It's getting chilly, but winter is still a great time to hike, especially this year! Montgomery County has a ton of gorgeous trails to hike ranging anywhere from just a mile to over 10 miles! Weekends were made for getting out onto the trail, so what are you waiting for?! Bundle up and head on out there!
Here is a list of trails in the area that consist of both easy and moderate options for the family to enjoy. For a more comprehensive list, check out the Montgomery County list of trails. Don't forget to dress warmly, bring water, and make time to get lost in the beauty of nature!
The Lois Y. Green Conservation Park Trails, Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Visitors to the park can walk the natural surface trails and explore the all the different plants and animals that make the park their home during the different seasons. The park is a popular destination for bird watchers, butterfly enthusiasts, and nature photographers. Visitors are treated to an abundance of wildlife sightings include a variety of hawks and sparrows, bluebirds, Baltimore orioles, indigo buntings, and other birds as well as foxes, deer, groundhogs, beaver, muskrats, and mink. So, make sure to have your camera phone ready to take some amazing wildlife shots along this trail.
Muddy Branch Greenway Trail, 5332 American Way, North Potomac, MD 20878.
This trail is 9 miles one way and is gently rolling. But, it is also hilly and steep in some locations. Along the whole length, the trail is well marked by blue blazes and it is easy to follow. The trail features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Great for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Little Falls Stream Valley Park Trail, 6300 Little Falls Pkwy, Bethesda, MD 20816
The 3.5-mile Little Falls hiker-biker paved trail is largely shaded and offers beautiful views of Little Falls. The trail passes the former site of the Milton/Loughborough Mill, built in the early 1800s and used to grind flour for the Georgetown wheat trade.
Hoyles Mill Trail, 20508 Clarksburg Rd, Boyds, MD 20841
Hoyles Mill Trail is a 9 mile out and back trail located near Boyds, Maryland and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
Matthew Henson Trail, Veirs Mill Road east to, Georgia Ave, Aspen Hill, MD 20906
The Matthew Henson trail is great for the family who bikes! The trail winds through the woods with a LOT of wooden bridges, making it picturesque for cyclists. The many bridges, intersections, and winding nature of the path make it slow going. Running a long side a creek, this trail is one to check out for a great family day out.
Blockhouse Point Loop Trail, 14750 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Blockhouse Point Loop Trail is a 7.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Potomac, Maryland that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Visitors to the trail have noted seeing turtles and frogs crossing their path. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
Cabin John Regional Park Trail, 7400 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20817
This park offers over four miles of natural surface trails and approximately two miles of hard surface trails. Featuring beautiful wild flowers during the summer, this trail is good for all skill levels. It also offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Drinking water and restrooms are available in season, which make this a hot spot to hike!
Martin Luther King Junior Recreation Park Trail, 1120 Jackson Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904
This park has a lot to offer. The park itself spans across 95-acres and features several trails and an exercise station. There is 2.8 miles of stroller accessible trails, used by hikers, skaters and bicyclists. Circling the pond is a HeartSmart Trail. This 0.8-mile trail is recognized State-wide for those looking to promote good heart health. Kids and Adults alike will enjoy walking around this trail for all its benefits.
Have other favorite MoCo trails? Send me a note at nicolec@macaronikid.com and I'll update the list! |
