A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near South Laurel, Maryland

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Morning Choice and Rockburn Branch

Hike Route

Morning Choice and Rockburn Branch

River/Creek
moderate
4.42 mi
+374 ft
Morning Choice Loop

Hike Route

Morning Choice Loop

River/Creek
moderate
3.79 mi
+395 ft
North Rock Creek Park 5K Loop

Hike Route

North Rock Creek Park 5K Loop

moderate
3.12 mi
+263 ft
Rock Creek Valley Loop

Hike Route

Rock Creek Valley Loop

Fall Colors
easy
1.27 mi
+16 ft
National Arboretum Figure-Eight

Hike Route

National Arboretum Figure-Eight

Birding
easy
2.18 mi
+208 ft
Boulder Bridge Loop

Hike Route

Boulder Bridge Loop

Birding
moderate
3.09 mi
+344 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Patapsco Perimeter

Hike Route

Patapsco Perimeter

Birding
strenuous
16.17 mi
+1,729 ft
Seneca Trails Route

Hike Route

Seneca Trails Route

Lake
moderate
32.14 mi
+2,140 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Fairland Recreation Park

Hike Route

Fairland Recreation Park

River/Creek
moderate
8.37 mi
+685 ft
Perimeter Trail

Hike Route

Perimeter Trail

Birding
moderate
5.21 mi
+331 ft
Valley Trail - Entire Length

Hike Route

Valley Trail - Entire Length

Birding
moderate
5.3 mi
+450 ft
Rock Creek Park Loop: Western Ridge to Valley Trails

Hike Route

Rock Creek Park Loop: Western Ridge to Valley Trails

Birding
moderate
8.74 mi
+896 ft
Soapstone-Santee-Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Soapstone-Santee-Ridge Loop

Birding
moderate
8.41 mi
+1,222 ft
Riverbend--Great Falls Loop

Hike Route

Riverbend--Great Falls Loop

Birding
strenuous
7.35 mi
+520 ft