8 DMV Hikes perfect for families

Into the Woods!

Eight Maryland hikes perfect for families

By Karen Stysley

Brigid Wethington doesn’t go easy on her kids—at least where hiking is concerned. When the Columbia resident takes her daughter, 7, and her son, almost 4, on hikes in the Maryland area, they may find themselves going over a suspension bridge and under a tunnel before climbing up to a boulder at the edge of a big drop. “I tend to push my kids a little bit on what they can do,” Wethington says. But along the way, they get more than just a workout and some pretty views. Out there without their technology, relying on each other for help, they get a “little mini vacation,” she says, since “hiking is definitely a bonding moment.” While rising to the challenge, Wethington, her husband, and their kids learn to encourage each other and keep each other safe. “As a family it’s just something we do. We all enjoy it. We all feel connected when we get in the car [after a hike]. We’re all on the same team, team Wethington,” she says.

Perimeter Trail, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville

Kids flock to Kinder Farm Park for the farm animals and the huge multi-level playground, part of which is shaded. Use these draws as an incentive to finish the paved 2.8-mile perimeter trail that goes around the park (or one of a number of nearby trails). The park also features picnic tables, grills and two large rentable pavilions for larger groups. It also has wonderful old farm building to check out as well as farming artifacts at the visitor center. Trail Length: 2.3 mile, paved Fees: Daily vehicle fees start at $6 (cash or check). Pets: Leashed dogs welcomed.

Lake Trail, Centennial Park, Columbia

The picturesque Centennial Lake is almost always in the backdrop of the 2.4 mile paved loop trail that winds around it. Look out for geese, check out two big playgrounds, or even rent a boat as part of your trip around the trail. The park also has many other

amenities like ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and sand volleyball courts. Trail Length: 2.4 mile, paved Fees: Free Pets: Leashed dogs welcomed.

Nature Trail, Robinson Nature Center, Columbia

Columbia’s state-of-the-art nature center offers many exhibits as well as a 1-mile wooded trail that features an arboretum and views of the Middle Patuxent River. Hikers will find paved sections of the trail, but most of the trails are not. Bikes are prohibited due to the nature of the trails. Trail Length: 1 mile, sections paved, but not all. Fees: Daily admission is $2 per child/adult, children under 3 are free. Pets: Pets not permitted.

Marsh Edge Trail, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge

This popular 1/3-mile trail along the Little Blackwater and Blackwater Rivers offers a covered picnic area and an observation boardwalk. Hikers may also be able to see ospreys nesting or bald eagles fishing. Trail Length: 1/3 mile. Fees: Admission fees start at $1 per pedestrian/ bicyclist aged 16 or older and $3 per private vehicles. Pets: Pets not permitted.

Buzzards Rock Trail, Patapsco State Park, Catonsville

Located in the Hilton Area of the park, this 2.1 mile trail provides a challenge for kids who are ready for it. The sometimes-steep terrain pays off with a scenic view above railroad tracks. Trail Length: 2.1 mile. Fees: Admission starting at $2/ vehicle for Maryland residents and $4/ vehicle for out of state visitors. Pets: Pets allowed in the day use area, but not the campground.

Brown Trail, Jug Bay Natural Area, Upper Marlboro

Guided hikes along this trail showcase the wide variety of flora and fauna found there. Part of the trail leads to a scenic overlook of Jug Bay, where hikers can observe waterfowl. The park has about 14 miles of trails so there is plenty to explore. Also, be sure to check out the Observation Tower and enjoy the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. Bikes welcomed on trails, but must follow park rules. Trail Length: .7 mile. Fees: Free Pets: Leashed dogs welcomed.

Harness Creek Trail, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis

While visiting Quiet Waters Park, check out the Reading and Butterfly Garden before taking the paved trail down to Harness Creek, where boat rentals are available. Quiet Waters Park features almost 6 miles of trails, mostly paved for visitors to use. You can also find playgrounds, a dog park and multiple picnic areas. Bikes welcomed on most trails in park. Trail Length: .7 mile. Fees: Daily parking fee starts at $6. Pets: Leashed dogs welcomed.

Trail to the beach, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Lusby

Take the half-mile trail down from the Visitor’s Center to the beach where families can look for sharks’ teeth and fossils along the shoreline. If your family wants to explore more, this park also has other trails ranging from a half mile to a mile. Trail Length: .5 mile. Fees: Entrance fees start at $5 for in county residents and $8 for out of county residents per vehicles. Walk-ins and bikes are $2 per person. Pets: Leashed dogs welcomed.