IWW Delaware R To Chesapeake Bay C + D Canal (Chesapeake City)
Primarily a commercial navigation project, although the canal is also open to recreational boats, and public access is allowable along canal banks. There is a single boat launch facility maintained by the Corps, as well as six fishing piers along the canal banks. There is also a Canal Museum at Chesapeake City which provides visitors with a glimpse of the canal's early days.
Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis)
This 786 acre park on the Chesapeake Bay is celebrating 50 years. Opened onJune 25, 1952, the park offers an array of recreational activities. Theseinclude swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating and windsurfing. The park'sbeaches and picnic areas provide unparalleled views of the Chesapeake BayBridge over the Chesapeake Bay as well as frequent passing of seagoingfreighters and sailing regattas. This is a Maryland State Park. For fullinformation go to the official webpage.
Casselman River Bridge State Park (Grantsville)
(4 acres. In Garrett County, east of Grantsville on U.S. Route 40.) Astride the Casselman River just east of Grantsville stands historic Casselman River Bridge. Originally constructed in 1813-14, the fine single arch stone bridge once served the old National Road which linked Cumberland, Maryland with the Ohio River. The bridge cresses an area named Little Crossings in 1755 by George Washington, then a young military aide on the staff of British General Edward Braddock.
Dans Mountain State Park (Lonaconing)
Dans Mountain State Park is a day use park with rugged mountain terrain, and an Olympic-size pool and waterslide. Nearby, Dans Rock Overlook affords a panoramic view of the surrounding region from a height of 2, 898 feet. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Deep Creek Lake State Park (Swanton)
Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed. It gets its name from Deep Creek Lake, a hydroelectric project constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920's by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. This is a Maryland State Park.
Garrett State Forest (Oakland)
The forest contains a diversity of trees, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. In 1906 this forest was given to the state of Maryland and was the beginning of our present public lands system. Mountain forests, streams and valleys make up the 8, 000 acres in Garrett State Forest in Garrett County.The forest is home to red oak, white oak, scarlet oak, black cherry, hickory, red maple, white pine and hemlock along the stream bankd. This is a Maryland State Forest.
Green Ridge State Forest (Flintstone)
Green Ridge is the second largest of Maryland's State Forests consisting of a 44, 000-acre oak-hickory forest. It is located in eastern Allegany County, approximately eight miles east of Flintstone off exit 64 on I-68. The forest is located in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Allegheny Mountain chain. Magnificent views of the surrounding landscape can be seen from Point Lookout, Banners, Logroll, Warrier Mountain and No Name Overlooks. This is a Maryland State Forest.
New Germany State Park (Grantsville)
Popular for picnicking and camping, New Germany State Park lies within the boundaries of Savage River State Forest. The 13-acre lake was formed when Poplar Lick Run was dammed for mill operation. This impoundment, known as Swauger's Mill Dam, was named for mid-nineteenth century sawmill and gristmill builder, John Swauger. This park offers full-service cabins, all furnished and equipped with electricity, bathrooms with showers, fireplaces and kitchend. This is a Maryland State Park.
Potomac State Forest (Oakland)
The Potomac State Forest, 11, 461 acres situated between the towns of Oakland and Westernport and partially bordering the Potomac River, is reached from Maryland Routes 135 and 560. The forest drains into the Potomac River Basin, and features the highest point in any Maryland state forest -- Backbone Mountain, elevation 3, 200 feet. This is a Maryland State Forest. For full information go to the official webpage.
Savage River State Forest (Grantsville)
Savage River State Forest, at 52, 812 acres, is the largest facility in the state forest and park system. It preserves a strategic watershed in Garrett County. Trail maps are available at the park office, for all trails, including the 10 miles of cross country ski trails. The forest is classified as a northern hardwood forest. About 2, 700 acres of the forest has been designated as Big Savage Wildland. This is a Maryland State Forest. For full information go to the official webpage.
South Mountain State Park (Boonsboro)
This historic park has over 10, 000 acres for year-round hiking along the Appalachian Trail. South Mountain, a ridge composed largely of resistant quartzite, posed a formidable obstacle to the early settlers until 1755 when General Edward Braddock and a young surveyor, George Washington, constructed a road over one of its passes. Greenbrier, Washington Monument and Gathland are neighboring state parks along South Mountain.
Elk Neck State Park (North East)
Sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. Several trails meander through the diversified topography, revealing the great variety of plant and animal life. An easy walking trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse provides a view of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. The park is popular for camping, boating, swimming, caoeing and picnicking. This is a Maryland State Park.
Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area (Elkton)
Fair Hill is a 5, 613 acre Natural Resources Management Area, where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and less than one half mile west of Delaware, Fair Hill is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty. The 70+ miles of multi-use trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. This is a Maryland State Natural Resource Management Area.
Hart-Miller Island State Park (Kingsville)
(244 acres. In Baltimore County waters of the Chesapeake Bay.) Hart-Miller Island is located in the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Middle River and is accessible only by boat. The western shore of the island offers safe mooring, wading and access to a 3, 000-foot sandy beach. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Patapsco Valley State Park (Ellicott City)
Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14, 000 acres and five developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park's many popular pavilions. The Avalon Visitor Center houses exhibits spanning over 300 years of history along the Patapsco River.
Seneca Creek State Park (Gaithersburg)
The park, comprised of 7, 000 acres, extends along 12 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 Clopper Lake, surrounded by forests and fields. Picnicking, boat rentals, trails and a tire playground are just some of its recreational opportunities. A restored 18th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area.
Calvert Cliffs State Park (Scotland)
The cliffs which dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for thirty miles in Calvert County, were formed over 15 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Over 600 species of fossils have been identified from these cliffs, with the teeth of various species of shark as the most abundant fossils. Along with the interesting cliffs, the park offers nature trails, picnic areas, playground equipment, fishing and many interpretive programs.
Cedarville State Forest (Brandywine)
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 Cedarville, but to date is has not been located. The headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp are located in Cedarville. The swamp extends Southward through Charles County for 20 miles, emptying into the Wicomico River. The Swamp is one mile wide, and serves as a haven for wildlife.
Greenwell State Park (Hollywood)
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 farm to the State of Maryland for use as a public park for everyone. The state subsequently purchased the adjacent 430-acre Bond property and joined the two to form the existing park. Ten miles of hiking, equestrian and cycling trails are open to the public year round. This is a Maryland State Park.
Point Lookout State Park (Scotland)
Recreational opportunities abound on this picturesque peninsula formed by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Swimming, fishing, boating and camping are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed in this beautiful bay setting. The park's peaceful surroundings belie its history as the location of a prison camp which imprisoned as many as 52, 264 Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Rosaryville State Park (Upper Marlboro)
Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park and the location of the historic Mount Airy Mansion. Miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians are available for day use. To gain access to Rosaryville State Park, make a right turn into the entrance just south of Osborne Road while traveling south on U.S. 301. Beautiful Mount Airy Mansion is located in this state park, one of the oldest Calvert mansions in Maryland. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Saint Clements Island State Park (Scotland)
On March 25, 1634, the first English settlers under the Baltimore proprietorship sailed to St. Clement's Island on the Ark and the Dove (the Maryland Dove is seen to the right). The 40 acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first Marylanders. Accessible only by boat. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Janes Island State Park (Crisfield)
With two distinct areas, Janes Island State Park has a developed mainland section with cabins and camping areas, and a portion accessible only by boat. The original island inhabitants were Native Americans of the Annemessex Nation. The park's marked water trails offer canoeing and kayaking in a natural paradise with few signs of civilization. Most of the waterways are protected from wind and current providing ideal conditions for the novice as well as the experienced paddler.
Pocomoke River State Park (Snow Hill)
The scenic Pocomoke River is the setting for Pocomoke River State Forest and Park. The park is split into two areas, Shad Landing and Milburn Landing. Shad Landing is on the south side of the Pocomoke River off Route 113. Milburn Landing is on the north side of the river on Route 364. It is a 25 minute drive between the two areas of Pocomoke River State Park. Pocomoke means black water, and there is good fishing in these waters.
Tuckahoe State Park (Queen Anne)
Tuckahoe Creek, a quiet country stream bordered for most of its length by wooded marshlands, runs through the length of the park. A 60-acre lake offers boating and fishing. The Adkins Arboretum encompasses 500 acres of park land and almost three miles of surfaced walkways leading through the tagged native species of trees and shrubs.
Wye Oak State Park (Queen Anne)
The Wye Oak, Maryland's State Tree and the largest White Oak in the United States, toppled June 6, 2002 during a thunderstorm in the village of Wye in Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Believed to be more than 460 years old, the beloved tree was purchased by the State Maryland in 1939, and was declared Maryland's State Tree in 1941. The purchase marked the first time in American History that a government agency purchased a single tree for preservation.
Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Greenbelt)
Opened in 1954, the parkway is a 29-mile scenic highway that connects Baltimore, Maryland with Washington, D.C. The part of the parkway from Washington, D.C. to Fort Meade, Maryland is managed by the National Park Service. Although the first concept of Parkway design was envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant in his 18th century plan, the concept of a parkway in Washington, D.C. was not approved until 1902. At that time, Parkways were designed for use by bicyclists and horse-drawn carriages.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (Hagerstown)
The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD.* The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the port of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era.
Piscataway Park (Fort Washington)
The tranquil view from Mount Vernon of the Maryland shore of the Potomac is preserved as a pilot project in the use of easements to protect parklands from obtrusive urban expansion. The project began in 1952 to preserve the river view as in was during George Washington's day. Piscataway Park stretches for 6 miles from Piscataway Creek to Marshall Hall on the Potomac River. Click on the "in Depth button" for new information on park reptiles and amphibians.
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve-Maryland (Annapolis)
The multi-component Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve-Maryland reflects the diversity of estuarine habitats found within the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. In Somerset County on the lower eastern shore, Monie Bay represents a salt marsh habitat. On the western shore in Harford County, Otter Point Creek reflects an upper bay tidal freshwater habitat.
Martin National Wildlife Refuge (Ewell)
Martin National Wildlife Refuge includes the northern half of Smith Island, which lies 11 miles west of Crisfield, MD, and Watts Island, which is located between the eastern shore of Virginia and Tangier Island. Both islands are situated in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The Refuge was established in 1954 when the late Glenn L. Martin donated 2569 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since then, donation and purchase has increased the size of the Refuge to 4548 acres.
Annemarie Garden (Solomons)
Annmarie Garden lies at the headwaters of St. John Creek and is just a few miles north of Solomons Island in beautiful Southern Maryland. The mission at Annmarie Garden is to provide a place to commune with nature through the creation and maintenance of public thematic outdoor garden rooms developed by artists and landscape architects. In these rooms, contemporary sculpture, flora and fauna provide a background for reflection and appreciation of nature and art.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Cambridge)
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located 12 miles south of Cambridge, Maryland, was established in 1933 as a refuge for migratory waterfowl. The refuge includes more than 26, 000 acres, composed mainly of rich tidal marsh characterized by fluctuating water levels and variable salinity. Other habitat types include freshwater ponds, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, and small amounts of cropland and managed impoundments that are seasonally flooded for waterfowl use.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (Rock Hall)
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a 2286-acre island located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay. Established in 1962 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, Eastern Neck NWR provides natural habitat for over 240 bird species - including American bald eagles and transitory peregrine falcons - and is a major staging site for tundra swans.
Big Run State Park (Grantsville)
With 300 acres in Garrett County, Big Run State Park offers rustic camping opportunities with 30 unimproved campsites and a youth group camping area. Situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, the park is 16 miles from exit 24 of Interstate 68. The park is actually surrounded by the acreage of Savage River State Forest and so visitors to the area have an even wider array of recreational opportunities with the facilities at all of these public land sites in Western Maryland.
Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont)
Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its history and scenic beauty, as well as its 78-foot cascading waterfall. The Falls is located one half mile from the lake in the Houck Area via the Falls Trail. BEfore the first Europeans arrived, many small Native American tribes farmed, hunted and fished the area. Tradition says the name Catoctin came from the tribe, the Kittoctons, who once lived at the foot of the mountains ner the Potomac River.
Fort Frederick State Park (Big Pool)
The site of Maryland's frontier defense during the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the Fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. Historic displays are in the Fort, barracks and Visitor Center. The park annually holds military reenactments and other special events. Park lands adjoin the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal passes through park acreage. Tours are available by request.
Gambrill State Park (Thurmont)
Gambrill State Park has its beginnings when public-spirited conservationists of Frederick County purchased this tract of land on Catoctin Mountain and donated it to the City of Frederick to be used for a municipal mountain park. On September 7, 1934, the City presented the acreage to the State for use as a state park, which was later named to honor the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a Frederick resident and leading advocate of the conservation of natural resources. This is a Maryland State Park.
Gathland State Park (Boonsboro)
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this day use park. (140 acres) The Appalachian Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base. Maryland has 37.5 miles of the interstate hiking trail.
Greenbrier State Park (Boonsboro)
Greenbrier is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. The Appalachian Trail passes near the park. The 42-acre man-made lake and beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, interpretive programs and nature study. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, this state park offers many recreational opportunities. The man-made freshwater lake offers swimming, sunbathing, boating and fishing opportunities. This is a Maryland State Park.
Herrington Manor State Park (Oakland)
Located within Garrett State Forest in Garrett County, Herrington Manor State Park's development began in the 1930's with the aid of the Civilian Conservation Corps. A 53-acre lake was formed by damming Herrington Creek, and ten cabins were erected on a wooded knoll above the lake. Herrington Manor was designed as a state park in 1964, and encompasses 365 acres.
Rocky Gap State Park (Flintstone)
Rocky Gap State Park encompasses over 3, 000 acres of public land for guests to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park which features 243 acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run which winds its way through an impressive mile long gorge displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named for an early settler in Allegany County. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Swallow Falls State Park (Oakland)
This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland contains some of Maryland's most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 63-foot waterfall * a spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The meandering trails through Swallow Falls guide hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland.
Washington Monument State Park (Boonsboro)
In Washington County, four miles east of Boonsboro and 1 1/2 miles north of Alternate Route 40 on Monument Road, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first monument in the country erected to the "father of our country, " George Washington. A rugged stone tower was dedicated to the first president by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. Washington traveled through Western Maryland in his early years as a surveyor.
Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network (Annapolis)
First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story ? early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64, 000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders and recreational opportunities.
Annmarie Garden on St. John (Solomons)
Annmarie Garden lies at the headwaters of St. John Creek and is just a few miles north of Solomons Island in beautiful Southern Maryland. The mission at Annmarie Garden is to provide a place to commune with nature through the creation and maintenance of public thematic outdoor garden rooms developed by artists and landscape architects. In these rooms, contemporary sculpture, flora and fauna provide a background for reflection and appreciation of nature and art.
Gunpowder Falls State Park (Kingsville)
Gunpowder Falls State Park (nearly 18, 000 acres in Harford and Baltimore Counties) was established to protect the stream valleys of the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River, which begins at Days Cove where the Big and Little Gunpowders converge. A variety of topography exists in this long, narrow park, from tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes. There are more than 100 miles of trails, including the 21 mile Northern Central Railroad Trail.
North Point State Park (Kingsville)
North Point State Park is located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural and historical resources. The Defenders Trail was used during the War of 1812 and passes through the park. North Point was also the site of the historical Bay Shore Amusement Park, a popular destination for summer visitors from 1906 until it closed in 1947. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Patuxent River State Park (Gaithersburg)
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. Recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Paths are unmarked. Paths lead from parking areas at road crossings over the river. Hunting is permitted only in designated areas. A portion of the park is a state wildlands area. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Rocks State Park (Jarrettsville)
The first land purchases for what is now Rocks State Park began in 1951. Originally slated to be Deer Creek State Park, these were the first land purchases made by the State of Maryland for the express purpose of creating a park. Rocks has 855 acres of dense forests and massive boulders riding above Deer Creek. The King and Queen Seat, once a ceremonial gathering place of the Susquehannock Nation of Native Americans, is a natural 190 foot rock outcrop. This is a Maryland State Park.
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (Owings Mills)
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 minerals. Rare grassland plant species are threatened by invasion of Virginia Pines. Currently, a five year effort of removing 1, 000 acres of pines and prescribed burning are underway to return the area to natural serpentine habitat. There are seven miles of marked hiking trails.
Susquehanna State Park (Jarrettsville)
Located along the Susquehanna River valley with its heavy forest cover and massive rock outcroppings, Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as historical significance. The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the river itself beacons fishermen and boaters alike. Susquehanna State Park also contains a very family friendly campground with traditional campsites and cabins.
Chapel Point State Park (Marbury)
Chapel Point State Park is located on the beautiful Port Tobacco River, a tributary of the Potomac River. Chapel Point is an undeveloped multi-use park. There is a waterfront area that offers excellent fishing. A Maryland Bay Sport Tidal License is required. Watch your tides before visiting this area. At high tide there is almost no beach. This area has a small sand launch area that is suitable for the launch of small john-boats, canoes and kayaks, and personal watercraft.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary (Upper Marlboro)
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is the wintering ground for several thousand Canada geese, the largest concentration on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The sanctuary also offers habitats for a variety of birds and mammals, including red fox, groundhogs or white-tailed deer. In the summer, ospreys nest close to the Visitor Center and the hummingbirds, finches and purple martins are abundant.
Purse State Park (Marbury)
Purse State Park is located on the Potomac River on Wades Bay. Purse is a wooded undeveloped area that is used for hunting, bird watching, fishing and fossil hunting. Parking is located off of Maryland Route 224 across from a .25 mile trail leading to the waterfront. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Smallwood State Park (Marbury)
Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors. Sweden Point Marina has 50 boat slips and excellent access for fishing on the Potomac River. Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers the marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic-campng area and nature trails. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.
Saint Mary's River State Park (Scotland)
Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. With such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species. Several species of fish are common to the lake including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, bluegill and sunfish. The lake has been designated a trophy bass lake and as such, special fishing regulations may be in effect.
Assateague State Park (Berlin)
Maryland's only ocean park is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. Two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The island's bayside offers canoeing to secluded coves. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer and feral horses.
Martinak State Park (Denton)
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 River and Watts Creek, this area supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. Anglers may enjoy the opportunity to catch bass, perch, sunfish and catfish. The park offers camping, camper cabins and one full-serivce cabin. This is a Maryland State Park.
Pocomoke River State Forest (Snow Hill)
(14, 753 acres in Worcester County, between Snow Hill and Pocomoke City.) The forest is famous for its stand of loblolly pine trees. Cypress swamps border the Pocomoke River and the nearby waters provide good fishing. Three areas in the forest, including the swamp, are designated Wildlands Areas. The forest's Chandler Trail is open to ORV vehciles and may only be used by motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles. This is a Maryland State Forest. For full information go to the official webpage.
Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area (Queenstown)
Wye Island NRMA 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 the Department of Natural Resources State Forest and Park Service for agricultural and resource management. A major emphasis at Wye Island is to provide suitable habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife.
Antietam National Cemetery (Sharpsburg)
The Battle of Antietam, or Sharpsburg, on September 17, 1862, was the tragic culmination of Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North. That one fateful day more than 23, 110 men were killed, wounded, or listed as missing. Approximately 4, 000 were killed, and in the days that followed, many more died of wounds or disease. The peaceful village of Sharpsburg turned into a huge hospital and burial ground extending for miles in all directions.
Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg)
Established by Act of Congress on August 30, 1890, this Civil War site marks the end of General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North in September 1862. The battle claimed more than 23, 000 men killed, wounded, and missing in one single day, September 17, 1862, and led to Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Assateague Island National Seashore (Berlin)
Storm tossed seas, as well as gentle breezes shape Assateague Island. This barrier island is a tale of constant movement and change. Bands of wild horses freely roam amongst plants and native animals that have adapted to a life of sand, salt and wind. Special thickened leaves and odd shapes reveal the plant world?s successful struggle here. Ghost crabs buried in the cool beach sand and tree swallows plucking bayberries on their southward migration offer glimpses of the animal world?
Catoctin Mountain Park (Thurmont)
In the 1930's, after years of making charcoal to fuel the iron furnace, mountain farming, and harvesting of trees for timber, land was purchased to be transformed into a productive recreation area; helping to put people back to work during the great depression. Beginning in 1935, the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area was under construction by both the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Baltimore)
?O say can you see, by the dawn?s early light, ? a large red, white and blue banner? ?Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming!? over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort by 1, 000 dedicated Americans inspired Francis Scott Key to write ?The Star-Spangled Banner.? Regardless of the ?rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air?
Fort Washington Park (Fort Washington)
Picturesque Fort Washington sits on high ground overlooking the Potomac River and offers a grand view of Washington and the Virginia shoreline. Today, only one silent gun stands behind the masonry wall-the last armament of the powerful fort that once guarded the water approach to our Nation's Capital. The old fort is one of the few U.S. seacoast fortifications still in its original form.
Glen Echo Park (Glen Echo)
Glen Echo began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly "to promote liberal and practical education, especially among the masses of the people; to teach the sciences, arts, languages, and literature; to prepare its patrons for their several pursuits and professions in life; and to fit them for the duties which devolve upon them as members of society." By 1900, Glen Echo was on its way to becoming a premier amusement park, and it served the Washington area as such until 1968.
Greenbelt Park (Greenbelt)
Begin to make plans to visit Washington, D.C. and stay at Greenbelt Park's campground for only $14 a night. The Greenbelt campground is known for its safety, affordability, peaceful surroundings and National Park Service hospitality. The campground includes hot showers, bathroom facilities, and use of the dump station for RV's. There are no electrical or water hookups. Use the link on the left side of this page or call 1-800-365-2267 for reservations from May 27 - September 6.
Fort Foote Park (Fort Washington)
Eight miles downriver from the capital, Fort Foote was considered "a powerful enclosed work" by its chief engineer, "and the most elaborate...of all the defenses of Washington." The long oval earthwork was constructed on Rozier's Bluff from 1863 to 1865 to strengthen the ring of fortifications that encircled Washington, D.C., during the Civil War.
Patuxent Research Refuge (Laurel)
Established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Patuxent Research Refuge is the Nation's only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research. With land surrounding the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, the Refuge has grown from the original 2, 670 acres to its present size of 12, 750 acres and encompasses land formerly managed by the Departments of Agriculture and Defense.