These 11 State Parks In Maryland Will Knock Your Socks Off
There are tons of stunning parks located in the Old Line State, all of which you can visit year-round. It’s difficult to choose a favorite because they’re all so different. Some have mountain views, some have beaches, and some are full of hidden trails. Here are 11 state parks to visit in Maryland that won’t disappoint.
1) Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
This park extends 32 miles, covering parts of Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties. It contains streams, waterfalls, viaducts, bridges, and is just all-around amazing. It may just be one of the best state parks in Maryland!
Tuckahoe State Park is located in Caroline and Queen Anne's Counties. The scenic lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and boating and there are also plenty of trails for land lovers for those looking for some amazing hiking trails in Maryland.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about kayaking at Tuckahoe State Park.
3) Gambrill State Park
Gambrill State Park, 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
This park in Worcester County is adored by all creatures and was named one of the best state parks in Maryland. This is one park that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
The grand lake in Garrett County is only one of the features of Deep Creek State Park. This park is a popular location for water sports, fishing, and mountain biking if you're looking for things to do outside in Maryland.
Calvert County is home to Calvert Cliffs State Park. It's known for - you guessed it - the cliffs. This is also a notable location to go fossil hunting.
Over in Somerset County you can find Janes Island State Park, one of the best parks in Maryland. The calm water here is great for kayaking and canoeing.
South Mountain State Park spans parts of Washington and Frederick Counties. It also contains Maryland's 40-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, and the views are breathtaking.
This beautiiful park is located in Harford County. It's a popular spot for fishing and camping. There are also historical sites throughout the park as well.
Located in Anne Arundel County, this sandy park is the perfect place for a summer day trip. This park also hosts the annual Polar Bear Plunge in the winter. Brrrr! It's one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Maryland.
How many of these state parks to visit in Maryland have you been to? Do you have a favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Address: Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657, USA
Address: Gambrill State Park, 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
Address: Assateague State Park, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Address: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Address: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Maryland 21561, USA
Address: Calvert Cliffs, Maryland 20657, USA
Address: Janes Island State Park, 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Address: 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
Address: Susquehanna State Park, Maryland 21078, USA
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks To Visit In Maryland
March 21, 2022
Melissa M.
Are there any waterfall hikes in Maryland?
If you enjoy chasing waterfalls, take one of these best waterfall hikes in Maryland. In Harford County, you can take a 1.3-mile hike to the stunning Kilgore Falls at Rocks State Park. Head to Frederick County for a round-trip hike of fewer than three miles to Cunningham Falls. These are just two of the highlights in our waterfall hikes article.
What are the best state parks for camping year-round in Maryland?
State parks offer more than just a place to spend the day. Some even offer camping year-round. Herrington Manor State Park and Assateague State Park are just two parks in Maryland where you can camp any time of the year.
What are some of the best things to do outside in Maryland?
Maryland offers plenty of adventure for the average outdoor enthusiast. Read our article, 10 Perfect Places To Go In Maryland If You’re Feeling Adventurous, and learn about biking the East Coast Greenway, rock climbing at Carderock, taking a walk through wetlands at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, and more.
Address: Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657, USA
Address: Gambrill State Park, 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
Address: Assateague State Park, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Address: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Address: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Maryland 21561, USA
Address: Calvert Cliffs, Maryland 20657, USA
Address: Janes Island State Park, 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Address: 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
Address: Susquehanna State Park, Maryland 21078, USA
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
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Jamie Alvarenga is a writer and editor for Only In Your State.
She spends her time chasing around a curious toddler and going on coffee-fueled adventures throughout Maryland. Contact: jalvarenga@onlyinyourstate.com