I haven’t spent as much time in Maryland as some of the other states in the Northeast, but I’m trying to fix that. The Old Line State is best known for its huge cities near the DC metro area, but it has plenty of hidden gems outside that region — in fact, some might say the entire rest of the state is a hidden gem! Much of Maryland sees relatively few tourists, and the region near the Pennsylvania and West Virginia border is filled with beautiful small towns and unspoiled natural areas. That’s where you’ll find the best undiscovered hidden hike in Maryland — a magical jaunt through Garrett State Forest that allows you to walk among the walls of a natural labyrinth.
The Rock Maze Trail is actually one of the easiest hikes you can take in Maryland, coming in at just 0.8 miles and being suitable for all ages, but it feels like you just stepped into another world and a surprise could be waiting for you around every corner.
Once you heard out of Maryland’s urban centers, the state can be incredibly peaceful. Garrett State Forest, located near the border with West Virginia, is home to a quartet of popular trails that can attract hikers but are rarely too crowded. Most of them offer a rustic stroll through the forest with plenty of space to stop and reflect.
However, the most unique trail in the forest, by far, is the Rock Maze Trail. Coming in at less than a mile, it’s hard to miss it — it takes you through a labyrinth of ancient boulders, towering far overhead and creating the vibe that you’re walking through a fairytale forest.
The trail is relatively easy to follow, and the path is smooth and should be accessible to anyone comfortable with a short walk. Keep an eye on the formation of the boulders as you walk — you’ll see traces of just how ancient these massive rock formations truly are.
The trail is dog-friendly, as long as Fido and Rover are on a leash, so feel free to bring them on your adventure. This is an ideal hike for families looking for a change of pace without any truly strenuous exercise or rough terrain.
Have you hiked the Rock Maze Trail before? If not, tell a hiking buddy about this unique, undiscovered, and hidden hike in Maryland and make your way over to the western corner of the state! You can see more pictures of this strange and wonderful hike on the official AllTrails trail listing, and if you’d like an added level of security while exploring Garrett State Forest, a subscription to AllTrails + offers a helpful guide in your pocket with dozens of features to map out your route and keep tabs on your progress…