daily routine, I had to take her up on her suggestion and share my favorite trails and parks to walk in Baltimore County! Thanks Bayly!

This list isn’t very long, and if you’re from Baltimore you might already know about all of these trails, but I still figured it could be fun to have a point of reference on the blog, or a place to learn more about trails in Baltimore if you’re visiting the area! I am also hoping to continue to discover more spots to share. It’s always fun to discover new hikes and trails!

I will say, most of these hikes are “beginner level”. Since we don’t have any mountains or crazy rough terrain in Baltimore County, none of them are too too difficult. Some are longer than others, but I’d say they’re all great options for beginner hikers, looking to get outside and spend time in nature. Nonetheless, these locations all have a special place in my heart, and I am happy to share my favorites with you! Without further adieu, here’s my list!

Walking is an essential part of my daily routine, and mental health. Spending time in nature, even if just for 15 minutes, helps give me a sense of calm and ease as I go about my day. I probably take a big walk outside 6 days a week, which helps keep my anxiety at bay. If I am feeling stressed, angry, anxious, or sad, a trusted remedy for me is a brisk walk in nature. Even if I’m just walking through my neighborhood and not on a trail, the act of getting outside is completely therapeutic. I am that crazy neighbor who walks when it’s lightly raining, when it’s 20 degrees, or when it’s 100 degrees. Dedicated to my mental health.

I hope you find this list helpful. Please share your favorite Baltimore-area trails with me in the comments!!

**Trail Tip! Don’t forget to check for ticks! I wear long pants and a hat as much as I can whenever we are hiking. Do a thorough check after your hikes to prevent a potentially dangerous bite.

NCR Trail, Paper Mill Road start: The NCR Trail is a great option in Hunt Valley/Sparks if you’re looking for flat, even-leveled paths. It is a great trail for bikers and walkers alike. I drive my car to the Paper Mill Road entrance, and walk between 2-4 miles on the trail, but it goes all the way up into PA if you’re looking for a long distance adventure. A great place to bring your dog (and you can even ride horses on the trail!).

Oregon Ridge Park: Yale and I LOVE hiking at Oregon Ridge Park. It offers a few different walking paths, with varying levels of difficulty. Oregon Ridge Park is also home to the Oregon Ridge Nature Center with some fun wildlife and great activities for younger ones. Explore both the indoor and outdoor exhibits, or check out the extensive trails. Yale and I usually do portions of the Loggers Trail, which is around 2 miles. There are shorter trails as well. Since the trail is particularly wooded, I’d recommend wearing a hat and protective clothing to keep yourself free from pests like ticks.

Lake Roland Park: This is a great trail and park for both nature lovers who want wooded, dirt path trails, OR for walkers or joggers who prefer a paved pathway. Lake Roland Park has both! I prefer walking the long trails from L’Hirondelle Club Road, all the way to Lake Roland Park and back, but it can definitely take up a portion of your afternoon! The park also has a dog park which makes it a great option for your furry friend!

Loch Raven Reservoir Park: The Loch Raven Trails are an AWESOME way to get in nature in Baltimore County. There truly are trail options for everyone. Trails that are long, short, easy or difficult, every hiker will be able to find a trail that suits their needs. I am quite a big fan of hiking here, and need to do so more often.

Meadowwood Regional Park: This is the park for the whole family! It is full of sports fields, a great paved path, and playgrounds for the kiddos. I’ll bring Buzz here for a walk if I need a change of scenery from our normal neighborhood route, since it’s right down the road from my house. Definitely not a hike by any means, but Meadowwood is great for a paved park option.