Take a hike and enjoy ice cream with Maryland's Ice Cream Trail

Summer in Maryland just got a whole lot sweeter — and more active. The Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maryland’s Best have teamed up for the second year in a row to invite families on a unique adventure: hiking the Maryland Ice Cream Trail. The trails are spread out across Maryland state parks and are paired with local farms and dairies.

Now in its 13th year, Maryland’s official Ice Cream Trail includes 14 dairies from the mountains to the shore, each one serving up their own farm-fresh, hand-crafted ice cream. But this isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth, organizers want families to explore the outdoors as they indulge. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has even mapped out recommended hiking and biking trails near each creamery, so hikers can turn an afternoon ice cream run into a full day of fun.

To add a competitive twist, visitors are encouraged to check in at each stop along the trail. This year, the process is easier than ever, thanks to a streamlined digital system. Ice cream fans can download the free “Let’s Rallie” app for iPhone or Android. The app displays all participating creameries and provides interactive maps. Each location along the trail has a unique QR code to scan, helping track your progress and making you eligible for sweet prizes—or even the ultimate grand prize if you visit all 14 spots!

So whether you’re after rocky road, pistachio or good old-fashioned vanilla, Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail promises a journey filled with adventure, family memories and the state’s freshest flavors. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your phone—and don’t forget your appetite.

The ice cream trail is happening now until September 1st. A complete list of the trails can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resource's website.