8-28-2026 4:05am

Hike All Year

Hunt Valley Life Staff

Hike All Year For Prizes

Miles for Maryland

2026 Maryland State Parks

“Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge

To commemorate the MARYLAND 250, Maryland State Parks is challenging you to hike 250 miles in State Parks this year! Complete the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge as either an individual or as a team. The program kicks off on January 1st with First Day Hikes across Maryland State Parks. Register online, explore Maryland’s State Parks’ trails, track your miles, and earn great prizes!

“Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge Important Details:

Who? Everyone is invited to participate! You may choose to complete the challenge as either an individual or team. (Teams need to designate ONE person as captain for registration and to track miles.)
When? This trail challenge kicks off with First Day Hikes on January 1, 2026, but runs the entire calendar year (Jan 1- Dec 31).
What? Your challenge is to log 250 miles on any Maryland State Park Trail during 2026, as either an individual or team.
Where? In your choice of ANY Maryland State Park! Just remember your miles should be in a MARYLAND STATE PARK for the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge. With over 80 State Parks across Maryland, the best news is that there is probably a State Park within minutes of your home.
Why? To help commemorate America’s 250th (semiquincentennial) and the Maryland 250 we are challenging you to hike 250 miles! Everyone who registers will receive a commemorative keepsake and those who complete 250 miles will also be entered for additional prize drawings.
How? It’s up to YOU on how to track your miles. Use your smart phone, smart watch, or other apps or use trail maps, directional signs and a journal to keep track of your miles. We have also created this fun tracking sheet you may wish to use, but it is entirely up to you. You may be asked for proof of completion for a prize drawing.

Download an Activity Flyer Below!

Miles for Maryland Newsletters

Register online:
Registration starts at $25. Everyone who registers for the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge will receive a commemorative keepsake item for participating. Additional prize drawings will be available for those who complete 250 miles.(Unfortunately, Maryland DNR employees cannot participate in the prize drawing portion of this challenge.)

IMPORTANT: When you register you'll get a six digit code (the order invoice number). Keep that code handy, because it is how you'll submit your completed miles for the prize drawing.

Your registration fee is a donation to the Maryland Park Service. Park entry fees will apply.
Consider purchasing your Annual State Park & Trail Passport, if you don’t already have one. The passport is $75 for Maryland residents/$100 for out-of-state residents and is valid for one year from the month of purchase. The annual pass offers unlimited day-use admission for everyone in the vehicle (up to 10 people) to Maryland's state parks and facilities, unlimited boat launching at all applicable state park facilities and a ten percent discount on state-operated concession items and boat rentals.

Things to keep in mind:

Teams need to designate ONE person as captain for registration and to track miles.
Some parks are very busy during summer weekends and holidays and may fill to capacity, please be aware of this when planning for your trail challenges. Day-use reservations may be required for Weekend and Holiday visits Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at certain parks. You can make your day use reservation by clicking here.
Stay for a while! Make your reservations now to camp at a Maryland State Park or even stay in a cabin or yurt while you complete the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge! You can make a reservation by clicking here.
If you have any questions about the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge, use this form, we'll be monitoring this all year and will get back to you as soon as we can.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How many miles each week or month do I need to hike to get to 250 miles in a year?
With 52 weeks in a year, your weekly total is just under 5 miles per week (4.8 miles to be exact), adding up to just over 20 miles per month (20.8 to be exact).

What is the difference between participating as an individual or a team?
If you are participating as a team, the team is working to complete 250 miles total. If you have 4 people, and you take a 2 mile hike, the team has completed 8 miles. As an individual, you are logging only your miles and working to complete 250 miles total, however you do not have to hike by yourself.

How many miles is a 5K?
A 5K is equal to 3.1 miles or 5,000 meters. Several State Parks host 5K Races, so be sure to keep an eye out for those opportunities during 2026.