Sandy Point State Park 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. (Link on the right hand side)
Savage River State Forest 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. (Link on the right side)
Seneca Creek State Park 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. Nearby, the Schaeffer Farm Trail Area offers over 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. For the more adventuresome hiker, the 14-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail follows the entire course of the river. During May, the Schwartz peony gardens and field plants are in bloom. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
Smallwood State Park 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. (Link on the right side)
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area 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. Equestrians and cyclists are prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the area. This is a Maryland Natural Environment Area. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
South Mountain State Park 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. Echo Lake, a small section of South Mountain State Park, is an area that may be reserved for organized youth groups. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
