A new hiking guide to the many superb trails and recreation areas, accessible to hikers throughout the Washington, DC area. Maryland is one of the most densely populated states in the Union, yet miles of hiking trails weave throughout its natural areas. Assateague Island contains a 26-mile trail along the Atlantic shoreline with backcountry campsites. The C&O Canal Trail stretches 184 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, and 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail pass through the state. The 29-mile Catoctin Trail links three state parks, while Catoctin Mountain National Park alone has 50 miles of hiking trails. And an abundance of state and regional parks and forests offer additional pathways, making it possible to be less than a 30-minute drive from a hike no matter where you are in the state. Hikes are concentrated around one of the most densely populated regions of the US, and range from a 1.2-mile ramble in Swallow Falls State Park to a 4-day backpacking trip across Maryland's width. An overview chart at the beginning of the book provides information on the 50 hikes at a glance. Each hike description includes directions to the trailhead, a detailed account of the route, a map, and entertaining asides on natural and historical points of interest. 50 black and white photographs, 51 maps.