Hiking in Easton MD

Easton is not known for high-elevation trails or rugged terrain, but it offers a consistent network of parks, preserves, and walking paths that support short hikes, extended nature walks, and steady outdoor routines. The landscape includes wooded areas, tidal wetlands, and managed open space — ideal for low-impact hiking. Trails are typically flat and well-maintained, making them accessible year-round.

The following locations are the most reliable options for hiking in Easton MD and offer a practical mix of distance, scenery, and convenience.

The Rails-to-Trails pathway runs through the center of Easton and connects multiple neighborhoods and commercial districts. It’s built along a former rail line and is a continuous paved path for walking, running, and light cycling. This trail best suits those seeking a structured walking route close to town. While it doesn’t offer wilderness views, it provides a direct, traffic-free route for regular exercise. The trail includes benches, shade trees, and signage marking distance and intersections. It’s commonly used by locals and provides one of the most accessible options for daily hiking in Easton MD.

Pickering Creek Audubon Center has over four miles of natural surface trails that run through forests, fields, and tidal marshland. The preserve covers over 400 acres and emphasizes environmental stewardship and observation of wildlife. Trails are marked and include short loops, connector trails, and longer out-and-back segments. Hikers will pass through habitats that attract birds, amphibians, and native plants. Boardwalks cross sections of wetlands, and viewing platforms are positioned throughout the property. The trails are flat and typically dry, with sections that offer views of Pickering Creek.

Idlewild Park is located near the center of Easton and includes a short paved loop that runs through mature trees, open lawns, and near a small stream. The trail is wide enough for walking and jogging, with steady use throughout the week. It connects to nearby recreational facilities but remains focused on passive movement. This loop is best for short hikes or as part of a larger circuit through the surrounding neighborhood. The loop can be extended by walking nearby residential blocks or by connecting to the Rails-to-Trails path.

Located near the Tred Avon River, Easton Point is undergoing gradual redevelopment, including new trails and river access improvements. The area includes short footpaths and paved walkways along the riverbank and nearby fields. The setting offers water views, active docks, and open sky. While still developing, Easton Point is becoming a stop for light hiking and riverside walks, especially for those looking to build a longer loop that includes local streets. Trails are short but can be repeated or combined with walking through nearby industrial and waterfront areas.

Located about 30 miles south of Easton, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers extensive flatland hiking through tidal marshes, forested edges, and wildlife observation areas. The refuge includes over 20 miles of trails, with popular routes like the Key Wallace Trail and the Marsh Edge Trail providing views of freshwater ponds, wetland ecosystems, and bird migration paths. Blackwater is particularly popular among birders and nature photographers, but its open space and uninterrupted trails make it an equally strong destination for consistent hiking close to Easton.

Tuckahoe State Park is located about 25 miles north of Easton and offers over 20 miles of multi-use trails that loop through forested land and alongside Tuckahoe Creek. The trails vary in length and surface type, with options for both short day hikes and longer excursions. The Tuckahoe Valley Trail and the Creekside Cliff Trail are among the most scenic, offering access to water views and shaded hillsides. The park also has a lake and campground, making it a good destination for combined recreation and hiking. Trail users can expect to encounter quiet woodland terrain, footbridges, and compact soil routes that stay navigable through most of the year.

Wye Island NRMA is situated about 20 miles northwest of Easton and offers a remote-feeling hiking experience with well-maintained natural trails. The site is surrounded by the Wye River and includes more than 12 miles of trails, most of which pass through hardwood forest, marshland, and meadow areas. The Ferry Landing Trail and Schoolhouse Woods Trail are two of the most frequently used routes. The trails are flat, quiet, and ideal for hikers looking to avoid paved surfaces and stay immersed in natural surroundings. Trailheads are easy to access by car, and wildlife sightings are common.

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is about 30 miles north of Easton and offers several miles of trails focused on tidal habitat and shoreline ecosystems. The center’s trails include boardwalks, open fields, wooded buffers, and direct access to the bay’s edge. Trail names and maps are available at the entrance, with well-marked loops like the Marshy Creek Trail and the Lake Trail offering manageable distances. Hikers can explore multiple ecosystems in a single visit, with views of osprey nests, wetlands, and open water. The setting is open but well-maintained, and trails remain accessible even in damp conditions.

Located about 20 miles southeast of Easton, Martinak State Park offers forested trails along the Choptank River and Watts Creek. The park’s main trail system includes the Fitness Trail and River Trail, which loop through pine woods and offer access to water-facing overlooks. The flat and compact terrain makes it suitable for casual walking, jogging, or extended hikes. Martinak also includes a small lake and open fields near the visitor center, which can be used to build custom loops or extend the time on foot. The park’s low elevation and consistent surface make it an easy addition to any regular hiking routine near Easton.

If you plan to buy or sell real estate in Easton or anywhere on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Benson & Mangold offers unmatched local expertise and a full range of real estate services. With over 100 full-time agents — each bringing an average of 20 years of experience — this team is equipped to handle residential properties, commercial ventures, waterfront homes, farms, and high-end estates. As a locally rooted firm with a long-standing reputation for service, Benson & Mangold remains a trusted partner for real estate throughout Easton and the surrounding region.

Explore Easton real estate and contact Benson & Mangold today.