Hiking in Annapolis: 6 Walking & Jogging Trails That Locals Love

Best Walking and Jogging Trails in Annapolis

Annapolis provides a great network of trails and pathways for residents to stay active and enjoy the local natural environment. Bikers and hikers in the Annapolis community never lack places to go on a short adventure, whether they live in gated community homes or waterfront properties. There are approximately 107 trails in and around the city that cover more than 4,500 miles, so there's never a shortage of outdoor activities in Annapolis. Keep reading to learn about the best Annapolis trails for hiking, biking, and walking.

Poplar Trail

Poplar Trail is one of the most inviting biking trails in Annapolis. It's 4,577 feet (0.9 miles) and mostly flat. The ends of the trail are located at Admiral Drive and Poplar Avenue to the west and Taylor Avenue to the east (right next to the Annapolis Police Station). The trail is paved and suitable for biking, inline skating, or walking. It's also wheelchair accessible. There is a slight 27-foot elevation change from end-to-end on Poplar Trail, so it's a pretty easy walk. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail as well. It's a safe trail that connects neighborhood townhomes to two elementary schools and a library. Walkers enjoying this trail can catch views of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium just to the north.

The best park to access Poplar Trail is at the Annapolis Sports Complex on Cedar Park Road (behind the elementary school). The city has plans to extend Poplar Trail in the future to connect to South Shore Trail.

Poplar Trail Additional Information

  • Address: Poplar Trail, Annapolis, MD 21401
  • Hours: Always open

South Shore Trail

The South Shore Trail is about 14 miles in length, stretching between Annapolis and the city of Odenton. The first section of the completed trail runs between Maryland Route 3 and Waterbury Road. The section is currently 1.9 miles in length and mostly flat. The city uses the old abandoned WB&A railroad for the trail by paving over the old roadbed. This reasonably easy trail is open for biking, inline skating, and walking, and it's accessible for people using wheelchairs. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany owners on the trail as well. It's a lovely, tree-lined trail that passes by a couple of ponds along the hike.

The best place to park and enjoy the South Shore Trail is at Maryland Route 3 and Millersville Road. There's a Board of Education property on the corner, and it has a lot of free parking spaces available.

South Shore Trail Additional Information

  • Address: South Shore Trail, Parole, MD 21401
  • Hours: Always open

Broad Creek Trail

Broad Creek Trail runs through Broad Creek Park, located behind Annapolis High School. This beautiful, unspoiled location is popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts. The 4.7-mile unpaved walking trail invites visitors to enjoy a true hiking experience that's classified as moderately difficult. The walk leads you through a loop of the park, so you won't get lost. As a perk for dog lovers, leashed pups are welcome on the trail. The park has a remote feel to it, and visitors may not hear the noise of the city once they enter the woods. Unbeatable views of the natural beauty and native wildlife make this trail worthy of multiple visits. Visitors who hike this trail can sometimes catch a view of ospreys swooping in to catch fish in the waters of Broad Creek, which borders the western end of the park.

Guests don't have to worry about parking fees or admission charges, and the area is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Broad Creek Park Additional Information

  • Address: Broad Creek Park, Annapolis, MD 21401
  • Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park Trail

Quiet Waters Park is one of the best parks in Annapolis, and it has a great 5.4-mile paved loop trail that runs through the park. The trail is about 6 feet wide in most places to accommodate a lot of people. The trail is suitable for walking, jogging, biking, inline skating, strollers, and wheelchairs. Leashed dogs are also welcome here. There's even a dog park and a dog beach at the far southern end of the park. Hiking or biking this wooded trail provides the opportunity to view and photograph some local wildlife, including a herd of deer that lives in the large park. Several unpaved trails branch off from the main trail and out through the woods for the more adventurous types.

There are currently no fees to access this park, and there are ample parking spaces available along Quiet Waters Park Road, which winds through the park.

Quiet Waters Park Additional Information

  • Address: Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403
  • Hours: 7 a.m.–Dusk

Greenbury Point Trail

The Greenbury Point Trail is situated on land managed by the Naval Academy and the Naval Research Laboratory. It's located across the Severn River from Annapolis at the Greenbury Point Nature Center. There are two trails here; one is a 3.3-mile loop, and the other is a 2-mile loop. The trails are mostly sand and stone, so they're suitable for hiking or jogging. Well-behaved dogs are even allowed off-leash for this hike. Deer, osprey, and rabbits are some of the wildlife that can be viewed. It's important to note that sometimes the Naval Academy closes these trails to public use because they are near an active rifle range. Signs will alert hikers to closures at the entrance to the park, or they can check ahead of time on the Academy's website and social media pages.

Greenbury Point Trail is open year-round, and there are no use fees for accessing it.

Greenbury Point Conservation Area Additional Information

  • Address: Greenbury Point Conservation Area, Annapolis, MD 21402
  • Hours: 5 a.m.–6 p.m.

Broadneck Park Loop

Broadneck Park in Annapolis is right next to College Parkway, and it has a 1-mile "easy" rated loop trail that runs through it. The trail is paved with asphalt and is suitable for a short walk or jog. Leashed dogs are welcome, and there is a designated dog park area at the east end of the park. The park has a lot of beautiful wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer months, as well as butterflies. The park also has a picnic pavilion and a children's playground, which are open to the public year-round. The trail features only a slight 22-foot elevation change, so it's a straightforward trek through a wooded area in the middle of the city. The trail is great for kids, strollers, and wheelchair use, although it's a bit too bumpy in spots for inline skating.

The park is free to use, and the best parking spots are right along Broadneck Park Loop.

Broadneck Park Additional Information

  • Address: Broadneck Park, 613 College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
  • Hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

Get Outdoors in Annapolis, MD

These are just a few of the favorite local trails in Annapolis for hiking, biking, and enjoying the fresh air. As mentioned above, there are more than 4,500 miles of trails for Annapolis residents to get out and experience the outdoors. Annapolis is an active community where the locals enjoy putting public-use trails to good use all year round!

If you're looking for your Annapolis dream home, contact The Bob & Ronna Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices with Maryland Real Estate Advantage at (410) 465-4440 to get in touch with an Annapolis real estate agent who can help find the perfect place for you.

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