TOP 30 Best Nature preserve in Maryland

C&O Canal Lock 21, located at 10700 Swains Lock Road in Potomac, Maryland, is a historic tourist attraction that preserves America's early transportation history. Originally built as a passage to Western wealth, the canal operated for nearly 100 years, serving as a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River. Today, visitors can explore the canal's historical, natural, and recreational treasures. At the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, entrance fees are collected at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center entrance. Visitors can enjoy bicycle riding on the canal towpath, Western Maryland Rail Trail, Capital Crescent Trail, and Berma Road. The park offers stunning views of the Great Falls of The Potomac River from both Maryland and Virginia.

C&O Canal Lock 25 is a historic institution located in Poolesville, Maryland, United States. This site is dedicated to preserving America's early transportation history, with the C&O Canal serving as a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River for nearly 100 years. Today, visitors can explore the canal as a pathway to discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. At the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, entrance fees are collected at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center entrance. Visitors are welcome to ride bicycles on the canal towpath, Western Maryland Rail Trail, Capital Crescent Trail, and Berma Road. The park offers stunning views of the Great Falls of The Potomac River from both Maryland and Virginia.

The Shark on the Harbor Restaurant is a unique dining experience located at 12924 Sunset Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland, United States. We believe in using great food and healthful ingredients, sourcing organic produce from local farmers and seafood from the commercial fishing harbor right outside our restaurant. Our menu features all natural products, free from preservatives and antibiotics, with a focus on whole grains and whole foods. Our chefs create a new menu twice daily based on what's fresh, available, and delicious. Our chef/owner, James "Jimmy" Sambataro, along with chef de cuisine Tony Trolian, are inspired by the vision of executive chef Travis Wright. We offer reserved dinner service as an amenity to our guests, and ask that you plan for extra traffic on weekends and during the summer to ensure a stress-free arrival. While we do our best to accommodate late arrivals, we cannot guarantee immediate seating.

Martinak State Park, located at 137 Deep Shore Road in Denton, Maryland, is a beautiful recreational facility and natural area for all to enjoy. Established in 1961 by George Martinak, this park is surrounded by forests, fields, and marshes, with the Choptank River and Watts Creek bordering the area. Visitors can fish for bass, perch, sunfish, and catfish, or explore the hardwood and pine forests along the river. The park offers modern campsites, boating access, hiking trails, a playground, shelters, and a nature center. Pets are welcome in all areas except the shelters and cabins. The "Healthy Parks Healthy People" program encourages physical activity in Caroline County and western Maryland, with healthcare providers prescribing outdoor activities in state parks.

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.

Martin “Marty” L. Snook Memorial Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 17901 Halfway Boulevard in Hagerstown, Maryland. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. With its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, Martin “Marty” L. Snook Memorial Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to read a book or a fun place to spend time with family and friends, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Martin “Marty” L. Snook Memorial Park and experience the beauty and tranquility of this stunning outdoor oasis.

Hagerstown City Park is a picturesque and expansive park located at 501 Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown, Maryland. This popular tourist attraction boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, historic monuments, a charming lake with paddle boat rentals, and a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park also features walking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a museum showcasing local history. With its serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Hagerstown City Park is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out in the heart of Maryland.

Shafer Park is a picturesque park located at 241 Potomac Street in Boonsboro, Maryland. This beautiful park offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. With its lush greenery, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, Shafer Park is the perfect destination for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax, exercise, or simply enjoy the fresh air, Shafer Park is the ideal retreat in the heart of Boonsboro.

Thurmont Community Park is a charming and family-friendly park located at 19 Frederick Road in Thurmont, Maryland, United States. This beautiful park offers a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, including playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, walking trails, and more. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind in nature or get active and play a game of basketball or soccer, Thurmont Community Park has something for everyone. Come visit and experience the natural beauty and community spirit of this wonderful park in Thurmont.

Memorial Park, located at 201 North Bentz Street in Frederick, Maryland, is a beautiful and serene park that serves as a popular tourist attraction in the area. This park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy nature. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and memorial monuments, Memorial Park provides a tranquil setting for reflection and contemplation. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment, Memorial Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Pinecliff Park is a picturesque recreational area nestled in the heart of Frederick, Maryland. This popular tourist attraction offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park also features playgrounds for children, making it a perfect destination for families looking to spend quality time together. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Pinecliff Park is the ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Libertytown Park is a charming and peaceful oasis located at 9140-9156 Liberty Village Road in Union Bridge, Maryland. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The park features lush greenery, walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out with family and friends or simply want to enjoy some time alone in nature, Libertytown Park is the perfect destination. So come and explore this hidden gem in Maryland and experience the tranquility and serenity that this park has to offer.

Buckeystown Park is a charming and picturesque tourist attraction located in Adamstown, Maryland. Situated at 7221 Michaels Mill Road, this park offers visitors a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and scenic views, Buckeystown Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Buckeystown Park and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in Maryland.

Apple Ridge Recreation Area is a picturesque park located at 10101 Apple Ridge Road in Montgomery Village, Maryland. This beautiful outdoor space offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, including hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. With its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere, Apple Ridge Recreation Area is the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll through nature or engage in a friendly game of soccer, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Visit Apple Ridge Recreation Area and experience the beauty of nature in the heart of Montgomery Village.

Watkins Park is a charming 20-acre park nestled between Route 27 and Main Street in Mount Airy, Maryland. Just a short 1/4 mile walk on the scenic Rails to Trails path will lead you to the historic downtown area. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its beautiful greenery, walking trails, and recreational facilities, Watkins Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature.

Griffith Park is a beautiful and expansive park located at 29 South Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This institution offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. With its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and recreational facilities, Griffith Park is the perfect destination for picnics, family outings, and leisurely strolls. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get active and explore the great outdoors, Griffith Park has something for everyone. Come visit this wonderful park and experience the beauty and tranquility it has to offer.

Cape Horn Park is a scenic tourist attraction located at 2500 Cape Horn Road in Hampstead, Maryland, United States. This beautiful park offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, winding trails, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll, a picnic with family and friends, or a place to simply enjoy nature, Cape Horn Park is the perfect destination. Come and explore this hidden gem in the heart of Maryland's countryside.

Alpha Ridge Park, located at 11685 Old Frederick Road in Marriottsville, Maryland, is a historic institution with roots dating back to the Susquehannock and Piscataway tribes. The park offers a glimpse into the past, with a rich history of European settlers, Quaker families, and African American slaves who lived and worked on the land. The park features the Blandair Regional Park, which includes various amenities such as outdoor basketball courts, a skate park, pickleball courts, pathways, and shade structures. The park is a green oasis in the heart of Howard County, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education. With a history spanning over 200 years, Alpha Ridge Park is a must-visit tourist attraction in Maryland.

Symphony Woods Park is a picturesque park located at 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, Maryland, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the well-maintained trails, relax by the tranquil ponds, or have a picnic in the shaded areas. Symphony Woods Park is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. With its lush greenery and peaceful ambiance, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Cedar Lane Park is a picturesque institution located at 5081 Cedar Lane, Columbia, Maryland, United States. This park is part of the larger Blandair Regional Park, which includes three sections: North, West, and East, all located on Oakland Mills Road. Cedar Lane Park offers a variety of amenities including outdoor basketball courts, skate park, pickleball courts, pathways, parking lot, and shade structures. The park has a rich history, with the land once inhabited by Susquehannock and Piscataway tribes, followed by European settlers seeking religious freedom. The park was later owned by the Talbots, Dorsey, Howard, Weems, Bland, Mayo, and Gaither families, with a history of slave ownership and agricultural activities. The park's landscape has evolved over the years, transitioning from a dairy farm to fruit orchards. In 1997, Howard County purchased the property and began developing it into a park, offering a green oasis for outdoor recreation and nature education in the heart of Howard County. Cedar Lane Park is a beautiful and historic institution that provides a peaceful escape for visitors to enjoy nature and learn about the area's past.

Centennial Park North, located at 9801 Old Annapolis Road in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a part of the Blandair Regional Park system. The park offers a variety of amenities, including outdoor basketball courts, a skate park, pickleball courts, pathways, a parking lot, and shade structures. The park has a rich history, with ties to Native American tribes, European settlers, and African American slaves. The land was once owned by prominent families such as the Talbots, the Dorseys, and the Weems. Over the years, the property changed hands and was used for various purposes, including farming and raising Arabian horses. In 1997, the property was purchased by Howard County and developed into a park. Today, Centennial Park North provides a green oasis in the heart of Howard County, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education. The park is a reflection of the area's rich history and serves as a reminder of the diverse cultures that have called this land home.

Towson Manor Park is a beautiful green space located on East Towsontown Boulevard in Towson, Maryland, United States. This tranquil park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush grassy areas, towering trees, and winding walking paths. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and soak in the natural surroundings. With its convenient location and serene atmosphere, Towson Manor Park is the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Meadowood Regional Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located at 10650 Falls Road in Timonium, Maryland, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction known for its scenic walking trails, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape from the city and immerse themselves in nature while exploring the park's various amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Meadowood Regional Park is the perfect place for families, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor enthusiasts to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

Dulaney Springs Park is a beautiful outdoor retreat located in Cockeysville, Maryland. Situated at 2150 Old Bosley Road, this park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and a serene spring that flows through the park. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends, Dulaney Springs Park is the perfect destination. Come and experience the natural beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Maryland.

Rockfield Park is a picturesque and serene park located in Bel Air, Maryland. Situated at 501 East Churchville Road, this beautiful green space offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With lush greenery, walking trails, and open spaces, Rockfield Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the fresh air, Rockfield Park has something for everyone. Come visit this hidden gem in Bel Air and experience the tranquility and beauty of Rockfield Park for yourself.

Filbert Street Garden is a beautiful park located at 1321 Filbert Street in Baltimore, Maryland. This tranquil oasis offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and plenty of seating areas to relax and unwind. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, enjoy a picnic with friends and family, or simply soak up the natural beauty that surrounds them. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a peaceful place to meditate, Filbert Street Garden is the perfect destination for nature lovers and city dwellers alike.

Located at Pier 4 in Baltimore, Maryland, the Marine Mammal Pavilion is an aquarium that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Join one of our summer camp excursions to explore Maryland's natural wonders, or attend a dolphin training session to see how fun and learning come together for these intelligent creatures. Meet the pod and their trainers to witness the special bond they share, and learn how we can all work together to care for our ocean planet. With tours, experiences, and behind-the-scenes access, you can get up close and personal with amazing animals from all over the world.

Patterson Park is a historic urban park located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its beautiful landscapes, recreational facilities, and cultural events. The park covers over 130 acres and features a lake, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and attending community events throughout the year. Patterson Park also has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or explore Baltimore's heritage, Patterson Park offers something for everyone.

Gough Park is a beautiful outdoor space located at 9300 Honeygo Boulevard in Perry Hall, Maryland. This park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, walking paths, and plenty of open space for picnics and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding area. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get some exercise in the great outdoors, Gough Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Cowenton Ridge Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located at 8941 Cowenton Avenue in Perry Hall, Maryland, United States. This sprawling park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with beautiful walking trails, lush greenery, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, have a picnic in the shade of towering trees, or simply relax and unwind in this serene natural oasis. Cowenton Ridge Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to connect with the great outdoors.