Prettyboy Hiking Trail - Parkton, MD
Prettyboy Hiking Trail Dog-Friendly Park in Parkton, Maryland
Nestled in the scenic beauty of northern Baltimore County, Prettyboy Hiking Trail offers pet-friendly trails perfect for dog owners looking for a peaceful outdoor adventure. This picturesque location is known for its easy-to-moderate hikes along the Prettyboy Reservoir, providing stunning water views and a quiet spot for photography, fishing, and relaxation. The area is less crowded than many parks, allowing you and your furry friend to enjoy some tranquility while exploring nature together.
The trails wind through wooded areas and lead down to a clear lake, ideal for active dogs that love to hike and splash in the water. While the path to the reservoir can be steep, the destination rewards you with beautiful vistas and a chance to unwind on the rocks or by the water’s edge. Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to find another small lot nearby. Please note that the trails are not always perfectly maintained—expect some downed trees and natural terrain—making it better suited for adventurous pups and owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple pet-friendly trails around the Prettyboy Reservoir.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs can access the reservoir for swimming.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is limited and may fill up on busy days.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park is generally quiet and not crowded; you may only see a handful of people during your visit.
- Are there other dog parks or trails nearby? There are multiple trail access points and small parking lots surrounding the reservoir if your first choice is full.
Reviews
Super easy short hike to a gorgeous lake. The water is clear, the fish always jumping, the birds glide through the sky without a care in the world. Great place for sitting on the rocks to read, play music, soak up some sun.
Amazing Great place to hike, not a lot of people there you can count on 1 hand how many people you might see, it’s gorgeous for Photography, very scenic, the bridge is great. A couple people were fishing there as well as 2 boats in the water fishing as well, getting down to the water is a bit cumbersome because it’s steep but once you are down there it’s very nice, not sure I would bring the kids, it’s not really kept up the trails. Also not sure what the parking situation would be if there were a lot of people visiting at the same time because the parking area is very small you can fit maybe 10 cars.
Gorgeous. Not much of a hike. More like a walk on an edge. The water and view definitely live up to it’s name. Parking lot fits about 5 cars at most. Free entry. If this one gets full there are a few other spots around if you drive far enough to stop at. I would definitely go back to go fishing.
Great place to take a hike, lots of different trails around the reservoir.
(DONT WALK BAREFOOT, near the water) please stop drinking and shattering bottles everywhere. I spent 20 minutes cleaning it up the other day. Biking isn’t really possible with all the tress that are down, sure does make it a fun hiking trip though.