A guide to Baltimore’s outdoor adventures

Baltimore, Maryland, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It’s also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with various parks, trails, and waterways to explore.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a scenic bike ride, or a relaxing day on the water, you will find the perfect outdoor adventure in Baltimore.

Here are a few of the best outdoor activities in Baltimore:

Hiking

• Patapsco Valley State Park: This park is home to over 16,000 acres of land, with over 200 miles of hiking trails. There are trails for all experience levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes to the top of waterfalls.
• Gunpowder Falls State Park: This park is home to over 18,000 acres of land, with over 120 miles of hiking trails. The park also has several waterfalls, including the famous Gunpowder Falls.
• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: Fort McHenry, scene of the bloody Battle of Fort McHenry that prompted Francis Scott Key to pen the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is located in this park. The park also features several hiking routes, which provide breathtaking panoramas of the port.

Biking

• Jones Falls Trail: This trail is a 10-mile paved trail that runs along the Jones Falls River. It’s a great place to bike, run, or walk.
• B&O Railroad Trail: This trail is a 13-mile paved trail that follows the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line. It’s a great place to bike, run, or walk.
• Inner Harbor: The Inner Harbor is a great place to bike, with several paved paths and dedicated bike lanes. You can also rent bikes from several shops in the Inner Harbor.

Water sports

• Kayaking and canoeing: There are several places to rent kayaks and canoes in Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, and Canton. You can paddle around the Inner Harbor, explore the Patapsco River, or paddle to Fort McHenry.
• Stand-up paddleboarding: Taking a stand-up paddleboard out into the Inner Harbor and its surrounding waterways is a fun and unique way to see the area. There are several places to rent stand-up paddleboards in Baltimore.
• Fishing: There are several places to fish in Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, the Patapsco River, and the Chesapeake Bay. You can fish from shore or a boat.

Other outdoor activities

• Golfing: Baltimore has several public and private golf courses. Some popular public golf courses include Loch Raven, Carroll Park, and Clifton Park Golf Course.
• Picnicking: There are several great places to picnic in Baltimore, including Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, and Federal Hill Park.
• Birdwatching: With over 300 bird species observed in and around Baltimore, it’s clear that this is a fantastic site to enjoy the hobby. Some of the best places to go birdwatching include Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, and the Inner Harbor.

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find the perfect outdoor adventure in Baltimore. So get out there and explore!

Here are a few additional tips for planning your outdoor adventure in Baltimore:

• Check the weather forecast. Baltimore weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check the forecast before you go.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Put on clothes and shoes suitable for the task, and make sure they are comfortable.
• Bring water and snacks. Staying hydrated and fueled is essential, especially if you’re doing a strenuous activity.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid getting lost or injured.
• Leave no trace. Be sure to pack out all of your trash and leave the environment as you found it.

With some planning, you can have a fun and safe outdoor adventure in Baltimore.