Maryland State Park First Day Hikes Begin Jan. 1, 2021: List

Crofton MD

01 January, 2021

2:12 PM

Description

MARYLAND — Maryland authorities suggest residents start 2021 with one of 36 hikes in state parks. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to take a First Day Hike in January to welcome the New Year. This year, the Maryland Park Service will offer self-guided hike opportunities across the state from Jan. 1-3, 2021. Maryland's state parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas will be open for trekking hundreds of miles of trails. However, due to the pandemic and physical distancing guidance, hikes will be self-guided and park staff will not be leading the hikes this year. The hikes offer experiences for various levels of hiker and walker. Many hikes are even pet-friendly, and a few trails are suited for strollers; be sure to check ahead of time. Numerous parks, state forests and wildlife management areas will also be open Jan. 1 for self-guided treks, the Department of Natural Resources said in a press release. "Over the past year, Maryland's amazing natural resources have provided us with safe recreation and quality time together which many of us needed," Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said in a news release. "As we begin 2021, we want to remind everyone that there are many great winter activities to take advantage of on our public lands. Hiking on our world-class trail systems is a great way to get a healthy start in the new year." On New Year's Day 2020, a record 5,000 hikers logged more than 10,000 miles on trails in parks and public lands all across Maryland. All hikers should follow Maryland State Parks' guidelines for outdoor exercise and recreation to slow the spread of COVID-19, including keeping a 6-foot distance from anyone outside their household and wearing a face covering when in close proximity to others and when indoors. Anyone who is sick or has been sick over the past two weeks should stay home to recuperate. After their visit, hikers are asked to complete an online survey to track their hikes and how many miles they covered. This Year's Hikes (arranged by county): Rocky Gap State Park12500 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone, MD 21530 3 Self Guided Options from the Touch of Nature Trailhead Canyon Overlook Trail - Easy- 0.3 mile (Recommended by Ranger Izzy Pannone)Lakeside Loop Trail - Moderate- 5.3 miles (Recommended by Ranger Dave Best)Evitts Mountain Homesite Trail - Difficult- 7.25 miles (Recommended by Ranger Katy Barger & Ranger Cliff Puffenberger) Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Trails are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Portable restroom available. Maps available at the trailhead.For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-722-1480, Duty Ranger 240-357-4404, or email: [email protected] Point State Park1100 E. College Pkwy Annapolis, MD 21409Self-guided "Jetty to Jetty" Walk on the Beach: Sandy Point Beach Walk - Moderate- 2 milesTake in the spectacular sights of the Chesapeake Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse. Start at the South Beach Plaza.Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Portable restrooms are available near parking lots and South Beach Plaza. Park is open 7 am to 4 pm. $3.00 per vehicle entrance fee.For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-974-2149, or email: [email protected] Baltimore County North Point State Park: 8400 North Point Road, Edgemere Black Marsh Trail - Easy - Approximately 2 miles round-trip (1.5 hours) Park your vehicle in Parking Lot A, located just beyond the Contact Station to the left. This self-guided hike takes you through the scenic Black Marsh Wildlands. Additional Details: The trail is not suited for strollers, but children are welcome. Park is open 8 am to 4:50 pm, $3.00 per vehicle entrance fee. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-592-2897 or email Ranger Davis: [email protected] Gunpowder Falls State ParkGPS Coordinates 39.608909, -76.671649Hereford, MD 21111 (at the end of Bunker Hill Road, just past Hereford High School) Bunker Hill Trail and/or Mingo Forks Trail - Moderate/Difficult - 5 miles This self-guided wooded hike is amongst the Hereford Wildlands Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park. The hike is a hilly, scenic loop with uneven terrain that crosses several small streams. Additional Details: Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Trail not suited for strollers, but children with hiking experience are welcome (Advisable for 10 yo+.) There are no bikes allowed on the trails. Click here for a map. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-592-2897 or email Ranger Staab: [email protected] Calvert County Calvert Cliffs State Park10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657Two Self Guided Options Available:Option 1: Red Trail - Easy/Moderate- 3.6 milesThis self-guided, ranger recommended out-and-back hike takes you from the parking lot near the bathhouse, through a wetland, down to the beach, and back. Click here for a map. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Red Trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers when dry. Portable restrooms available at the beach. Maps available at the trailhead. Admission into the park is free for all three days, and the Friends of Calvert Cliffs State Park will be accepting donations for their First Day Food Drive for charity. Option 2: Orange Trail to Red Trail Loop - Moderate/Difficult- 5.2 milesOrange Trail not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Click here for a map. Many trail intersections - hiking experience or familiarity with trail recommended. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Portable restrooms available at the beach. Suggested to wear orange or other bright colors when hiking during hunting seasons. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 443-975-4360 or Email: [email protected] Caroline County Tuckahoe State Park13187 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, MD 21657 Lake Trail - Easy- 1.5 miles Enjoy this self-guided out-and-back hike as the trail follows Tuckahoe Creek and its wetlands. Additional Details: Leashed pets welcome. Natural surface trail not suitable for strollers/wheelchairs. Restrooms available. Click here for a trail map For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-820-1668, Duty Ranger 443-221-8285, Email: [email protected] Martinak State Park137 Deep Shore Road, Denton MD 21629 Fitness Trail - Easy- 2 miles This self-guided loop hike features activities to get the whole family moving while learning about Maryland's native wildlife. Additional Details: Leashed pets welcome. Paved trail is stroller/wheelchair accessible. Restrooms available at boat ramp Click here for a trail map. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-820-1668, Duty Ranger 443-221-8285, Email: [email protected] Carroll County Patapsco Valley State Park - McKeldin11676 Marriottsville Rd Marriottsville, MDSwitchback Trail - Difficult- 3 milesThis self-guided hike loops you around the entire McKeldin area. Park by shelter 550.Additional Details: Leashed pets welcome. Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Bring water. Recommended starting time 10-1pm over the three-day weekend.Click here for a map.For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-461-5005, Duty Ranger: 443-534-1762, Email: [email protected] Cecil County Elk Neck State Park4395 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD 21901 Beaver Marsh Loop Trail - Difficult- 2.0 miles Self guided hike through wooded area surrounding the Beaver Marsh and ending along the Beaver Marsh beach. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Day use fee waived but reservation required. Maps available at the trailhead. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-287-5333, Duty Ranger 443-252-4258, Email: [email protected] Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area2941 Appleton Road, Elkton, MD 21921 Five Mile Loop - Moderate/Difficult- 5 miles This 5 mile, self-guided hike starts from our North Appleton Parking (Lot #3) and travels through the north central portion of Fair Hill NRMA. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Portable restrooms are available near parking lots. Maps available at the trailhead. For additional information, contact the park directly: Duty Ranger 410-218-1698, Email: [email protected] Charles County Smallwood State Park2750 Sweden Point Road Marbury, MD 20658 Hikers Choice - Choose your own hiking experience and post a photo on the Friends of Smallwood Facebook page. Leashed pets welcome. Non-paved surfaces are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. Portable restrooms by Concessions Building. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-743-7613, Duty Ranger 240.743-8475, E-mail: [email protected] Chapman State Park3452 Ferry Place, Indian Head, MD. 20640 Hikers Choice - Choose your own hiking experience and post a photo on the Friends of Chapman Facebook page. Leashed pets welcome. Trails are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. Portable restrooms by the Green Barn.For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301.743.7613, Duty Ranger 240.743.8475, E-mail: [email protected] Frederick County Cunningham Falls State Park- Manor Area12698 Catoctin Furnace Rd. Thurmont, MD 21788 Option 1: Catoctin Furnace History Trail - Easy- 0.25 mile. A self-guided trail which leads to Catoctin Furnace Historical Village. Crosses U.S. 15 via elevated footpath (46 steps up the stairway). Access via lower day-use area in Manor Area. Additional Details: Not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Use portable restrooms at parking lot before hike. Dogs permitted, but must be kept on leash. Maps available at the trailhead. Click here for more hiking information. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-271-7574, Duty Ranger: (301) 712-6964, Email: [email protected] Option 2: The Buzzkill - Very Difficult- 12.4 Miles. Custom loop route that begins and ends from the Bob's Hill Trailhead at the Manor Area of CFSP. Trail features the steepest elevation in the park, with approximately 2100 ft. elevation gain. Additional Details: For experienced hikers only. Allow 5-8 hours for this hike. Not recommended in poor weather conditions. Brief roadside walking required. Maps available at the trailhead and also available through email. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-271-7574, Email: [email protected] Option 3: Bob's Hill - Difficult- 3.8 miles round-trip. Bob's Hill via Catoctin National Recreation Trail is a 3.8 mile out and back trail, some steep loose rock sections. Elevation gain of 1073'. This one looks like a short hike, but it's a workout! Additional Details: Not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Use portable restrooms at parking lot before hike. Dogs permitted, but must be kept on leash. Maps available at the trailhead. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-271-7574, Duty Ranger: (301) 712-6964, Email: [email protected] Gambrill State Park8448 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702 Option 1: High Knob Loop - Black Locust and Green Ash Trails - Easy- 1.5 miles Self guided hike touring the High Knob Area with features along the top of the ridge such as: local geology,stone overlooks and views of nearby valleys. Option 2: Yellow Poplar Trail - Moderate- 7.2 miles total. Catch this self-guided hike at the entrance to High Knob. Though it is 7.1 miles in its entirety, there are many opportunities to cut it short. This trail travels the Catoctin Mountain Ridgeline through thick mountain laurel and around rocky bends. Additional Details: Leashed pets welcome. Not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. Portable restroom by the Nature Center & Trailhead. Start at the Black Trail behind the Nature Center & exit the green at the South Frederick Overlook. Click here for map. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301 271 7574, Duty Ranger (301) 712 6964, Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Garrett County Deep Creek Lake State Park898 State Park Rd Swanton, MD 21561 Beckman's Trail - Easy- 3 miles. Self guided hike through the forest takes you past the historic Brant Mine. Hike starts at the Discovery Center parking lot. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome, not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, Portable restroom available in multiple parking lots. Click here for a trail map. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-387-5563, Duty Ranger 240-405-9827, Email: [email protected] New Germany State Park376 McAndrews Hill Road Grantsville, MD 21536 Orchard Loop: Pink Trail - Easy- 1 mile. This self-guided hike will take you through a mixed forest (softwood and hardwood forest) along the foothills of the Eastern Continental Divide near Meadow Mountain. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome; not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers; public restroom is available at the Lake House. Click here for a park map. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-895-5453 or Email: [email protected] Herrington Manor State Park222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, MD 21550 Green Trail - Easy- 1.7 miles. This loop trail is ideal for novice hikers. It is accessible from the park headquarters and traverses an open field then enters the hardwood forests before circling back to the park headquarters. Additional Details: The trail is not stroller/wheelchair friendly. Restrooms are available in the park laundry facility below the Park Headquarters. Trail guides are available at the trailhead and park headquarters. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 301-334-9180, Email: [email protected] Harford County Gunpowder Falls State Park2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087 J-Mill Little Gunpowder Falls River Loop - Easy/Moderate- 2.5 miles This self-guided hike starts at the paved parking lot, and takes you behind the general store, along the east side of the former orchard and garden, into the woods and eventually along the blue-blazed trail, and returns to the village along the white-blazed trail. Additional Details: Friendly, leashed dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Trail not suited for strollers, but children are welcome, advisable for 10 year olds+. Maps available at the trailhead. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-592-2897 or email Ranger Staab: [email protected] Gunpowder Falls State Park2840 Dalton Bevard Road, Baldwin, MD 21013 Barley Pond Trail - Moderate- 2.5 miles This self-guided hike is along the scenic Barley Pond Trail. There are many native plants to be seen. Pamphlets will be provided for a more interactive experience. Click here for a map. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Trail not suitable for strollers. There are no restrooms at this location. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410 592-2897 Rocks State Park3900 St. Clair Bridge Road, Jarrettsville, Md 21084 Red Trail to White Loop - Easy- 2.5 miles total. Self-guided hike along the white trail to the King and Queen Seat overlook. Click here for a map. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Portable restrooms are available near parking lots. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-557-7994, Email: [email protected] Rocks State Park3634 Rocks Road, Jarrettsville, Md 21084 Purple Trail to White Loop - Difficult- 2.5 miles total. Self-guided hike along the Purple Trail to the King and Queen Seat overlook. This is one of the three starting locations to see this 190 foot rock outcropping. Take the short, but steep and rocky Purple Trail to the King and Queen Seat. Hop on the White Loop around the park to get a little more hiking in! Purple trail is approximately 1/2 mile each way. White Trail is 2.2 mile loop. Map is available online. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Portable restrooms are available near parking lots. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-557-7994, Email: [email protected] Susquehanna State Park - Deer Creek Picnic Area948 Stafford Road, Havre de Grace, Md Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail - Easy- 4.4 miles total Self-guided hike along the Susquehanna River. Marked with Greenways emblems every .5 mile. This trail runs from Stafford Road near the Deer Creek Picnic area at Susquehanna State Park to the Conowingo Dam. Note starting location: 948 Stafford Road, Havre de Grace, Md 21078 (Deer Creek Picnic Area) Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible, Portable restroom is available at the Deer Creek Picnic Area. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-557-7994, Email: [email protected] Susquehanna State Park - Conowingo Dam/Fisherman's Park2569 Shures Landing Road, Darlington, Md 21034 Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail - Easy- 4.4 miles total Self-guided hike along the Susquehanna River. Marked with Greenways emblems every .5 mile. This trail runs from the Conowingo Dam to Stafford Road near the Deer Creek Picnic Area. NOT a loop, this trail is 2.2 miles each way. Note starting location: 2569 Shures Landing Road, Darlington, Md 21034 (Conowingo Dam/Fisherman's Park) Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible, Portable restroom is available at the Deer Creek Picnic Area. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office: 410-557-7994, Email: [email protected] Montgomery County Seneca Creek State Park11950 Clopper Road Gaithersburg MD 20878 Lakeshore Trail - Moderate/Difficult -3.7 miles This self guided hike takes you around the 90 acres of Clopper Lake. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Restroom located at the Tire Playground. Natural surface trail not suitable for strollers. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-924-2127 or Email: [email protected] Patuxent River State Park23222 Georgia Ave, Brookeville Md 20833 Flowing Free Trail - Moderate- 3 miles total This self guided hike out and back on the Flowing Free Trail is a great hike to explore the Patuxent River. Several smaller loops can be added to extend the hike. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Trail not suitable for strollers. Restroom located in parking lot. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-924-2127 or Email: [email protected] Prince George's County Cedarville State Forest10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613 Orange Trail - Moderate - 1.5 miles Self guided hike through a heavily wooded trail. Clich here for a Cedarville Trail Guide. Additional Details: Pets are welcome. Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-888-1410, Duty Ranger 443-975-4358, or Email: [email protected] Merkle Natural Resources Management Area11704 Fenno Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Three Different Hike Options at Merkle Option 1: Paw Paw to Poplar Springs Trail Loop - Easy/Moderate- 3.0 miles This self-guided, ranger recommended loop hike starts from the visitor center, takes you across the short section of the Paw Paw Trail, around the exterior of the Red Trail, and back to the visitor center. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Brief roadside walking required. Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Portable restroom available at Visitor Center. Follow yellow blazes for Paw Paw Trail and red blazes for Poplar Springs. Maps available at the trailhead. Option 2: Paw Paw to Mounds Trails - Easy/Moderate- 3.0 miles This self-guided, ranger recommended out-and-back hike starts from the visitor center, takes you down the Paw Paw Trail, around the loop of Mounds Trail, and back to the visitor center. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Brief roadside walking required. Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Portable restroom available at Visitor Center. Follow yellow blazes for Paw Paw Trail and blue blazes for Mounds Trail. Maps available at the trailhead. Option 3: CADT to Lookout Creek Trail - Easy- 2.5 miles This self-guided, ranger recommended out-and-back hike starts from the visitor center, takes you down the CADT- Critical Area Driving Tour between Merkle and Windmill Ponds, around the Lookout Creek Loop, and back to the visitor center. This trail takes you down near the Patuxent River. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Brief roadside walking required. Accessible for wheelchairs or strollers on CADT only. Portable restroom available at visitor center. Not recommended in poor weather conditions or recent rain. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 443-510-9920 or email: [email protected] Queen Anne's County Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area632 Wye Island Road, Queenstown MD 21658Ferry Point/Jack-in-the-Pulpit Trails - Easy- 1.5 milesThis self-guided out-and-back hike takes you through Osage Orange trees ending at a small beach on the Wye River.Click here for a map.Additional Details: Leashed pets welcome. Natural surface trail not suitable for strollers/wheelchairs. Portable restrooms available.For additional information, contact the park directly: (o) 410-820-1668 (DR) 443-221-8285, E-Mail: [email protected] Somerset County Janes Island State Park26280 Alfred J. Lawson Drive, Crisfield, MDWhitetail Trail/Daugherty Creek Canal - Easy-1.1 miles This self guided 1.1 mile loop route is across easy, flat land through the woods and along the Daugherty Creek Canal. Maps available at trailhead.Additional Details: Stroller Accessible. Leashed pets are welcome. Restroom available.For additional information, contact the park directly: (o) 410-968-1565, (DR) 443-614-2591, E-mail: [email protected] St. Mary's County Greenwell State Park25420 Rosedale Manor Ln, Hollywood, MD 20636Hikers Choice - Easy/Moderate- Mileage Varies Choose your own hiking experience. Be mindful of hunting areas, wear brightly colored clothing. Post a photo on the Friends of Point Lookout Facebook page.Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Some trails accessible for strollers. Portable restroom available at main parking lot. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-872-5688 or Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Talbot County Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park29761 Bolingbroke Point Drive, Trappe, MD Choptank River Trail - Easy- 1.0 mile Self guided hike through wooded area, overlooking the Choptank River. 1 mile long fishing pier will also be open for hikers.Click here for a map.Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Trail not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Portable restrooms available on pier. Park is open 7:00 am to sunset.For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-221-2290, Email: [email protected] Washington County Greenbrier State Park21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713 Greenbrier State Park Hikes - Three Options Option 1: Big Red Trail to Yellow Trail - Moderate - 4 miles Self-guided hike featuring the new Yellow Trail. Hike starts at Gazebo #1 near Greenbrier beach. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Option 2: Lake Trail - Easy - 1 mile Self-guided hike around Greenbrier Lake. Hike starts at Gazebo #1 near Greenbrier beach. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Option 3: Marked Mile - Easy- 1 mile Follow white arrows/orange cones on paved surfaces in the day use area. Hike starts at the "X" near the Visitor Center. Both stroller and wheelchair accessible. Click here for a map. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Portable restroom is available at the south parking lot. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-791-4767; Duty Ranger 240-357-4386; Email: [email protected] Fort Frederick State Park11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool, MD 21711 Women In Conservation Trail - Easy/Moderate- 1.5 miles Self-guided hike along the Plantations Trail. Don't forget to download the hike booklet and tree guides: Common Broadleafs and Connifers. Women In Conservation Trail Booklet Tree Guide: Common Broadleaf Tree Guide - Conifers Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Portable restroom is available at the Visitor Center parking lot. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 301-842-2155, Duty Ranger 443-805-1759 Worcester County Assateague State Park7307 Stephen Decatur Hwy Berlin MD 21811 Hikers Choice - Easy - Choose your distance. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome in the state park day-use. Non paved surfaces are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Portable restroom by Concession Building. Park Maps available on site. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410.641.2120 or Email: [email protected] Pocomoke River State Park - Shad Landing 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill, MD 21863 Trail of Change Loop Trail - This self-guided hike loop on the Trail of Change - named for changes in elevation and diversity of vegetation that occur along its winding path from upland forest to cypress swamp. Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Natural surface not suitable for stroller/wheelchairs. Restroom available at the Camp Store. Park in the Marina Parking Lot. For additional information, contact the park directly: Office 410-632-2566, Duty Ranger 443-614-2894, Email: [email protected] First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide event sponsored by America's State Parks.