In 1921, Benton MacKaye, a Harvard-educated forester and self-styled philosopher, came up with a revolutionary idea: a linear park, extending from Georgia to Maine. Thousands of volunteers and many le
Assateague State Park is Maryland's only oceanfront park. It is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. Its two mi
Situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, Big Run State Park is the perfect base camp from which to enjoy the surrounding Savage River State Forest. Campers at Big Run have easy access to
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park consists of approximately 25 acres of park property including about one mile of trails. The trails and shoreline are open from sunrise to sunset. The Dorchester sid
The massive cliffs, from which Calvert Cliffs State Park was named, dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for roughly 24 miles in Calvert County. They were formed over 10 to 20 million years ag
Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel, popular for picnicking, fly fishing and photography. When the 80-foot span was erected in 1813, it was the longest single-span stone arch bridge i
The Piscataway Indian Tribe made this section of Southern Maryland its winter camping ground because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend says there is an Indian burial ground in Cedarvil
Chapel Point is an undeveloped multi-use park that boasts a waterfront on the beautiful Port Tobacco River, a tributary of the Potomac River. The 600-acre Chapel Point State Park is located in souther
Visitors to Chapman State Park enjoy a journey through time to Southern Maryland's pastoral heritage, finding mature forests, rare plants and bald eagles frequenting the skies above. Park visitors als
Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. The William Houck Area, located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77
Perched high upon on a 16-mile long mountain in Lonaconing, Maryland, Dans Mountain State Park is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. The 481-acre park features a fully accessible swim
The Deep Creek Lake Natural Resource Management Area lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. It lies west of the Eastern Continental Div
Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-m
Elk Neck State Park is located in Cecil County on a peninsula, formed by the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Elk River on the east. The park has 2,370 acres of land and includes 250 campsites, four
Fair Hill is a 5,656 acre Natural Resources Management Area, where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Bordered by Pennsylvan
The centerpiece of the Fort Frederick State Park is a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. Built in 1756, the fort's stone wall and two barrac
Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park, located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County. Its most popular feature is the 16 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and
A large stone monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents is the outstanding attraction of this day-use park. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the park and passes the m
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Greenbrier State Park is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. The 42-acre man-made freshwater lake and white sandy beach draw many visitors who en
Greenwell is a 596-acre state park located on the Patuxent River in St. Mary's County, Maryland. In 1971, John Phillip Greenwell, Jr. and his sister, Mary Wallace Greenwell, donated their 166.6 acre f
Established in 1959 to protect the Gunpowder River and the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls, Gunpowder Falls State Park is now one of Maryland’s largest state parks. Covering over 18,000 acres in Harfor
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail follows 19.7 miles of the former the Northern Central Railway (NCR) in northern Baltimore County - from Ashland, Maryland north to the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, passin
The 17-acre Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites visitors to experience Tubman’s world through exhibits that are informative and emotive, providing an in depth und
Accessible only by personal boat
Hart-Miller Island is a 1,100-acre island located in Baltimore County on the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Middle River and is a must see for those who want to get
This intimate public garden is conveniently located directly across from the Naval Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis on the grounds of the Tawes State Office Building, headquarters for the Department
Herrington Manor was designated as a state park in 1964. The 365-acre park, located within Garrett State Forest, offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking, picnicking, hiking, tennis, basketball, vo
Located near Crisfield on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Janes Island State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Within the mainland portion of t
George Martinak deeded this land of forests, fields and marsh to the state in 1961 for preservation as a recreational facility and a natural area for the enjoyment of all. Bordered by the Choptank Riv
As the wintering ground for the largest concentration of Canada geese on the Chesapeake Bay's western shore, Merkle is one of Maryland's most unique Natural Resource Management Area.
Located in Frederick County, near Dickerson, Monocacy River Natural Resources Management Area is comprised of 1,800 acres of natural areas and farmlands along the Monocacy River. Recreational use is p
Located in Carroll County, the Morgan Run Natural Environment Area is comprised of approximately 2,000 acres of natural area. Hiking and equestrian trails are popular. The Morgan Run is a catch and re
New Germany State Park’s visitors frequently call it a “best kept secret.” This mountain gem is nestled between the 2,900 ft. Big Savage Mountain to the east and the eastern Continental Divide along M
Newtowne Neck State Park is a 794-acre peninsula surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay and the Potomac River. It has seven miles of ecologically and recreationally important waterfront. The park'
North Point State Battlefield preserves nine acres of open land which represent the last undeveloped parcel from the site of the Battle of North Point, a turning point in the defense of Baltimore duri
North Point is located in Baltimore County on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is rich in natural beauty. This 1,310 acre park in Edgemere was once the site of the Bay Shore Amusement Park, a popu
Under an unbroken canopy of second-growth and riparian forests, two miles of scenic Deer Creek runs through the 555-acre Palmer State Park. Historic sites can be found along the creek banks and native
Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping,
Located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. A portion of the park is a state wildlan
Tucked away on Maryland's lower eastern shore, Pocomoke River State Park is well known for cypress swamps that border the Pocomoke River. The river originates in the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware a
This park's peaceful surroundings on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County belie its history as the location of a camp which imprisoned as many as 52,264 Co
Rocks State Park features 855 acres of rocky forest land nestled in rural northern Harford County. Primary attractions at Rocks include the King and Queen Seat and Kilgore Falls. The main section of t
Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park. The 243-acre Lake
Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park with miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians. To gain access to Rosaryville State Park, make a right turn into the entrance just south of Osborne Road
This 786-acre Maryland State Park is located along the northwestern shore of the majestic Chesapeake Bay. The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their breathtaking scenic water views t
Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area is located along the scenic banks of the Sassafras River and Turner's Creek in Kent County and operated by the Maryland Park Service. The area is noted for
The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. The Clopper Day-Use Area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre
Smallwood State Park takes its name from General William Smallwood, a native born Charles Countian. He was the highest ranked Marylander who served in the American Revolutionary War. His house, called
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (NEA) is comprised of 1,900 acres of serpentine barren. The area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and
South Mountain State Battlefield seeks to preserve and interpret the first major Civil War battle to take place in Maryland. Fought on September 14, 1862, the Battle of South Mountain was a critical t
South Mountain State Park is a 40-mile long multi-use state park weaving along the South Mountain ridge from the Pennsylvania line to the Potomac River. Part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, South Mo
Located in the Potomac River off the shore of Colton's Point in St. Mary's County, this 62 acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first Marylanders. On March 25, 1634, the
Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, St. Mary's River State Park is separated into two areas, Sites 1 and 2. The Site 1 area holds the 250-acre St. Mary's Lake. Located alon
Located along the Susquehanna River valley with its heavy forest cover and rocky terrain, Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The park is home to some o
Swallow Falls Waterline Replacement Project: Beginning September 8, 2020 contractors will be replacing water lines at Swallow Falls State Park. There will be no water service disruption but some noise
Tuckahoe Creek, a quiet country stream bordered for most of its length by wooded marshlands, runs through TSPCFC.png
the length of the park. A 60-acre lake offers boating and fishing. The park has 20
Located atop South Mountain, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. The Washington Monument is a rugged stone tower that
The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. A paved, linear trail, it is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely out
Formerly the Woodmont Rod & Gun Club property, the 3,425-acre Woodmont Natural Resource Management Area near Hancock offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, bird watching, and horse
Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area is located in the
tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River. Of Wye Island's 2,800 acres, 2,450 are managed by th
Wye Oak State Park consists of 29 acres, much
of which protects the stream valley behind the park from development. This park was designed to protect the Wye Oak Tree which toppled on June 6, 2002.
Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area is part of the large Mississippi River watershed that stretches from the western slope of the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Rockies in the
