Too many weekends we have found ourselves looking to our friends and asking the dreaded question: “what do you want to do?” With the weather heating up and the plants re-emerging from their winter hibernation, it’s a great time to go hiking with friends and the best part is it’s inexpensive, healthy and an amazing way to escape the stresses of daily life. Some great hiking trails may be even closer than you think!

1. Avalon Loop Trail- Located in Patapsco Valley State park, a half an hour car ride away, this trail is said to be of moderate difficulty and contains a lovely waterfall but pack your lunch for this one, it’s a 20 mile trail so set aside a full day!  
2. Patapsco Valley Granite-Woodstock Trail- At a casual five and a half miles, this trail is heavily wooded and is labeled as moderate- great for a casual afternoon hike. This trail is also within Patapsco Valley state park so it is about 30 minutes away.
3. Rockburn Branch Trail- a 7.1 mile hike within the Rockburn Branch Park, this easy trail contains streams to cross and few structures and sights to see while hiking and is an easy 20-30 minute drive away.
4. Grist Mill Trail- this moderate out-and-back trail in located in Patapsco Valley State park and is a dog-friendly trail that contains few streams to cross, bridges and a beautiful forest to trek through for 5.2 miles.
5. Druid Hill Park Trail- a 6.4 mile loop trail, the Druid Hill trail contains a lake and is dog and child friendly. This trail though is less secluded. Located near Baltimore city, it is about 30-40 minutes away and is a popular trail for dog walking and children.
6. Merryman’s Mill Trail- This moderate trail located within Loch Raven Park (roughly 45 minutes away). This trail is known to have lovely water views with plenty of wildflowers in season and is dog-friendly and clean but at 9.2 miles it may turn out to be a full day hike so bring snacks and waters.
7. Wyman Park-Stoney run trail- Placed in Wyman Park, this 5.3 mile out and back trail is good for hikers of all levels and runs along a small stream. Wyman Park is a 35-40 minute drive and is located near Baltimore.
8. Sherwood trail to Western run- This 6.2 mile trail is a hidden gem in Loch Raven Park.  Following along the Gunpowder Fall river, this trail has exquisite views of the water and is a fairly easy trail but few hunters and known to traverse in the area.