Hiking in Baltimore & Annapolis Trail Park: trails, map and practical info

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park is a beloved linear trail corridor in Maryland that connects two of the state's most historically significant cities. Built on a former railroad right-of-way, this paved multi-use trail offers a smooth, accessible route through the heart of the Maryland landscape, passing through communities, woodlands, and open spaces between the Baltimore suburbs and the outskirts of Annapolis.

What Kind of Trail Is This?

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park — often called the B&A Trail — follows the old Annapolis and Baltimore Short Line Railroad corridor. Because it's a rail-trail conversion, the surface is paved and the grade is gentle throughout. That makes it genuinely accessible to a wide range of users: walkers, joggers, cyclists, and people with strollers or mobility aids. There are no steep climbs or technical sections to worry about.

The trail runs through Anne Arundel County and is managed as a linear park. It's not a wilderness experience — you'll pass through suburban neighborhoods, cross roads, and move through developed areas along the way — but that's part of its character. It's a community trail that happens to connect two major destinations, and it does that job really well.

The Experience on the Ground

Walking or running the B&A Trail, you'll notice how the environment shifts as you move along the corridor. There are stretches shaded by mature trees where the canopy closes in overhead, giving the trail a more natural, enclosed feel. Other sections open up through more developed areas where you're passing alongside neighborhoods and local businesses.

The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. Mileposts are placed along the route, which helps with planning and pacing. Benches and rest areas are available at various points, and restroom facilities can be found at several trailheads and access points along the way.

Because the trail is paved and relatively flat, it's a popular choice for people who want to cover distance without dealing with rough terrain. You'll share the path with cyclists, so if you're walking or running, staying to the right and being aware of faster-moving traffic on the trail is just part of the routine here.

Access and Trailheads

The B&A Trail has multiple access points along its length, which means you don't have to start from one end or the other. Parking is available at several trailheads throughout Anne Arundel County. This flexibility is one of the trail's strengths — you can pick a section that suits your schedule and energy level, do an out-and-back, or arrange a point-to-point trip if you have two vehicles or a shuttle option.

The trail is open year-round, and because it's paved, it remains usable in conditions that would make a dirt trail muddy or impassable. That said, winter weather in Maryland can bring ice and snow, so check conditions before heading out in colder months.

Dogs and Other Users

Dogs are welcome on the B&A Trail but must be kept on a leash. Given how busy this trail can get — especially on weekends — keeping your dog under control is both a rule and a practical necessity. The trail sees a high volume of cyclists moving at speed, and a leashed dog is much safer in that environment.

Cyclists are a major user group here, and the trail functions as a genuine transportation and recreation corridor for the local cycling community. If you're coming specifically to hike or walk, expect to share the space and be comfortable with that dynamic.

What Makes This Trail Worth Visiting

The B&A Trail stands out in the Maryland trail network for a few specific reasons:

• Historical context: The railroad corridor it follows has deep roots in Maryland's transportation history, connecting Baltimore and Annapolis long before the trail existed in its current form. That history is woven into the experience of traveling the route.
• Accessibility: The paved, flat surface makes this one of the most accessible long-distance trail options in the region. It's genuinely usable by people who might not be able to tackle more rugged terrain.
• Community connection: The trail passes through and connects real communities. You can stop at local businesses, access parks and amenities along the way, and experience the corridor as a living part of the region rather than a remote escape.
• Year-round usability: The paved surface extends the trail's usable season compared to unpaved alternatives in the area.

Things to Know Before You Go

A few practical notes that will help you have a better visit:

• The trail crosses roads at multiple points. Pay attention at road crossings, especially where traffic is heavier.
• Weekends bring significantly more users than weekdays. If you prefer a quieter experience, an early morning weekday visit is your best bet.
• There's no fee to use the trail.
• Bikes move fast on this trail. If you're walking, stay right and be predictable in your movements.
• Water and restrooms are available at select trailheads, but not at every access point — plan accordingly for longer outings.
• The trail is managed by Anne Arundel County, and the county parks department is the right contact for current conditions, closures, or maintenance issues.

Who This Trail Is Best For

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park is an excellent choice for walkers and runners looking for a long, flat, well-maintained route without the complications of backcountry terrain. It's ideal for families with young children, people returning to regular exercise, or anyone who wants to cover meaningful distance in a safe and accessible environment. It's also a strong option for people who want to experience a piece of Maryland's railroad history on foot.

If you're looking for rugged, remote, or technically challenging hiking, this trail won't deliver that — but for what it is, a well-kept linear park connecting two major Maryland cities through a historic rail corridor, it delivers consistently and reliably.