hiking in MD

I'd like to find out about various hiking trails and such in Maryland, N VA, etc., basically something that can be done in a day, including the drive to get there, starting from Annapolis area. Does anyone have any thoughts about the various hiking/trail books for this region? It can include DE, N VA, PA, WV as well. Thanks.

When I was in high school I went to Harper's Ferry on a class field trip.
You can hike up the Maryland Heights Trail and get a great view of the town. It's great if you're only got a few hours. A more longer day hike will take you up to a military encampment. Don't forget good shoes!!

Starting from Annapolis, the obvious thing is the B&A trail, which is a hiker/biker trail that goes from basically downtown Annapolis to BWI Airport. It's paved and has fairly high bike ridership on nice days, though, which can make it aggravating to walk.

Striking out a bit farther, Gunpowder Falls State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park both have great, more natural hiking trails, as does the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge.

If you're willing to drive 1-2 hours, the possibilites increase greatly - I like the recreational trails along Paint Branch Creek and the South Branch of the Anacostia, and the C&O Canal Trail, but there's lots more - and if you go three hours, you have everything from Assateague Island National Seashore to one of the most heavily travelled sections of the Appalachian Trail. And that's just in Maryland.

I'll keep my eye out for book recs, but most of mine are inherited and at least 30 years out-of-date. ;)

The best hiking trails that I know of are those at Loch Raven Reservoir, north of Baltimore, between Seminary Avenue and the reservoir to the north. These are very popular with cyclists as well. There is a good trail along, or within sight of, the lake that runs for about seven miles.
You can park on Seminary Ave. just west of Dulaney Valley Rd. (Rt. 146) exit 27N, I-695. Seminary Ave. is about one mile north of I-695.
To follow the trail, go east and cross Dulaney Valley Rd. Then follow the trail on the north side of Seminary to the gated fire road past the stone bridge. Past the entrance, the good trail is the first Left in the middle of the first upgrade. Don't worry about getting lost; all trails lead back to the fire road, where you simply head west to return to your car.

I'll ask hubby, the Scout leader, for suggestions around Annapolis. I gave him Outdoor Escapes Washington, D.C.. More focused on the DC metro area, obviously, but includes some lesser-known options.