The best walks and hikes around Ferndale
4.4
(46)
667
hikers
40
hikes
Hiking around Ferndale offers access to trails within the Patapsco Valley State Park. The region is characterized by its river valley, with routes that follow streams and pass through extensive woodlands. The terrain consists of rolling hills and established paths suitable for a variety of hikes. The trail network provides options for both easy walks and more moderate hikes with some elevation changes.
Best hiking trails around Ferndale
- The most popular hiking route is Lost Lake – Soapstone Trail loop from Elkridge, a 4.1 miles (6.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. This easy route leads through Patapsco Valley State Park's wooded landscape.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Avalon Area – Cascade Falls loop from Elkridge, a moderate 5.3 miles (8.5 km) path. This route involves some elevation gain as it winds through the forest.
- Local hikers also love the Avalon Area loop from Elkridge, a 5.0 miles (8.0 km) trail leading through forested hills, often completed in about 2 hours 14 minutes.
- Hiking around Ferndale is defined by river valley paths, forested hills, and well-marked woodland trails. The trail network provides options for both easy walks and more moderate hikes with some elevation changes.
- The routes in Ferndale are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 680 hikers have used komoot to explore Ferndale's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
4.0
(2)
32
hikers
7.80km
02:11
160m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
15
hikers
9.46km
02:42
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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8
hikers
6.07km
01:43
140m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
34.5km
09:31
530m
530m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
9.39km
02:29
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
It gets very cold as you get close to Patapsco River near the bridge. The bridge does move a little but very secure as you cross it. Be mindful if you’re wearing a skirt (Ms Monroe)
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The Orange Grove Area of Patapsco Valley State Park is a beautiful and historic section known for its swinging bridge, with stunning views of the Patapsco River. Here, you can explore the paved Grist Mill Trail for a leisurely walk or venture deeper into the woods to find Cascade Falls. The area also features remnants of old mills and the Bloede Dam removal project, an indication of the park's evolving landscape. With shaded woodlands and riverside trails, it's a fantastic spot for a casual walk or an extended hike. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends due to its popularity.
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Small waterfall created by Cascade Creek. Great place to take a break.
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This popular swinging bridge crosses the Patapsco River. It is a wooden suspension bridge with metal cables. On the bridge you'll have great views of the river and surrounding woodland. It isn't too high up, so even if you're afraid of heights it's still worth passing over the bridge. Be courteous of other pedestrians as the bridge is fairly narrow!
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The Patapsco Valley State Park Glen Artney Area is a portion of Patapsco Valley State Park that is home to an old grist mill, miles of trails, and a portion of the banks of the Patapsco River.
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Lost Lake is a small lake just north of the Patapsco River within Patapsco Valley State Park's Glen Artney Area. The lake often has various species of birds and vegetation to look at while you ride.
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This is one of the most popular, well-known parts of Patapsco Valley State Park. There's a nice picnic area, and miles of unpaved trails that are great for walking and running. Keep an eye out for burbling streams and even a few small waterfalls near the trail.
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Lost Lake is a small lake just north of the Patapsco River within Patapsco Valley State Park's Glen Artney Area. The lake often has various species of birds and vegetation to look at while you run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes around Ferndale?
Yes, the area around Ferndale offers a good selection of easier trails. About half of the routes in the region are rated as easy, making them suitable for families and casual walkers. A great option is the Vineyard Spring Trailhead loop from Belmont Estate, which is a relatively flat walk of about 3 miles (4.9 km) through the woodlands of Patapsco Valley State Park.
What is the terrain like for hiking in the Ferndale area?
Hiking around Ferndale is primarily characterized by trails within the Patapsco Valley State Park. You can expect to find well-established paths that wind through extensive woodlands and follow the river valley. The terrain generally consists of rolling hills, offering a mix of gentle slopes and more moderate climbs.
How many hiking trails are available near Ferndale?
There are over 20 designated hiking routes to explore around Ferndale. These trails offer a good variety, with 13 rated as easy and 11 as moderate, ensuring there are options for different fitness levels and preferences.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Ferndale?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, which has given the area an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful woodlands and the well-maintained paths that follow the streams through the Patapsco Valley.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, many of the popular hikes are loop trails, allowing you to enjoy a varied journey without retracing your steps. For a moderately challenging loop, consider the Soapstone Trail loop from University of Maryland Baltimore County. It's a 4.9-mile (7.9 km) circuit with some elevation gain through the forest.
Can I go for a short walk near Ferndale?
Absolutely. For a very short and easy walk, the Fort McHenry Seawall Trail loop — Baltimore is a great choice. It's less than a mile long and offers a pleasant stroll with historical surroundings.
What should I expect on a moderate hike in this area?
A moderate hike, such as the Soapstone, Bull Run & Vineyard Spring Trails loop, typically involves some noticeable elevation changes and covers a distance of around 4-5 miles. These routes will take you through the park's rolling, wooded hills on well-defined paths.
Are the trails well-marked?
Yes, the trails within Patapsco Valley State Park are generally well-marked and established. Many routes, like the popular Soapstone Trail, are named and easy to follow, making navigation straightforward for most hikers.
What is the typical length of a hike around Ferndale?
Hikes vary in length, but many of the popular routes are between 4 and 5 miles (6.5 to 8 km). For example, the Soapstone Trail loop from Elkridge is a 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike that takes most people just under two hours to complete.
What kind of scenery can I expect?
The scenery is dominated by the natural beauty of the Patapsco Valley. Expect dense woodlands, paths that run alongside streams and the Patapsco River, and the gentle contours of the rolling hills. It's a classic mid-Atlantic forest landscape.
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