15 Maryland Waterfall And Gorge Routes Where Dogs Can Join The Hike

Maryland hides a surprising amount of falling water, from a 78-foot cascade near Thurmont to mossy gorges carved by the Gunpowder River. The best part for leash-holders?

Most of these routes allow leashed dogs, although some have seasonal or area-specific restrictions. Checking the current pet rules before heading out can help you avoid arriving at a trail where dogs are temporarily restricted.

Here are fifteen routes worth marking on the map.

1. Cunningham Falls Lower Trail

Interpretive signs and benches make this an easy introduction to Maryland’s tallest waterfall. The Lower Trail in the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park runs 0.5 mile one way to the falls, with the option of returning by the same trail or the Cliff Trail.

The 78-foot cascade is the payoff. Leashed dogs are welcome on every trail here.

One catch: pups stay off the sandy beach and lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

2. Cunningham Falls Cliff Trail

Prefer your waterfall views earned the hard way? The Cliff Trail climbs about three quarters of a mile one way through rock outcrops above the same Thurmont falls, and many hikers loop it with the Lower Trail.

Expect scrambling, roots and uneven footing. Big dogs with good traction thrive here.

Smaller pups may struggle with the steep rock steps, so plan an honest turnaround point.

3. Kilgore Falls Trail

Short hike, big reward. At roughly a third of a mile, the path in the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park, 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, leads to a 17-foot vertical drop.

A wooden bridge, a fork and a stream crossing keep things interesting. One branch reaches the base, the other an upper outlook.

Leashed dogs are fine. Reservations are required for the Kilgore Falls and Falling Branch Area on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

4. Cascade Falls Trail

Quarter of a mile in, water already tumbles into a quiet pool. That quick payoff makes Cascade Falls in the Avalon area of Patapsco Valley State Park a favorite between Baltimore and Washington.

Park at Orange Grove and follow the 2.1-mile stream route past additional small falls. Terrain is unpaved and gently hilly.

Leashed dogs are welcome, connectors stretch the day to 3.9 miles, and a small entrance fee applies.

5. Swallow Falls Canyon Trail

Several waterfalls are found along the 1.25-mile Canyon Trail near Oakland, including Muddy Creek Falls, the highest free-falling waterfall in Maryland. The trail passes through old-growth forest and follows the gorge near 2470 Maple Glade Road.

Old-growth hemlocks shade rocky gorges above the Youghiogheny River.

Timing matters hugely: pets are barred from the day-use area, including this loop, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visit off-peak.

6. Billy Goat Trail Section B

Section A gets the glory, but Section B quietly wins for dog owners. Leashed pups are welcome along this 1.4-mile stretch in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park at Potomac.

Start from the Anglers parking area, weave through floodplain forest, then pop out on rocky Potomac banks. Small scrambles appear, nothing extreme.

Link with the towpath for a 2.8-mile loop. Birders love the quieter soundtrack here.

7. Billy Goat Trail Section C

Flat, friendly and free to enter, Section C is where nervous first-timers relax. Easiest access is the Carderock Recreation Area in Potomac, and the route runs 1.6 miles.

No rock scrambling is involved, which senior dogs and short legs genuinely appreciate.

River glimpses appear through the trees, and parking sits close by. Keep the leash clipped and you have a low-stress outing inside a national historical park.

8. McKeldin Rapids Trail

Rushing whitewater greets you almost immediately at the start of this route in the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park, reached from Marriottsville Road.

The Rapids Trail itself is 0.7 mile and leads to a cascading rapid on the Patapsco River. Longer hikes in the McKeldin Area can be created by connecting it with other trails.

Footing stays mostly flat, though one slanted sheer rock face demands slow paws when wet. Leashed dogs are permitted, so pack a towel for muddy feet.

9. Sawmill Branch Trail

Little trail, big personality. Running about half a mile to eight tenths, Sawmill Branch connects the Hilltop Parking Area to the Grist Mill Trail in Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City.

Leashed dogs are allowed, and the rocky stream bed serves up occasional mini waterfalls.

Downed trees, roots and chunky rock make it technical rather than tiring. Treat it as an out-and-back, since the far end drops off at the river.

10. Forest Glen and Sawmill Branch Loop

Stitch two short trails together and you get a satisfying morning. Forest Glen Trail is 0.6 mile and has several steep grades, while Sawmill Branch Trail is 0.9 mile and follows the stream past scenic pools and glades.

The two can be connected with other Hilton Area trails for a longer outing.

Both sit in Patapsco Valley State Park near Ellicott City, and both allow leashed pets.

Mixing them gives variety: easy cruising first, technical stream scenery second. Handy when your pup wants mileage without a mountain.

11. Big Gunpowder Falls River Trail

Rapids, hardwood forest and miles of options: welcome to the Central Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park near Belair Road in Baltimore County.

Loop trails in the Sweathouse Branch Wildlands wind through tall trees above the Big Gunpowder Falls river.

Leashed pets are allowed throughout the park’s undeveloped areas, which covers most of what you will hike. Sections turn steep, rocky and slick, so boots with grip beat sandals every time.

12. Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail

Anglers named it, hikers adopted it. Once called the Gunpowder South Trail, this riverside path in the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park runs from Prettyboy Reservoir toward Big Falls Road, with markers at Masemore Road.

Leashed dogs join happily here.

Rocky stretches and short steep pitches keep it lively, and bikes are banned, so the woods stay calm. Over 20 miles of wildlands trails branch out nearby.

13. Sweet Air Little Gunpowder Trails

Shade and water access: two things every panting pup votes for. The Sweet Air Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park packs 18 miles of blazed trails along the Little Gunpowder Falls.

Park at 2840 Dalton Bevard Road in Baldwin, then pick a loop.

Leashed pets are welcome in these undeveloped areas, hours run sunrise to sunset, and there is no entrance fee. Budget-friendly and wonderfully sniffable.

14. Prettyboy Hiking Trail

Mossy boulders, hemlock shade and a dam finale give this northern Baltimore County route real drama. Access points include Masemore Road and Gunpowder Road near Parkton and Hampstead.

Trails around Prettyboy Reservoir include routes through the Hereford Area and Prettyboy Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area. Route lengths and names vary by access point, so check the current trail map before choosing a specific loop.

Those first two river miles are the prettiest. Leashed pets are permitted, but expect overgrown patches, rock scrambles and a shorter 2.6-mile alternative.

15. C&O Canal River Trail at Great Falls

Wide, flat gravel along a historic canal makes the towpath at Great Falls a joint-friendly classic for older dogs and small puppies alike.

Leashed pets are welcome on the towpath itself, and it links the Billy Goat sections together.

Know the boundary, though: pets are not allowed on the Great Falls Overlook boardwalk or on Olmsted Island. Check the park’s current fee information before visiting, as entrance fees may apply.