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Annapolis Waterworks Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 170 Google reviews · Running trail in Annapolis, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Annapolis Waterworks Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Public woodland park offering miles of hiking trails, plus picnic areas & fishing (catch & release).
What runners say about Annapolis Waterworks Park
“Gorgeous views of the water, challenging moments of the hike, and plenty of sinage, this spot is especially beautiful in mid-March—provided it’s not too muddy.”
Great place for biking and hiking natural trails. About 11 miles cut in all by volunteers. No parking inside Waterworks without annual pass but plenty of parking near entrance off Housely Road.
We hiked on this trail for the first time today. The easiest access is via the Housley loop, since there is parking right across the street behind PetSmart. The Housely loop is about a mile in length. We walked that trail, going left, to the connector that led along the Defense Highway side, down towards the dam.
This park offers some very nice, long trails. When hiking, it's hard to believe that you're so close to busy Annapolis. There are nice views of the reservoir, both at lake level on one side, and higher views from the other. The only issue is the lack of parking.
The trails are well marked, reasonably maintained, and scenic. The trails also are long enough to provide decent exercise.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous views of the water, challenging moments of the hike, and plenty of sinage, this spot is especially beautiful in mid-March—provided it’s not too muddy.”
“The easiest access is via the Housley loop, since there is parking right across the street behind PetSmart.”
“Gorgeous views of the water, challenging moments of the hike, and plenty of sinage, this spot is especially beautiful in mid-March—provided it’s not too muddy.”
“The easiest access is via the Housley loop, since there is parking right across the street behind PetSmart.”
“The trails are well marked, reasonably maintained, and scenic.”
Plan your run at Annapolis Waterworks Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteannapolis.gov
- Phone(410) 263-7958
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Annapolis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Broad Creek Park Trailhead
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Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Trailhead)
4.7 ★★★★★ 160 reviews
Mountain biking and hiking area offering over 20 miles of single-track trails.
Truxtun Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 651 reviews
City park offering a boat launch, a recreation center & a seasonal pool with classes.
