The best walks and hikes around Brooklyn Park
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Hiking around Brooklyn Park is characterized by riverside paths, expansive marshlands, and interconnected park trails. The terrain is generally flat, featuring a mix of paved multi-use paths and unpaved nature trails. These routes wind through forests and along the Mississippi River, providing accessible outdoor options within a suburban landscape. The area's extensive network of trails caters to various ability levels.
Best hiking trails around Brooklyn Park
- The most popular hiking route is Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, a 14.8 miles…
Last updated: October 1, 2026
3
hikers
2.87km
00:43
0m
0m
Stroll along the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade for a refreshing urban hike that showcases the city's vibrant harbor. This easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) route takes you past a mix of modern…
1
hikers
2.51km
00:38
10m
10m
Embark on the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade for an easy 1.6-mile (2.5 km) stroll that offers continuous, captivating views of the Inner Harbor and Patapsco River. This route, with its minimal…
23.8km
06:05
100m
80m
The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail offers a unique hiking experience on a paved, mostly flat surface, tracing the route of a historic railroad. You'll journey through varied landscapes, from the…
3.79km
00:59
20m
20m
The Gwynns Falls Trail via Carroll Park offers a refreshing blend of urban green space and historical intrigue, making it a great option for a quick outdoor escape in Baltimore.…
33
hikers
9.63km
02:25
10m
10m
The Baltimore Waterfront Promenade offers a unique urban hiking experience, tracing the city's historic waterfront with continuous views of the Inner Harbor and Patapsco River. You'll traverse diverse surfaces, from…
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Tips from the Community
best ice cream around they even have vegan options well worth the stop
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Fantastic path, smooth, great scenery, no big grades 👍🏻
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The Cattail Creek Natural Area is a beautiful nature preserve in Severna Park. It was created to protect a small pond and the wetlands in the area. It has a nature trail, playground and picnic area.
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This is a beautiful waterside park that hosts a memorial to the Korean War. From here the waterfront promenade begins to make its way along the dockside into center harbor, and as you set off you get great views across Northwest Harbor to Fort McHenry.
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This 17.9-mile stream ends here where it flows into the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It has long served as a crucial transportation corridor in the area. Today, you can observe various types of wildlife, from fish to ducks, in the water.
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Belleview Estates is a stunning neighborhood of exquisite brick homes situated on spacious, well-established lots. The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail is a delightfully paved path that winds its way through the area, providing an idyllic route for a leisurely bike ride amidst breathtaking scenery.
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The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, built in 1856, is the oldest surviving screw-pile lighthouse and the only one of its design. It's maintained by Historic Ships in Baltimore as a museum and has an extensive exhibit of artifacts and information on Chesapeake region lighthouses. It's a true gem of the Chesapeake Bay and a must-visit site for anyone interested in maritime history and architecture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many easy, beginner-friendly hikes in Brooklyn Park?
Yes, the area is very well-suited for beginners and casual walkers. Out of more than 50 trails, the majority are rated as easy. The terrain is generally flat, and many paths, like the popular Canton Waterfront Park to Fell's Point trail, are paved and accessible.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Most parks in the Brooklyn Park area, including the extensive trail system at Elm Creek Park Reserve, are dog-friendly, but they generally require dogs to be on a leash of no more than six feet. Always check the specific regulations for the park you are visiting before you go.
What are some good trails for families with kids?
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is a fantastic choice for families. It features a playground and the Treetop Trail, which is a short, elevated walkway offering great views that are exciting for all ages. Another excellent option is the Fort McHenry Seawall Trail loop, which is short, flat, and offers interesting historical sights.
Where can I find hikes with scenic overlooks or good views?
For impressive river views, head to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. It features an observation walkway on the Coon Rapids Dam. The new Treetop Trail within the same park also provides unique, elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any long-distance hiking trails in the area?
Yes, the Rush Creek Regional Trail is a key long-distance route, stretching for 9.6 miles. It connects the Coon Rapids Dam with the massive Elm Creek Park Reserve, passing through a mix of forest and farmland. For a different kind of long walk, the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade offers a nearly 6-mile urban hike.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Brooklyn Park?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths and the peaceful scenery along the Mississippi River. The mix of paved trails for easy walking and natural paths for a more rustic feel is frequently mentioned as a major positive.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Absolutely. The Palmer Lake Loop is a local favorite, offering a 3.1-mile paved circuit around a large lake and marsh, which is excellent for birdwatching. For a shorter loop, consider the Inner Harbor – USS Torsk (WW II) loop from Charles Center, which is about 2.7 miles long.
What is the best time of year for hiking in Brooklyn Park?
While the trails are accessible year-round, autumn is particularly beautiful when the fall colors are at their peak, especially in the wooded areas along the Mississippi River and within Elm Creek Park Reserve. Summer is also popular, with the mature trees in parks like Hartkopf Park providing welcome shade.
Is there parking available at the main trailheads?
Yes, major parks typically have ample parking. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is known for its large parking area near the visitor center. Elm Creek Park Reserve, being a very large park, also has multiple parking lots spread throughout its grounds to access different trailheads and amenities.
Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls?
The primary natural features in Brooklyn Park are the Mississippi River and the region's many lakes and marshes. While the trails offer beautiful water views, especially from the Coon Rapids Dam, the local terrain is not known for natural waterfalls.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The area is rich in wildlife. Along the river at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, it's common to spot deer, beaver, mink, hawks, and osprey. The marshes around Palmer Lake are a haven for a wide variety of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.
Are the trails free to access?
Yes, the vast majority of hiking trails in Brooklyn Park's city parks and regional trail systems are free to access for walking and hiking. Some larger reserves like Elm Creek Park Reserve may have vehicle entrance fees, so it's always a good idea to check the park's official website before you drive there.
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