Best family-friendly waterfall hikes in Maryland
1 verified hikes from our directory of 17 Maryland waterfalls.
What we mean by family
Family-friendly here means a trail short enough for kids 5-10 to complete without complaining, with restroom access at the trailhead, a clear sightline to the waterfall (not a rocky scramble), and either no exposure or a railing where there is.
One caveat: We mark kid_friendly only when we've verified all four conditions. If you have a toddler in a carrier or kids under 5, double-check the specific page — minimum suggested age is listed when known.
Gear hint: Family hikes are where parents most often skip the Ten Essentials “because it's short”. Don't. Snack, water, sunscreen, a phone, a small first-aid kit.
The 1 picks
Each opens to a full page with trail distance, elevation gain, parking, fee, best months, and live conditions when available.
Before you go: 5 things we always check
- The official land manager's page for road and trail closures (linked on every individual waterfall page).
- The weather forecast for the area AND upstream — flash floods come from rain miles away.
- Recent ranger or hiker reports for slippery rock conditions.
- Whether the trail crosses a creek without a bridge — water levels change daily in snowmelt season.
- Cell coverage at the trailhead. Download offline maps in advance.
See our full safety disclaimer for the dangers we've flagged on individual waterfalls. Several have fatalities on record.