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Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Baltimore

With 40 percent of American households owning at least one dog, American families spend a significant amount of time with their dogs when not at work. When Americans are at home, they want to relax with their dogs, but they also want to go out to exercise with them. There are a large number of dog-friendly hiking trails within a short drive from Baltimore. The Woodland Trail at Rock Creek Park Nature Center and United States National Arboretum are both perfect for owners who want to walk with their dogs. Read on for a list of these and other places that provide a perfect outdoor escape for you and your dog.

The Woodland Trail
Rock Creek Park Nature Center
5200 Glover Road, NW
Washington, D.C. 20015
www.nps.gov

The Rock Creek Park Nature Center includes an array of facilities, including the children's discovery room, the Discover Rock Creek bilingual (Spanish and English) exhibit, and a self-guiding interpretive trail, the Woodland Trail. The Woodland Trail, a half-mile self-guiding interpretive trail, begins behind the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. There is also a 1/4-mile wheelchair accessible trail called the Edge of the Woods Trail. The Edge of the Woods Trail begins at the entrance to the Rock Creek Park Nature Center.

United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave., NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 245-2726
www.usna.usda.gov

The United States National Arboretum was founded in 1927 by an Act of Congress. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States National Arboretum "enhances the economic, environmental and aesthetic value of ornamental and landscape plants." Located in Northwest D.C., the United States National Arboretum has entrances on New York Ave. and R St. The United States National Arboretum is situated on 446 acres with 9.5 miles of winding roadways. With no entrance or admission fee, the United States National Arboretum is the perfect place to bring your pet for a walk. All pets must be leashed and under the control of their owner at all times.

Trolly Line #9 Trail
Edmonson Ave. & Stonewall St.
Catonsville, MD 21228
www.traillink.com

From Catonsville to Ellicott City, the Trolley Line #9 Trail is a "boardwalk" trail. This boardwalk trail "curves between the bluffs of massive rocks." Hand-cut in the 1890s, the granite walls of this boardwalk trail were used for the electric streetcars that traveled from Ellicott City to Catonsville. The 100-foot-high granite walls create a "striking gateway to the trail" for the Trolly Line #9 Trail. The trail, four miles in length, is a perfect place to take your dog for a walk or run uphill, through the woods, and by a stream.

Related:  Best Dog Runs In Baltimore

Patapsco Valley State Park--Avalon, Glen Artney, And Orange Grove Area
5120 South St.
Halethorpe, MD 21227
dnr2.maryland.gov

The Patapsco Valley State Park encompasses over 16,000 acres along 32 miles of the Patapsco River. The Patapsco Valley State Park has eight developed recreational areas, hiking trails, fishing areas, campsites, mountain bike trails and horseback riding paths. The Avalon, Glen Artney, and Orange Grove areas of Patapsco Valley State Park all allow pets on their trails. All pets must be on a leash at all times in the Patapsco Valley State Park.

Gwynn Falls Trails
Baltimore City Recreation & Parks
1901 Eagle Drive in Leakin Park
Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 396-0440
www.gwynnsfallstrail.org

Fifteen miles in length, the Gwynn Falls Trails pass through over 30 different communities in west, southwest, and south Baltimore. The 15-mile trail connects hikers and walkers to 2,000 scenic acres of parkland. The trail includes recreational opportunities, environmental education, parks, cultural resources and historic landmarks. Operated and maintained by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks, Gwynn Falls Trails was created as a public/private partnership to benefit Baltimore and surrounding communities.

Related: Ask A Baltimore Expert: How To Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

Jill Berry @MusingsfromMe is a writer who stays at home or a SAHM who writesit depends on the day and her mood. While playing a writer on the internet, Jill has the gray hair AND blogposts from raising a kid, a preteen, and a teen. When not blogging at Musings from Me, Jill seizes family time whenever she candinner as a family, movie night, marathon family game sessions, travelingyou name it she wants to do it.

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