Black Hill Regional Park is a hidden gem, just outside of the DC metro area. With hiking & biking trails, water activities, and an inviting beach, this park has a little something for anyone looking to escape the city.
The Trails
The park has more than 20 miles of paved or natural hiking trails. The paved trails makes it very easy for all levels of ability to stroll through the park. The trails weave around the park. They trails aren’t marked very frequently, so I recommend having your AllTrails map on your phone to ensure that you stay on the right trail.
Black Hill Loop Trail – Tootsie and I took this loop around the park. At nearly 3 miles, this trail is mixed between the paved trail and natural trail. It’s a fairly clear path of roots and rocks, but you will have a few hills. You’ll pass the beach and visitor center, dog play area, lakes and streams. And I was lucky enough to pass the pre-school where laughter filled the air.
The Beach
I visited in the off season (Nov), so a lot of the activities were closed. It looks like you can boat, swim, and picnic. I recommend checking the services on the parks website.
Missy’s Honest Take
Who this park is perfect for: DC metro residents who need to get out of the city without a long drive, and anyone looking for a real outdoor day — trails, water, beach, dog park — within striking distance of one of the most urban corridors in the country. This is also great for families with dogs; Tootsie loved the loop and the dog park has separate areas for large and small dogs.
The thing nobody tells you: Most DC-area people don’t know this park exists, which is exactly why it’s worth knowing about. Off of 260 and minutes from the beltway, it feels like a completely different world. The Black Hill Loop takes you past the beach, the visitor center, and through stretches of forest that make you forget the city entirely.
Worth combining with: You’re in Montgomery County, which has an excellent regional park system. If you want more after Black Hill, Seneca Creek State Park is nearby and offers more trail mileage.
Basics
Location: 20930 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841
Parking: Lots of parking throughout the park.
Bathrooms: Some restrooms are available throughout the park
Pet regulations: Pets are allowed. Tootsie loved the hiking trail. Check the park website or the Visitor Center for any pet restrictions.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall are gorgeous — the trails are shaded and the lake views are at their best. You visited in November and found it worthwhile even off-season, which says a lot. Summer brings the beach activities fully online: boating, swimming, and the full park experience. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter than weekends.
How long to plan for: The 3-mile Black Hill Loop is a solid two hours at a comfortable pace. Add beach time or water activities and you’ve got a full half-day easily. Download your AllTrails map before you arrive — the trails aren’t frequently marked and cell service can be patchy in spots.