Gunpowder Falls State Park - Glen Arm, MD
Gunpowder Falls State Park: Dog-Friendly Trails in Glen Arm, Maryland
Gunpowder Falls State Park is a scenic destination for outdoor lovers and their canines, offering dog-friendly hiking just outside Baltimore in Glen Arm, Maryland. While not a traditional fenced dog park, the miles of pet-friendly trails along the Gunpowder River are ideal for on-leash adventures through Maryland’s beautiful woods and riverbanks. Enjoy diverse wildlife, including herons and geese, and wild terrain that’s both tranquil and exciting for dogs who like to explore.
With access to the river for wading, shady forested trails, and picturesque spots for a day outdoors, the park is popular with local families and hikers. Keep in mind the trails can be overgrown in places and maintenance may be inconsistent, so come prepared for adventure and expect possible mud or briars after rain. Gunpowder Falls is perfect for those seeking pet-friendly hikes, scenic views, and a relaxed outing in Glen Arm’s natural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Gunpowder Falls State Park features extensive hiking trails that are dog-friendly.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is access to the Gunpowder River, suitable for wading and water play for dogs who enjoy getting wet.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trails offer plenty of natural shade from the forested landscape.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is accessible in all seasons, offering delightful scenery year-round.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails may become muddy or covered in briars after rainy weather.
- Are there other dog parks or trails nearby? While the park itself is extensive, it connects with multiple trails across the Glen Arm, MD area.
Reviews
Someone clean out this dump asap.
Very quiet & relaxing. Hadn’t planned on stopping so I had a little trouble finding trails on the fly.
Love the gunpowder river! It’s perfect for wading, fishing, and sunbathing. When the gunpowder is high enough it can be rafted or kayaked. The diversity of flora and fauna is wonderful. Great place for outdoorsmen and families.
It was a long, nearly 16 mile hike this time that took me 7 hours. There weren’t any huge changes in elevation along the entire hike so it was fairly simple. In order to make things interesting I scrambled up 2 different rock faces, climbed up a slippery section of stream, climbed to the top of a fallen tree, and clambered around the pot rocks section, all of which was really fun. I was along the water pretty much the whole time and there where plenty of Geese, Great Blue Herons, and other water fowl. Blazes were marked consistently, I figured I’d give Alltrails a go and surprisingly it was super convenient. I think I’m gonna use it from now on. The trail was closed at I-95 and I’m thankful because I would have gone further and the return trip would have been more grueling. I like to travel light with the items that I bring. It’s usually a bag of trail mix, map, phone, ID, car key, and hiking stick that’s it no water, I drink before I walk so I’m not carrying a heavy water bottle. Overall, the scenery was nice and it was a cool and cloudy spring day, honestly, couldn’t ask for nicer weather.
Zero trail maintenance on even main trails. Practically impassable at times. Took panther trail to gunpowder south – nothing but briars.