Big Valley Loop (Maryland) | 5.4 Mile Moderate Hike in Frederick Municipal Forest

Looking for one of the best moderate hikes in Maryland? The Big Valley Loop in Frederick Municipal Forest delivers a full‑on forest escape with 5.4 miles, 1,062 ft of elevation gain, and a mix of creekside views, rocky climbs, clean lakes, and quiet wooded trails. If you love variety, this loop hits every note. The first mile kicks off with a gravel climb before dropping you into the heart of the watershed — winding singletrack, lush foliage, wildlife sightings, and ponds buzzing with frogs. Expect steep, rocky sections, flowy downhill stretches, and beautiful lakes clean enough to swim in. Reviewers rave about the scenery and terrain diversity, but warn about limited parking and occasional mountain bike traffic. Trail Stats: • Distance: 5.4 miles • Elevation Gain: 1,062 ft • Difficulty: Moderate • Time: 2.5–3 hours • Terrain: Natural surface + gravel • Highlights: Lakes, creeks, forest canopy, wildlife, ridge views Parking Tip: There’s no parking at the official trailhead. Use the intersections at Mountaindale & Fishcreek, Fishcreek & Hamburg, or the Steep Creek lot near Mountaindale. Small lots — arrive early. If you’re chasing Maryland hiking gems, Frederick watershed trails, or scenic moderate loops near DC, this one deserves a spot on your list. https://linktr.ee/mangyanwalker This is not a sponsored video. All contents are genuinely my own. This post also contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking on my links. It doesn't cost you any extra. Thank you for your continued support in keeping Hike with Mangyan going!