This month, we celebrated Maryland State Park Week. I posted 5 of my favorite state parks on the Outdoors Maryland Instagram, and during the course of the week, we hit 600 followers! Thank you.
Spring has come a little early this year, so it’s time to prepare for summer. From the mountains to the ocean, Maryland has a park for everyone. Today, I’ll be counting down 5 parks you need to visit this summer. I’ve sought to provide a park for different summer interests, in no particular order. Before we start, we’ll look at 2 honorable mentions:
Point Lookout: The mouth of the Potomac River at one of the widest points along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland make the park feel huge. Relax along the beach or fish for many species along the rock jetties. The bay is saltier here due to how far south it is, so different species like red drum can be caught. Waves can also be formidable here, but Point Lookout Creek offers a quiet march ecosystem to explore. For history buffs, Point Lookout contains a Civil War site.
Assateague Island: You might be surprised to see this iconic park as an HM. Admittedly, I don’t have as much experience here as other parks. My reason for putting it here is that the crowds get large. As of this writing in April, weekends in June and July are already completely booked.
5. Patapsco Valley State Park: Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard Counties
No park is more accessible than Patapsco Valley. The park stretches 32 miles along the Patapsco River between the Baltimore area and Liberty Reservoir. The park has many fields, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions for families looking for a relaxing day, as well as 200 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. In the spring, the Patapsco River is one of the most well-known trout fisheries in the state, and smallmouth bass can still be caught through the summer. Or, if you're not a fisherman, cool off by wading the river. Campgrounds and horse stables offer more amenities. Check area-specific regulations before choosing which one to visit on your trip.
4. South Mountain State Park: Washington and Frederick Counties
South Mountain doesn’t get its credit because it lacks a central facility. However, some of the best day hikes and backpacking trips are in this state park. It stretches 40 miles from the Potomac River to Pennsylvania, following the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail along the ridge of South Mountain. Day hikers can go out-and-back to Annapolis Rocks or Black Rock Cliff, or drive to the famous High Rock. An alternate hike to High Rock starts at Foxville Road and passes Raven Rock Cliffs before reaching High Rock 3 miles in. This is the state park for backpackers. A 41-mile section hike of the AT from border-to-border is a perfect hike for beginning backpackers looking to push themselves to the next level.
Watch Day 1 of our Maryland AT section hike here.
3. Rocky Gap State Park: Allegany County
If a resort experience is more your summer style, come to Rocky Gap. Rocky Gap Casino and Resort is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Design Golf Course in Maryland, or stay in one of the park’s campgrounds or yurts. Kayak or canoe the bluest water in the state in Lake Habeeb, or hike the long ridge line of Evitt’s Mountain. The park also contains an aviary of hawks, owls, and bald eagle.
2. Deep Creek Lake State Park: Garrett County
If mountain-biking is your summer adventure, DCL has some recently-opened trails for you. 20 miles of trail are open to bikers and tourists to Maryland’s second largest attraction, Deep Creek Lake. Come climb to the peak of Meadow Mountain and experience the unique ecosystem of the Allegheny Plateau. Off the mountain, the park also has a large boat ramp to experience Maryland’s largest lake, which is known for incredible fishing. A beach also provides access to the lake, and a nature discovery center teaches visitors about rare wildlife found nowhere else in the state, such as the spiny softshell turtle. For Deep Creek Lake tourists looking to deepen their vacation, the state park is a tremendous resource.
1. Sandy Point State Park: Anne Arundel County
If the mountains aren’t your summer style, the beach probably is. Maryland may be famous for Ocean City, but to get there, visitors from DC and Baltimore drive by Sandy Point first. Across the water, enjoy views of the Bay Bridge and Sandy Shoal Lighthouse. Fish from the rock jetty for croaker, sport, and catfish, or just watch boats leave the marina to enjoy a day on the bay. Sandy Point has plenty of concession stands, playgrounds, bathhouses, picnic shelters, and a marina store to complete your day at the beach. Sandy Point is one of the best places on the Western Shore to enjoy the gem in Marylanders’ eyes, the Chesapeake Bay.
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