Maryland may be a small state, but it’s jam-packed with an abundance of state parks. While some tend to get all the glory, today we’re focusing on lesser-known state parks that deserve the spotlight. Each one is amazingly unique in its own way and very much worth a visit. Check them out:

1. Gathland State Park
900 Arnoldtown Rd, Jefferson, MD 21755, USA
Flickr / Joe Flood
Unique ruins adorn this state park in found in Frederick County. The structures were built by a Civil War journalist in the 1800s so exploring here is like taking a step back in time. Read more about this spot by clicking here.
2. Washington Monument State Park
6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769, USA
Flickr / Jerry Edmundson
Middletown, Maryland is home to this historic park with spectacular views. Pictured here is the Washington Monument which was built in 1827 in honor of George Washington. Climb to the top and enjoy the sprawling view that stretches for miles. Find more information here.
3. Casselman River Bridge State Park
10240 National Pike, Grantsville, MD 21536
Flickr / Doug Kerr
The centerpiece of this lovely park is the Casselman River Bridge, constructed in 1813 as part of the National Road. Vehicles can no longer access the bridge, but you're free to explore it by foot. Bring a picnic and spend a day taking in the views of the bridge and river. Click here for more information.
4. Chapman State Park
3452 Ferry Pl, Indian Head, MD 20640, USA
Flickr / F Delventhal
This pretty park along the Potomac River includes a 18th century mansion, rustic barns and old structures throughout the property, trails, and even a tiny cemetery. You'll want to bring your camera to capture all the details. Read more information here.
5. St. Clement's Island State Park
St. Clement’s Island State Park, Coltons Point, MD 20626, USA
Flickr / WorldIslandInfo.com
To reach this island park, you must travel by water taxi from Coltons Point in Southern Maryland. This is a journey every Marylander should take at least once since this is the place of many Maryland beginnings. Click here for more information.

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6. Purse State Park
2750 Sweden Point Rd, Marbury, MD 20658, USA
Flickr / F Delventhal
When it comes to hunting fossils, most Marylanders think of Calvert Cliffs State Park or even Chesapeake Beach. However, you can also find prehistoric treasures, including shark teeth, at Purse State Park. Make sure to bring a bag to collect your findings.
7. Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park
6 Choptank River Bridge, Trappe, MD 21673, USA
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos
The main attraction at this Cambridge state park is the sprawling pier along the Choptank River, perfect for fishermen. This spot was named after Bill Burton, a long-time advocate for the Chesapeake Bay. Visit the official park website here.
8. Wye Oak State Park
14214 Old Wye Mills Rd, Wye Mills, MD 21679, USA
Wikimedia Commons / Acroterion
The Wye Oak was the largest white oak tree in the US for quite some time, as well as Maryland's state tree. It was about 460 years old before its destruction from a thunder storm in 2002. Although it may seem peculiar to dedicate a park to a deceased tree, this spot holds a bit of nostalgia, always having a place in the heart of many Marylanders. Find the park website here.
9. Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD 21711, USA
Flickr / Fort Frederick State Park
This 18th century fort still stands in Maryland, offering a step into the past. Explore the fort and learn about its role in the French and Indian War or if it's nature you seek, there are also campsites and nearby trails. Visit the park website here.
10. Herrington Manor State Park
222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Flickr / Matt Tillett
When it comes to Western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls State Park get all the glory. However, Herrington Manor State Park is worth exploring for its breathtaking lake view and great hiking trails. Cabins are also available to rent, making for a perfect nature-infused weekend. Click here to visit the park website.

What’s your favorite lesser-known state park in Maryland? Tell us about it in the comments! For even more state parks in the Old Line State, click here!

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State Parks to Visit in Maryland

Tori Jane | January 27, 2022

What are some of the best state parks in Maryland?  

Maryland is one of those states you’ll love if you’re a fan of state parks. It’s home to an impressive 53 general state parks, each of which is certainly worth exploring. Some of the best, most beloved state parks in Maryland include wonders like South Mountain State Park, which is more of an omnipresent entity than a force of nature. It doesn’t have one specific entrance; rather, it’s got various entry points throughout its space and more than 40 amazing miles of trails to conquer. Patapsco State Park is another truly incredible one; it’s a favorite among hikers and landscape enthusiasts for reasons that ought to be obvious as soon as you arrive. Other contenders for “best” state parks in this little tiny state are parks like Rocks State Park, Swallow Falls State Park (a must for waterfall fans), Gunpowder Falls State Park (ditto), and Calvert Cliffs State Park. You should also add Gambril, Seneca Creek, and Rosaryville State Parks to your list! For more ideas, check this article out. You’ll love our amazing state parks – we promise.  

What are the best hiking trails in Maryland?  

With some of the best state parks in the universe come some of the best hiking trails in the universe, and according to our good friends at AllTrails.com, there are more than 1200 incredible trails to choose from. Pretty amazing when you think about how little our state is, eh? It’s a point of pride for us; some of the best hiking trails in Maryland, at least according to users of AllTrails, are the Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail hike, which is 5.1 miles long and runs through South Mountain State Park. Then, there’s the amazing Cascade Falls Loop Trail, which is pretty self-explanatory; nestled in Patapsco State Park, it’s 2.3 miles of truly amazing hiking that you’ll want to come back and re-experience again and again. Other amazing trails you should add to your bucket list are the Great Falls Overlook Loop, the Northern Peaks Trail, and the McKeldin Switchback Loop. No matter which you choose, you’re in for a treat – Maryland is an amazing state for those who, like ourselves, just can’t get enough hiking.  

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