Visitors looking for outdoor adventures in Baltimore will find a variety of things to do in Baltimore, from hiking through historic neighborhoods to exploring scenic parks.

Baltimore has been a leader in building parks for its citizens to get outdoors for exercise and entertainment. As a relative newcomer, it has taken me 12 years to find and hike dozens of the region’s parks. The list below was inspired partly by the Five Minute History videos produced by Baltimore Heritage. I love exploring the scenic trails while hiking near Baltimore, enjoying the historic backdrop and natural beauty of the area. These are some of my favorite historic backdrops for hiking in Baltimore, Maryland.

Oh Say Can You See

Fort McHenry is the most famous historic site on my list. This fort was made legendary when Francis Scott Key penned the words that became the national anthem. What started as a fort for the Revolutionary War in 1776 has had many different duties.

The War of 1812 was the fort’s shining moment, but Fort McHenry also played a role in the Civil War, the First World War, and the Second World War. Fort McHenry was transferred to the Park Service in 1933 to begin a new life as a museum and shrine.

Aerial shot of Fort McHenry, entrance to the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Photo by EyeJoy via iStock by Getty Images

Like many other locals and visitors, I enjoy walking the waterfront pathway around the fort and enjoying the views of Baltimore’s historic harbor. Inside the visitor center, be sure and watch the video detailing the attack of the British during the War of 1812. There is a fee to enter Fort McHenry, but parking and walking the grounds is free.

LOCAL’S TIP: This is an excellent place for hiking in Baltimore, walking your dog, or flying a kite.

Kite flying at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, or Fort Mac to the locals. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

Patterson Park

The War of 1812 is part of Baltimore’s deep and rich history. In the Five Minute video about Patterson Park and the War 1812, learn about the preparations residents made to repel the British troops on the land that is now Patterson Park.

The area was outfitted with a mile-long trench to face the attackers and was so formidable the British reversed their assault on Baltimore.

Enjoy the boardwalk trail along the pond at Patterson Park. Photo by Jon Bilous via iStock by Getty Images

There is so much to check out at this expansive park—take a walk up to the 1892-built pagoda, enjoy birding, take in a variety of sports at nearby athletic fields, take Fido for a walk, or take a seat on a bench and watch the world go by.

Patterson Park Pagoda in Baltimore. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

Cylburn Mansion & Arboretum is Perfect for Hiking in Baltimore

Another walkable historic site to consider is the Cylburn Mansion and Arboretum, which offers a fine place to hike, picnic, bird watching, do yoga, and more.

Jesse Tyson, the heir to Baltimore Chrome Works, built a fabulous mansion between 1863 and 1888. After Jesse finished the mansion and got married, he bragged, “I have the fairest wife, the fastest horses, and the finest house in Maryland.”

Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

What was once an exclusive property can now be visited by mere mortals for free every day except Monday. Offering 3.5 miles of trails, Cylburn is an excellent choice for hiking in Baltimore. On your visit, you can view tall trees, wildlife, and colorful gardens. The hiking paths are relatively easy, but some dirt trails might be best enjoyed in suitable footwear like hiking boots, especially if it has rained recently. Thanks to thoughtfully planned gardens, birds and butterflies abound in the spring and summer.

LOCAL’S TIP: Whole Foods grocery store is just minutes away from Cylburn and is a great place to buy a picnic lunch to enjoy at the park.

Best Outdoor Escapes for Hiking in Baltimore

Dickeyville, Leakin Park, and the Gwynns Falls Trail are some of the best places for hiking in Baltimore. Thanks to the Five Minute video about Dickeyville, I explored this tiny village, then hiked the Gwynns Falls Trail to Leakin Park. I couldn’t believe such an urban refuge existed in Baltimore. On my first weekday visit, I saw only one other person during my hour-long walk.

Gwynns Falls Trail in Baltimore. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

With more than 1,000 acres, this combination of parks and trails is one of the best outdoor escapes from city life anywhere in the US. Pick up the trailhead at Dickeyville or Leakin Park. From Dickeyville, on bicycle or foot, you could go to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor if desired. Much of that trip is on automobile-free trails and much of it along scenic Gwynns Falls Creek.

LOCAL’S TIP: At Leakin Park, be sure and see the mansion that Thomas Winans built and named Crimea. Winans made a fortune helping Russia construct its first railroad.

Canton and the Waterfront

Canton‘s trendy and vibrant neighborhood is popular with young and old residents. Canton was named by the famous ship’s captain John O’Donnell, one of the first Americans to import goods from China successfully. Captain O’Donnell made a fortune from his import business in 1785 and bought over 2,000 acres in modern-day Canton.

O’Donnell Square has several businesses, row homes, and restaurants worth checking out. One of the most popular foodie hotspots is Dangerously Delicious Pies in the Square. They sell savory or sweet pies by the slice or whole pie, and I can attest they are dangerously delicious.

Walk around the square before heading to Canton Waterfront Park for a good starting point on Baltimore’s Waterfront Promenade (BWP) trail. I love hiking the BWP and connecting to the Inner Harbor Trail, sometimes planning lunch at one of many restaurants.

Canton Waterfront Park in Baltimore. Photo by Kurt Jacobson

Italy in Baltimore

While not a park, Little Italy is one tasty place to explore while hiking historic Baltimore. Italians started to populate this neighborhood around the 1870s, and you’ll still see some Italian flags in the community. Many early residents were immigrants coming to the US to provide stone-cutting work or labor for the canneries and clothing factories. These immigrants have left a mark on Baltimore’s history.

Most residents live in narrow rowhomes made of brick and sometimes wrapped in Formstone—a Baltimore classic and one of the five-minute videos. Look at the neat homes and see if you can find vintage stained glass windows or a rare painted screen.

Little Italy in Baltimore. Photo by Dean Ray courtesy of Visit Baltimore

Little Italy is best seen on foot. If you get hungry on your walk, choose from several excellent Italian eateries as you explore the narrow streets. One of my favorites is La Scala on Eastern Avenue, but all five restaurants I’ve tried are excellent.

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When You Go Hiking in Baltimore, Maryland

I encourage you to search the informative Baltimore Heritage videos on Youtube when one of the above places piques your interest. With more than 200 Five Minute Histories videos, I believe you’ll want to visit many historic sites. How much better can it get than hiking in Baltimore with these great historic backdrops? Be sure to check out Wander for more to see and do when you visit Maryland.