The best walks and hikes around Bel Air

The Walls-Cook Trail offers a delightful mix of fine gravel, grassy paths, and single-track sections, winding through natural wooded areas and crossing bridges. While the scenery isn't dramatic, the changing terrain keeps things interesting, especially as you transition from campus-adjacent paths to more secluded sections. It's a great way to experience a bit of nature without venturing too far from town, providing a pleasant escape for an easy hike.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is open from sunrise to sunset. You can start your adventure from either the intersection of Thomas Run Road and Medical Hall Road or from Prospect Mill Park, both offering convenient access. This 3.7-mile (5.9 km) route, with its 242 feet (74 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a casual stroll. Dogs are welcome, provided they are leashed and their waste is properly managed.

Located at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland, the Walls-Cook Trail is a popular route for both hikers and mountain bikers. It's well-marked with blazes, and double blazes indicate a turn, ensuring you stay on track. While generally beginner-friendly, be aware of a moderate, somewhat rocky climb in the middle section. This trail is a solid choice for families or anyone looking for a quick, accessible outdoor activity.

The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Forest Hill Section offers a delightful, easygoing experience through pleasant wooded areas, perfect for a quick escape into nature. You'll enjoy the sounds of babbling brooks and might spot wildlife in the marsh areas, all while walking on a predominantly flat, gravel surface. This 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route, with its minimal 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward walk.

Planning your visit to this section of the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail is straightforward. Parking is generally available at the trailhead, and the route is easily accessible. Be aware that the trail occasionally runs alongside a sidewalk and requires crossing several roads. It's a great choice for dog owners, as pets are welcome.

This trail gets its name from the historic Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad corridor it follows, and you'll find trailside signs providing interesting historical and environmental context. The Forest Hill section is part of a larger ongoing project to connect separate trail segments, aiming to create a continuous route stretching between 7 and 8 miles, enhancing its regional significance.

The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Bel Air Section offers a refreshing departure from typical rail-trails, providing a varied hiking experience through wooded areas and open views. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from crushed stone to boardwalks, and enjoy scenic spots like the Winters Run River and an overlook of the Harford County Equestrian Center. This moderate 5.8-mile (9.3 km) route, with 244 feet (74 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 27 minutes, making it a great option for a dynamic walk.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking available at spots like Heavenly Waters Park. The trail is well-maintained and features water fountains, making it convenient for a day out. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly trail, with some sections even suitable for strollers, so you can bring everyone along for the adventure.

Beyond its natural beauty, the trail holds historic significance, following the former Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, with interpretive signs along the way. You can also take a steeply sloped side trail to the historic Liriodendron Mansion. This trail connects various parks, including Annie's Playground, and is a popular route for those seeking a blend of nature, history, and community in Bel Air.

The Ma & Pa Trail loop from Heavenly Waters Park offers a charming and varied hiking experience, blending natural beauty with local landmarks. You'll wander through pleasant wooded areas, enjoying the shade and the sounds of nature, before encountering open views of the Harford County Equestrian Center. The trail surface changes from crushed stone to paved sections and even includes a scenic boardwalk on the Edgeley Grove section, making for a dynamic journey.

This easy 3.8-mile (6.2 km) loop, with a modest 237 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at Heavenly Waters Park, which also features a dog park if you're bringing your canine companion. It's a great option for a relaxed outing, suitable for families and beginners, and is enjoyable throughout the year.

Beyond the natural features like an active marsh and the historic bitternut hickory tree, the trail boasts historical significance as a former railroad corridor. You can even take a side trail to the historic Liriodendron mansion, adding a cultural dimension to your hike. The route also includes a unique lighted tunnel and connects to Annie's Playground, making it a true community gem.