Frederick, MD is just 30 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport and offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of expertise. Whether you're staying at our Camp-Resort for a week or weekend, or just passing through Frederick, we recommend checking out one of the many hiking trails this city has to offer. Keep reading for beginner, advanced, and expert hiking trails near Frederick to find one that's perfect for you!
Rocky Stream Bed Trail Loop: Beginner - 1.3 Miles
This 1.3 mile loops is is an easy hike for beginners and is a beautiful Maryland hiking trail! The Rocky Stream Bed Trail takes about 40 minutes to complete, and follows the creek with several spots to sit and relax along the water. Located about 40 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport, it is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Plus, dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash!
Ballenger Creek Trail: Beginner - 8.4 Miles
Rated 4.5 stars, the Ballenger Creek Trail is a wide paved trail that is perfect for walking or biking. This 8.4 mile hike takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The best times to visit this trail are April through November, and it is located about 30 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport.
Washington Monument: Beginner - .5 Miles
Enjoy great views and learn a little bit of history on the Washington Monument trail! This family friendly hike near Frederick is only a half mile long and takes about 20 minutes to complete. This hike is under 30 minutes away from our Camp-Resort, and dogs are welcome, though they must be on a leash.
Buck Flats and Catoctin National Recreation Trail: Beginner - 3.8 Miles
Experience this easy 3.8-mile loop trail near Frederick, Maryland. Buck Flats and Catoctin National Recreation Trail features a hidden lake, lots of wildlife, and a shaded walk. This trail is popular for hiking and biking, and is only about 30 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport.
Black Locust Trail: Advanced - 3.1. Miles
For a slightly more advanced hike, check out the Black Locust Trail! This 3.1 mile route takes about an hour and a half to complete, and is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding. The trail features plenty of scenic overlooks, and is classified as advanced due to challenging elevation changes. The Black Lotus trail is located in Gambrill State Park, only 30 minutes away from our park!
Lambs Knoll: Advanced - Miles 7.2 or 5.7 Miles
Experience part of the Appalachian trail though this Lambs Knoll trail (7.2 miles) or Lambs Knoll & White Rocks (5.7 miles). Lambs Knoll is open year-round and features beautiful views and great outlooks! Lambs Knoll is mostly flat, easy terrain for hiking, but the lengh makes it a more advanced hike. Lambs Knoll & White Rocks is steeper and features rocky sections. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Lambs Knoll is 30 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport.
Black Rock and Annapolis Rock: Advanced - 7.2 Miles
A local favorite hike near Frederick, MD, Black Rock features beautiful views and 2 outlooks. This moderately challenging 7.2 miles route takes about 3 hours to complete. This follows the same trail as Annapolis Rock, so you will get two see 2 sites in one hike! These Frederick hiking trails are open year round, and are only a half hour away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport.
Catoctin National Recreation Trail: Expert - 26 Miles
Our first recommendation for expert hikes is Catoctin National Recreation Trail! Rated 4.5 stars, this challenging 26 mile hike is perfect for backpacking or camping, and usually takes around 12 hours to complete. Along this trail you will pass a few ponds, a reservoir, and great nature views! Catoctin National Park is only 30 minutes away from our park.
Washington Monument to Annapolis Rock: Expert - 11 Miles
Combine 2 of our easier hike recommendations and hike from Washington Monument to Annapolis Rock! This 11.0-mile out-and-back trail takes an average of 5 hours to complete. Please note, the parking lot has a fee of $8 to park! This hike follows the Appalachian Trail and is under 30 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport.
Dahlgren Camp to Bear Spring Cabin: Expert - 9 Miles
Located a short 20 minutes away from Jellystone Park™ Williamsport, Dahlgren Camp to Bear Spring Cabin is a challenging 9.0-mile out-and-back trail that takes around 4.5 hours to complete. This trail is park of the Appalachian trail and is popular for camping and backpacking. Features include wildflowers, steep hikes, and spectacular views from White Rocks.
What are you waiting for?! It's time to explore one, multiple, or all of these Frederick hiking trails to top off your family getaway. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks!