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Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Trailhead)
4.7 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Running trail in Annapolis, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Trailhead)'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.
Mountain biking and hiking area offering over 20 miles of single-track trails.
What runners say about Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Trailhead)
“With the extra miles of trails you come across people much less frequently, and the trails are beautiful.”
These trails dry out the fastest in all of MD. If you wanna rip some mountain biking after rain, go here. If you loop from one lot to the other and back, expect about 12 miles.
Great trails for mountain bikers, hikers, runners, or casual strollers 10 minutes from downtown Annapolis. There are now a little over 7 miles of well-maintained single track trails with hopefully more coming in 2017-18. The new "P" signs at every trail intersection point the closest way back to the parking lot.
Fantastic trail system here. Lots of fast and flowy single track. Nothing really technical although there are a lot of roots. Phase 1 and 2 are pretty straightforward, and Phase 3 is a little more challenging with some pretty steep short climbs.
My go to local spot for riding mountain bikes. You have over +20 miles of single tracks out there and has a jump park area as well. Open all hikers & mountain bikers. Trails go both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Trail conditions & character
“There are now a little over 7 miles of well-maintained single track trails with hopefully more coming in 2017-18.”
“The new "P" signs at every trail intersection point the closest way back to the parking lot.”
“Deep into the path I got worried that the trail wasn't gonna loop, checked my gps (great service {T-mobile}) and kept walking.”
“You have to keep an eye out for mountain bikers, but they are respectful and the views from the top of the ravines make you feel like you are in the western MD mountains.”
“Great trails for mountain bikers, hikers, runners, or casual strollers 10 minutes from downtown Annapolis.”
Plan your run at Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Hawkins Trailhead)
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteaacounty.org
- Phone(410) 222-2844
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–5:30 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.
Annapolis Waterworks Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 170 reviews
Public woodland park offering miles of hiking trails, plus picnic areas & fishing (catch & release).
Broad Creek Park Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews
