Chesapeak Bay Gateways Network 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.
Experience the diversity of the Chesapeake Bay through the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network ? a system of over 115 parks, refuges, museums, historic communities and water trails in the Bay watershed. Each of these sites tells a piece of the vast Chesapeake story. For a comprehensive guide to the Gateways Network, click on the ?in depth? button.
The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network is coordinated by the National Park Service, which also manages about 10 of the Network?s sites. Other Gateways are managed by local, state, and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park 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. In addition, the canal's towpath provides a nearly level, continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities available.
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve-Maryland 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. The Jug Bay component is split between Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties on the Patuxent River and represents a tidal freshwater riverine habitat in a developed watershed.
Clara Barton National Historic Site Clara Barton National Historic Site commemorates the life of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. The house in Glen Echo served as her home, headquarters for the American Red Cross and a warehouse for disaster relief supplies. From this house, she organized and directed American Red Cross relief efforts for victims of natural disasters and war. Clara Barton National Historic Site was established in the National Park Service in 1975 and is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
The site is open daily and shown by guided tour. Tours start on the hour between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. There is no admission charge.
The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
You may call 301-492-6245 for additional information.
Cunningham Falls State Park 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. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right hand side)
Dans Mountain State Park 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. (Link on the right hand side)
