Guided forest walks in Maryland

Elk Neck State Forest is a 3,571-acre parcel of land located in central Cecil County, Maryland. This beautiful forest offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The forest also features shooting ranges for bow, handgun, shotgun, and rifle, although some ranges may be temporarily closed for repairs. Visitors can access permits from a self-service honor system located at the Maintenance Complex. The forest is home to a diverse habitat of mixed deciduous and evergreen trees, as well as an abundance of native shrubs and wildflowers. Birdwatchers will enjoy observing the migratory birds that frequent the area, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the forest's natural fauna.

Forest Therapy is a health institution located at 256 West Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland, United States. Our unique approach to wellness involves immersing individuals in the healing power of nature. Through guided walks and activities in the forest, participants are able to connect with the natural world and experience the benefits of being surrounded by trees, fresh air, and the sounds of the forest. Our trained therapists lead sessions that focus on mindfulness, relaxation, and stress reduction, helping individuals to rejuvenate both their mind and body. Forest Therapy is a sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find peace and tranquility in the beauty of the outdoors.

Bohemia River State Park, located at 4030 Augustine Herman Highway in Chesapeake City, Maryland, is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Park Service. The park is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to sunset for passive recreational activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can access the park from Route 213 via the public entrance. Currently, the park offers a small parking area and multi-use trails, with over 5 miles of trails completed and an additional 5 miles under development. The trails traverse various habitats including hardwood forests, meadows, and tidal marshes, offering views of the Bohemia River. Visitors can also participate in ranger-led paddling trips on Great Bohemia Creek during the summer months.

Maryland Wilderness is a unique and exciting zoo located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore and experience the diverse wildlife and natural habitats of Maryland. From native animals like black bears and bald eagles to exotic species from around the world, Maryland Wilderness provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With interactive exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives, this zoo is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation for the natural world. Come visit Maryland Wilderness and embark on a wild adventure right in the heart of Baltimore.

Clearwater Nature Center is a park and tourist attraction located at 11401 Thrift Road in Clinton, Maryland, United States. Nestled in the beautiful 800-acre mature growth forest of Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, the center is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fishes that support educational messaging and learning opportunities for students, groups, and the general public. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours and walk-ins at no cost, except during special events. The center also offers a wide variety of seasonal and year-round interpretive nature programs, both on-site and off-site. Groups can arrange private naturalist-conducted programs, and there are curriculum-related programs available for school groups as well as community outreach programs. The center also offers birthday party packages and rentals of their auditorium. For more information and reservations, visitors can contact the center at (301) 297-4575 or via email.

Patapsco Valley State Park - Daniels Road Trailhead is a beautiful and largely undeveloped area located at 2090 Daniels Road in Ellicott City, Maryland. This park is a popular destination for paddlers, anglers, and hikers, offering a peaceful retreat in nature. Once a bustling mill town, visitors can explore the trails on both sides of the river and discover remnants of the area's industrial past. The Daniels Dam features educational displays on fish spawning activity and a fish ladder. Pets are welcome in the Daniels Area but must be kept on a leash. The park is dedicated to preserving and protecting Maryland's natural resources, ensuring a sustainable future for the environment, society, and economy. Additionally, the park provides information on the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the Maryland General Assembly's fraud hotline. Visit Patapsco Valley State Park - Daniels Road Trailhead for a serene escape into nature.

Gunpowder Falls Hiking is a park located at 11100-11112 Belair Road in Kingsville, Maryland, United States. This institution offers a beautiful natural setting for hiking and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the scenic trails and explore the diverse wildlife in the area. In addition to hiking, Gunpowder Falls Hiking also offers fishing opportunities. Anglers can participate in tournaments to catch blue catfish, with no restrictions on the species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is encouraging anglers to catch as many blue catfish as possible to help preserve the ecosystem, as these invasive fish are known to harm native species.

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is a serene and picturesque park located at 5795 Trotter Road in Clarksville, Maryland. This beautiful institution offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and explore the diverse ecosystems of the area. With winding trails, lush forests, and peaceful streams, the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is the perfect place for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun adventure, this park has something for everyone. Come visit and discover the beauty and tranquility of the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.

The Tundra Swan Boardwalk Parking Area is located at 1632-1636 Eastern Neck Island Road in Rock Hall, Maryland, United States. This parking area provides access to the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,285 acre island that serves as a habitat for thousands of wintering waterfowl, including the tundra swan. The refuge supports a variety of habitats such as brackish marsh, natural ponds, upland forest, and grasslands, and is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Visitors to the Tundra Swan Boardwalk Parking Area can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with over 240 bird species, including bald eagles, calling the refuge home. The refuge also provides habitat for various mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The bald eagle, with its impressive wingspan of about seven feet, is a prominent resident of the refuge.

Blackwater Refuge, located at 3185 Key Wallace Drive in Cambridge, Maryland, is a sprawling park offering over 20,000 acres of public recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the refuge year-round through 5 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of paddling trails, and a 3.6 mile Wildlife Drive popular with photographers and birders. The refuge is also open for deer hunting from September through January, as well as waterfowl and spring turkey hunting. Established in 1933 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is home to diverse habitats including tidal marshes, forests, wetlands, and croplands. It serves as a vital resting and feeding area for migrating and wintering waterfowl, and is a key wintering spot for Canada geese. The refuge supports a high concentration of nesting bald eagles and is home to the largest natural population of formerly endangered Delmarva peninsula fox squirrels.