Best Hike Within 3 Hours of Baltimore

[michaelosborne]

It looks like it's going to be a pretty nice day out tomorrow and wanted to get in a good day hike. Do any of my East Coast friends have a favorite hike they like that would be within a three hour drive of Baltimore. Nice views, a good elevation mountain, etc are a nice bonus!

[moldy]

3 hours and 10 minutes, via google maps, to Delaware Water Gap. Hike North, good views, open ridges, good camping.

[Ktaadn]

Old Rag in Shenandoah NP

[Meriadoc]

Old Rag hands down. There might be ice on the rock scramble so be prepared with microspikes or something similar.

Or climb from White Oak canyon up to Stony man mountain and loop back.

Or go to Massanutten mountain (west of shenandoah) and climb Strickler Knob/Duncan.

Or climb Big Schloss.

Local one: start at the manor parking area of catoctin. Hike north to all theoverlooks in catoctin, pauseby the waterfalland head back. 18 miles and decent elevation change.

[Coffee]

I would agree with Old Rag but watch out for the ice on the Ridge Trail. Some of the rocks are super slippery even when completely dry. An alternative would be to avoid the Ridge Trail and take the Saddle Trail both ways. Not as spectacular as the Ridge Trail but it should be much safer and, although a longer distance, probably will take equal or less time to hike. Tomorrow is looking like the best day to be outdoors in some time.

[johnnybgood]

I like Old Rag as a day hike option BUT , you need to get an early start to beat the beltway traffic which can be a PITA on any day.
Also, if you do the loop from the Skyline Drive you will need to enter the park at Thornton Gap near Luray
The drive is currently closed from the Front Royal entrance station to Thornton Gap, milepost 31. Going south from the gap on the Skyline Drive is no problem.Call 1-540-999-3500 for updates .
If you plan on coming in through Sperryville on US 522 to VA 600 then your getting an early start is crucial since we're talking 40 + miles of country roads to get to the trailhead .
Have a great hike wherever you decide to go.

[Spirit Walker]

I really liked the Greenridge Trail. Greenbriar state park is also nice. The Catoctin Trail near Frederick is also good hiking. There are some good loops in the Catoctins, with nice views. The AT just south of Pen Mar has good views.

[aficion]

Old Rag in Shenandoah NP

Beat me to it. No question! Do it. Old Rag will rock you, literally.

[HikerMom58]

beat me to it. No question! Do it. Old rag will rock you, literally.

old rag rocks!!!

[aficion]

old rag rocks!!!

Great shot. Post of the day! One bazillion POHO points.

[Odd Man Out]

Great shot. Post of the day! One bazillion POHO points.

Where's that scoutmaster from Utah when you need him?

[michaelosborne]

I've done Old Rag a few times and that is hands down my favorite hike close to home. With traces if snow and ice still I opted out for the Cedar Run/White Oak Loop in Shenandoah, still pretty icy, but a beautiful day for hiking. I hope some of you were able to get out today!

[johnnybgood]

I've done Old Rag a few times and that is hands down my favorite hike close to home. With traces if snow and ice still I opted out for the Cedar Run/White Oak Loop in Shenandoah, still pretty icy, but a beautiful day for hiking. I hope some of you were able to get out today!

Glad you got to go to SNP today. Did you enter the park at Thornton Gap or was the northern district open ?

[michaelosborne]

I'm not sure what it's called but it was the parking lot/fee station off of Weakely Hollow Rd from 643.

[aficion]

I've done Old Rag a few times and that is hands down my favorite hike close to home. With traces if snow and ice still I opted out for the Cedar Run/White Oak Loop in Shenandoah, still pretty icy, but a beautiful day for hiking. I hope some of you were able to get out today!

That is a great hike too, my second favorite in the park. I got out to little House Mountain...closer to home...
afternoon hike with a beautiful sunset. I recommend it.