10 Perfect Places To Go In Maryland If You’re Feeling Adventurous
Any time’s a great time to get outdoors to explore our beautiful state. You just have to know where to look. Here are 10 adventurous places in Maryland that are definitely bucket list-worthy. They include epic hiking trails, picturesque state parks, and a sprawling wildlife refuge.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Forty miles of the Appalachian Trail, which travels from Maine to Georgia, are in Maryland. You can spend four to five days exploring the entire Maryland portion or choose a length perfect for a day trip here. The trail includes several scenic views, including the pictured Black Rock Cliffs.
The East Coast Greenway connects cities and towns from Maine to Florida. The Maryland portion is 166 miles long, with a third of it being off-road trails. Adventurous hikers and cyclists can find more information here.
Part of the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historic Park, Carderock is a great place for rock climbing and bouldering. The rock has a variety of features and heights, perfect for climbers of all abilities. Check it out here.
With over 16,000 acres, there's plenty to discover at Patapsco Valley State Park. Ride your bike or hike while exploring waterfalls, bridges, viaducts, trails, and so much more. If one day simply isn't enough for your visit, plan a camping adventure for a few nights or more.
With a total distance of 184 miles long, there are sure to be plenty of interesting spots on the canal perfect for exploring. You can hike or bike just some of the path or the entire trail. Plan your trip here.
At the tail-end of the C & O Canal, you'll find the Great Allegheny Passage. Starting near Cumberland, it stretches all the way to Pittsburgh, PA. It's full of old bridges, tunnels, and gorgeous woodland sights. You can find more information here to start planning your journey.
The wetland boardwalk allows you to explore the cypress swamp while staying dry. This is a unique spot, indeed, for hiking, wildlife watching, and birdwatching. You might even want to take a picnic along. Check out the website here.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has several ways to explore their 27,000 acres including by land or water. You'll witness an abundance of wildlife among this serene refuge, that you won't soon forget. The wildlife refuge has a Visitors Center and, outdoors, you'll find walking paths and a butterfly garden.
Most people visit Swallow Falls State Park for the waterfalls, but not everyone knows that the park is actually 257 acres. With so much to see and do, you could easily make it a multi-day camping trip.
Starting in Hancock, you can find the Western Maryland Rail Trail. With 21 miles of paved trail, this location is great for running, cycling, or simply taking in the sights of nature.
Now put on your exploring hat and get going to one of these 10 adventurous places in Maryland. What else would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments! On the lookout for fun day trips? Here are 11 very best day trips in Maryland.
Address: Appalachian Trail, United States
Address: E Coast Greenway, Baltimore, MD, USA
Address: Carderock, Potomac, MD 20817, USA
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Address: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, United States
Address: Great Allegheny Passage, La Vale, MD, USA
Address: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, USA
Address: 2145 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: Western Maryland Rail Trail, Hancock, MD, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
adventurous places in Maryland
December 11, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any covered bridges in Maryland?
Some of the most scenic spots in Maryland are its covered bridges. Covered bridges often conjure images of a simpler time. You have several covered bridges you’ll want to add to your must visit list. Roddy Road Covered Bridge, for example, dates back to 1856 and holds distinction as the smallest covered bridge in Frederick County. Jericho Covered Bridge opened 10 years later in 1865 and sits across from Little Gunpowder Falls. Be forewarned, however, that the covered bridge is said to be haunted by the souls of Civil War soldiers and slaves.
What underrated places in Maryland should I visit?
Maryland’s known for some pretty amazing spots. You’ll also find some unique places to visit in Maryland that are also underappreciated. Whether you want to visit on your own or take along out-of-town guests, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Point Lookout State Park. There, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the water. Sideling Hill is another must visit, although vastly underappreciated, destination. Don’t forget your camera, so you can take photos of the picturesque rock cuts. A stop at the welcome center is also well worth your time.
What are the most unique parks in Maryland?
Finding things to do outside in Maryland is as easy as going to your local state park. Maryland, in fact, is home to quite a few underrated state parks that definitely deserve a little more love and attention. Washington Monument State Park in Middletown, for example, features a gorgeous Washington Monument of its own. Climb to the top for simply sensational views of that stretch for miles. Bring a sturdy bag along for your visit to Purse State Park, an ideal destination for hunting for fossils. You might even be able to find shark teeth that you can take home with you.
Address: Appalachian Trail, United States
Address: E Coast Greenway, Baltimore, MD, USA
Address: Carderock, Potomac, MD 20817, USA
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Address: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, United States
Address: Great Allegheny Passage, La Vale, MD, USA
Address: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, USA
Address: 2145 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: Western Maryland Rail Trail, Hancock, MD, 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
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