Natural resource preservation in Maryland

Located in Halethorpe, Maryland, the Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area offers miles of trails that lead hikers through stunning vistas, historic sites, babbling brooks, and picturesque waterfalls. This park provides a sense of wilderness just steps away from the Baltimore suburbs. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads efforts to preserve and protect the state's natural resources, ensuring a sustainable future for the environment, society, and economy. Additionally, the park is committed to promoting awareness and prevention of human trafficking through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature while also contributing to the protection of Maryland's resources.

NCR Trail Mile 2 Lot is a park located in Phoenix, Maryland, United States. It is part of Gunpowder Falls State Park and follows 19.7 miles of the former Northern Central Railway. Visitors can enjoy hiking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, and walking their pets on leashes. The park is ADA accessible and allows Class 1 electric bicycles. Tubers are reminded to be respectful of private property along the Upper Gunpowder River. The park is committed to preserving and protecting Maryland's natural resources. Additionally, there are hotlines available for reporting human trafficking and fraud/abuse of state government resources.

Gunpowder Falls State Park, located in Glen Arm, Maryland, is a sprawling natural oasis established in 1959 to protect the Gunpowder River and the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls. With over 18,000 acres in Harford and Baltimore Counties, the park features a diverse landscape including tidal wetlands, rugged slopes, and historic sites. Visitors can explore more than 120 miles of multi-use trails, go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or enjoy a swim at the beach and marina. The park is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, dedicated to preserving and enhancing the state's natural resources. Headquarters is located in the restored gristmill at Jerusalem Mill Historic Village, open Monday through Friday. Additionally, the park provides a National Human Trafficking Hotline for confidential assistance, as well as a fraud hotline to report any misuse of state resources. Visit Gunpowder Falls State Park for a peaceful escape into nature.

Kilgore Falls, located at 1026 Falling Branch Road in Pylesville, Maryland, is a stunning natural wonder within the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park. Home to Maryland's second highest vertical drop waterfall, Kilgore Falls is surrounded by a serene hiking trail that leads visitors to the breathtaking cascade. In order to preserve the sensitive habitat of the area, reservations are now required on weekends and holidays from May 25th through Labor Day. Visitors can make reservations on the YourPassNow website, with passes becoming available the Monday prior to the desired visit.

Palmer State Park, located at 3209 Forge Hill Road in Street, Maryland, is a beautiful 555-acre park managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The park is home to two miles of scenic Deer Creek, where visitors can explore historic sites along the creek banks and observe native flora and fauna in the forested habitat. Just a short drive from Bel Air, Palmer State Park offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 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 is committed to preventing fraud and abuse of state government resources, with a toll-free fraud hotline operated by the Maryland General Assembly's Office of Legislative Audits. Visit Palmer State Park to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about Maryland's rich history.

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.

Gunpowder Falls State Park Central Area, located in Kingsville, Maryland, is part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Maryland Park Service. Established in 1959 to protect the Gunpowder River and the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls, this park covers over 18,000 acres in Harford and Baltimore Counties. The park's narrow corridors boast a diverse topography, including tidal wetlands and rugged slopes. With more than 120 miles of multi-use trails, historic sites, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a swimming beach and marina, Gunpowder Falls State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The park also houses the headquarters in the restored gristmill at Jerusalem Mill Historic Village. The Department of Natural Resources is committed to preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the state's natural resources for a sustainable future. Additionally, the park provides a National Human Trafficking Hotline and a toll-free fraud hotline to report any allegations of fraud or abuse of state government resources.

Rock Run Gristmill, located at 761 Stafford Road in Havre de Grace, Maryland, is a historic institution that offers a unique blend of food and tourism. Part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Park Service, Rock Run Gristmill is situated within the picturesque Susquehanna State Park. Visitors can explore the park's diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including popular mountain biking trails and excellent fishing spots along the Susquehanna River. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the Rock Run Historic Area, which features a working gristmill, the Carter-Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll House, and the remains of the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal. The park also offers a family-friendly campground with traditional campsites and cabins for overnight stays.

Chapman State Park, located at 3452 Ferry Place in Indian Head, Maryland, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Park Service. Visitors to Chapman State Park can enjoy a peaceful journey through Southern Maryland's pastoral heritage, with mature forests, rare plants, and majestic bald eagles soaring above. The park is also home to the historic Mt. Aventine Mansion, once owned by the prominent Chapman family who had close ties to George Washington and George Mason. Preserved in 1998 by the State of Maryland's Program Open Space, Chapman State Park stretches from the Potomac River to Mattawoman Creek in western Charles County. The park offers stunning views of the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Newtowne Neck State Park is a stunning 794-acre peninsula located in Leonardtown, Maryland. Surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay, and the Potomac River, the park offers seven miles of picturesque waterfront for visitors to enjoy. With its rich natural and cultural resources, as well as its historic significance, the park is an ideal destination for outdoor activities and recreation. The park, which was purchased in 2009, is committed to preserving its landscape and minimizing alterations to the property. Visitors are encouraged to follow "Leave No Trace" principles and take their trash with them when they leave, as Maryland State Parks are "Trash Free."

St. Mary's River State Park, located in Leonardtown, Maryland, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The park is divided into two areas, with Site 1 featuring the popular 250-acre St. Mary's Lake, perfect for freshwater fishing. This area also offers amenities such as picnic tables, playgrounds, and boat launch ramps. Leashed pets are welcome in this area. Site 2 of the park covers approximately 2,200 acres of undeveloped wildlands, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring nature. The park showcases a variety of habitats, including wooded areas, fields, swamps, and streams, providing a diverse range of plant and animal species to observe.

Patapsco Valley Disc Golf Course is located within the beautiful McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park in Marriottsville, Maryland. The course offers a unique and challenging experience for disc golf enthusiasts, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. The area where the main branch and south branch of the Patapsco River join is a stunning feature of the park, with rapids along the south branch adding to its beauty. While the Rapids area and pool below are closed for swimming due to dangerous currents, visitors can still enjoy activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and of course, disc golf.

Welcome to the Thomas Stone National Historic Site, a captivating tourist attraction located in Maryland, United States. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of one of America's founding fathers. In 1776, Thomas Stone, alongside 55 other visionaries, boldly signed the Declaration of Independence, risking his home, his family's security, and even his life for the promise of freedom. Yet, it is important to acknowledge that Stone was also an enslaver, holding many people in bondage at his estate, Haberdeventure. Visitors to the Thomas Stone National Historic Site can download a historic resource study that sheds light on the lives of those who lived at Haberdeventure from 1770 to 1787, offering new perspectives on this complex period in American history. The site also provides a variety of recreational opportunities, making it a perfect destination for both history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

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North Point State Battlefield, located at 2878 North Point Road in Dundalk, Maryland, is a historic park and tourist attraction managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This nine-acre site preserves the last undeveloped parcel from the Battle of North Point, a crucial event during the War of 1812. On September 12, 1814, Maryland militia soldiers defended Baltimore against invading British forces on this very field, with Brigadier General Stricker leading the charge. Each September, the battlefield commemorates the bravery and resilience shown by the citizens of Baltimore during the Battle of North Point. This event marked a significant turning point in the War of 1812 and showcased the determination of Americans to fight for their independence.

The Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park is a beautiful 200-acre park located along the Potomac River in Accokeek, Maryland. This institution is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of the Piscataway people, who have lived in this region for thousands of years. Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, visit the National Colonial Farm, and learn about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through educational programs and events. The Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay region.

Montpelier House Museum, located at 9650 Muirkirk Road in Laurel, Maryland, is a historic landmark that was home to the Snowdens, plantation and ironworks owners, and the 169 people they enslaved. The museum offers tours and public programs to preserve the histories of all who lived there. The gift shop features a variety of items including tea and teapots, Fair Trade items, books, decorative items, and old-fashioned toys. The museum also hosts the annual Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts, as well as themed tours, workshops, and exhibitions. Montpelier House Museum offers programs for groups of all ages, including private, public, and home school groups. Programs cover a range of themes such as African American history, Native American culture, music and dance, and the importance of community. Advanced registration and payment are required for group tours and programs, which typically last 1-1.5 hours.

Patuxent River State Park, located at 23222 Georgia Avenue in Brookeville, Maryland, is a beautiful natural area spanning 6,700 acres in Howard and Montgomery counties. This park, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, offers a variety of recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy the catch and release trout stream, designated hunting areas, and a network of unmarked hiking and equestrian trails. While the park does not rent horses, visitors are welcome to bring their own for a scenic ride through the park's stunning landscapes.

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 State Park Hammerman Area is a popular day-use park located in Middle River, Maryland. The park features a 1,500-foot beach and swimming area on the picturesque Gunpowder River, making it the perfect spot for water activities and relaxation. In addition to the beach, visitors can enjoy food concessions, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, and short hiking trails. The park also offers an archery range for target practice, with eight outdoor targets ranging from 10 to 60 yards. Firearms and broadheads are prohibited at the range, and safety guidelines must be followed at all times.

Rosaryville State Park, located at 7805 West Marlton Avenue in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a 1227-acre day-use park that offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrians. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and all vehicles must exit before the gate closes at sunset. If locked in, visitors can call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275 for assistance. In addition to its outdoor activities, Rosaryville State Park is home to the historic Mount Airy Mansion. This beautiful old home has hosted parties, weddings, and visits from seven presidents, giving it a rich history and a sense of anticipation for visitors.

Cedarville State Forest, located at 10201 Bee Oak Road in Brandywine, Maryland, is a park and tourist attraction managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This 3,707-acre forest is home to over 50 species of trees and offers 19 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The forest showcases various forestry practices and natural resource management techniques used by the department. Historically, the Piscataway Tribe used the region as a winter camping and hunting ground due to its mild climate and abundant game. In the 1930s, the State purchased the land to create a forest demonstration area. The Civilian Conservation Corp developed roads and trails in the forest under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's direction. Cedarville State Forest also operated charcoal kilns in the 1950s, with one kiln remaining as a historic demonstration.

Smallwood State Park is a picturesque park located in Marbury, Maryland, United States. Named after General William Smallwood, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, the park offers visitors a range of amenities including a marina, boat launching ramps, picnic areas, camping facilities, pavilions, and nature trails. The park is also home to Smallwood's Retreat, the restored house of General Smallwood, which is open to visitors seasonally. One of the unique attractions of Smallwood State Park is the 'Osprey Cam', which provides a live-stream feed of an Osprey nest thanks to a donation from the Southern Maryland Audubon Society. Visitors can observe the Osprey in their natural habitat and even witness the banding of the chicks for scientific research. The park staff works diligently to monitor the Osprey and contribute valuable data to the federal database for tracking their movements.

Calvert Cliffs State Park, located at 10540 H G Trueman Road in Lusby, Maryland, is a stunning tourist attraction that showcases the massive cliffs along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. These cliffs, formed over millions of years, reveal the remains of prehistoric species and provide a unique fossil hunting experience. Visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, fishing pond, hiking trails, and a playground made from recycled tires. The park also offers picnic areas, a pavilion for group events, and camping sites for youth groups. Access to the beach for disabled individuals can be arranged in advance.

Point Lookout State Park, located at 11175 Point Lookout Road in Scotland, Maryland, is a peaceful oasis on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Despite its serene surroundings, the park has a rich history as the site of a Civil War camp that once held thousands of Confederate soldiers. Visitors can learn about this history at the on-site museum. The park offers a range of activities, including exploring the earthworks of a Civil War fortification, visiting recreated barracks and officer quarters, and participating in Living History weekends. The Point Lookout Lighthouse, although currently closed for renovations, is a notable landmark on the property.

Point Lookout Lighthouse, located at 10350 Point Lookout Road in Scotland, Maryland, is a popular tourist attraction within Point Lookout State Park. The park, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, offers a peaceful retreat on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. The site holds historical significance as it was once a Civil War camp that imprisoned thousands of Confederate soldiers. A museum on-site provides a detailed account of this history, while the earthworks of a Civil War fortification can still be seen near Cornfield Harbor.

Sandy Point State Park, located at 1100 East College Parkway in Annapolis, Maryland, is a 786-acre park along the Chesapeake Bay. Opened in 1952, the park offers stunning water views, beaches, picnic areas, and a marina store with boat rentals. Visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and playgrounds, with accessible amenities available. The park is open year-round and also offers food concessions. Please note that the South Beach area will be closed for construction from mid-September 2024 until Summer 2025 for a restoration project. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads efforts to preserve and protect the state's natural resources, and a fraud hotline is available to report any misuse of state resources. Visit Sandy Point State Park for a beautiful outdoor experience on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

Wye Oak State Park, located at 14214 Old Wye Mills Road in Maryland, is a 29-acre park that serves as a tribute to the historic Wye Oak Tree, which fell in 2002. The park features a pavilion with a section of the Wye Oak trunk and the original tree site, open for viewing daily from sunrise to sunset. Next to the fallen tree stands a colonial-era brick structure that was once a one-room schoolhouse, believed to be the second oldest school in Talbot County. The Queen Anne Garden Club restored the schoolhouse, known affectionately as the "Little House," in 1952, furnishing it with period-appropriate items. The park also serves as a reminder of Maryland's rich natural resources, with the Department of Natural Resources leading efforts to preserve and protect the state's environment. Additionally, the park provides information on the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the Maryland General Assembly's fraud hotline. Visit Wye Oak State Park to experience history, nature, and conservation efforts in one picturesque setting.

The Patapsco Recreational Trail is a part of the Department of Recreation & Parks in Ellicott City, Maryland, United States. This institution offers a variety of recreational and leisure opportunities to improve the health and well-being of the community. With over 9,768 acres and more than 50 developed parks, the Department provides approximately 7,000 programs each year, including leagues, classes, and camps. Volunteers play a crucial role, donating over $1.5 million in labor costs annually. The Patapsco Recreational Trail is dedicated to managing, protecting, and conserving resources to ensure a high quality of life for current and future generations. The Department strives to be model stewards of the environment, using an equity-centered lens to create opportunities for all members of the community. Accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, the Department meets 154 professional standards to maintain quality and efficiency in its operations.

Rose Haven Memorial Park is a serene and peaceful park located at 629 Walnut Avenue in the charming town of Rose Haven, Maryland. This beautifully landscaped park serves as a memorial to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Visitors can stroll through the manicured gardens, sit by the tranquil pond, or simply find solace in the natural surroundings. With its picturesque setting and thoughtful design, Rose Haven Memorial Park provides a comforting space for reflection and remembrance.