The Maryland Park Service is inviting residents and visitors to participate in the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge, a year-long effort to hike 250 miles within Maryland State Parks in 2026 as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The challenge encourages individuals and teams to get outdoors, stay active, and explore the state’s diverse parks while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Maryland, often called “America in Miniature,” offers a range of landscapes from coastal shores to forested trails that participants can discover.
Registration costs $25 and includes a keepsake item. Those who complete the full 250 miles in 2026 become eligible for a prize drawing. Submitting photos with mileage reports enters participants in additional monthly prize drawings. Registration is available through the DNR Outdoor Store at www.shopdnr.com. Team participants designate one leader to register and report miles, using the order invoice number.
The challenge runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026. All miles must be hiked inside Maryland State Parks during that year to qualify for prizes. Participants track miles by any method, such as smartphone apps, maps, or journals, and submit reports monthly via a form on the Miles for Maryland webpage, including the invoice number. Team leaders report miles hiked in each park each month. Proof of completion may be requested.
Families can involve children by using a tracking coloring sheet available on the webpage. Participants are encouraged to bring Myles the Squirrel, a printable adventure buddy from the site, and share photos with the Maryland Park Service and Maryland Department of Natural Resources on social media (@marylanddnr).
Registration does not cover park entry fees, which may apply at some locations. The Annual State Park & Trail Passport provides unlimited day-use admission for up to 10 people per vehicle, boat launching, and a 10 percent discount on concessions and rentals. It costs $75 for Maryland residents and $100 for out-of-state visitors, valid for one year from purchase month.
Participants should plan around busy periods, as some parks reach capacity on summer weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Day-use reservations are required at certain parks during those times and can be made at https://www.parkdayuse.maryland.gov/. Camping reservations for stays in tents, cabins, or yurts are recommended and available at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov/.
To reach 250 miles, participants need about 4.8 miles per week or 20.8 miles per month. Hiking 21 miles monthly would meet the goal by December. Individuals log their own miles toward 250. Teams combine miles collectively—for example, four people hiking 2 miles each counts as 8 miles for the team.
A 5K equals 3.1 miles, and some parks host 5K races that can contribute to totals.
Southern Maryland offers accessible options for the challenge. Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby features trails leading to fossil-rich cliffs along the Chesapeake Bay, with about 13 miles of hiking paths. St. Mary’s River State Park includes a 250-acre lake and trails for fishing and exploration. Point Lookout State Park at the southern tip provides coastal trails and historical sites. Other nearby areas like Greenwell State Park and Cedarville State Forest add forested and multi-use trails suitable for accumulating miles.
The initiative aligns with statewide preparations for the semiquincentennial, as the Maryland 250 Commission plans inclusive events reflecting on the nation’s history. First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2026, will kick off outdoor activities, with some Southern Maryland parks like Calvert Cliffs hosting ranger-led events.
Participants should prepare for varying trail conditions, carry water, and follow park rules for safety.
