5 National and State Parks In Maryland You Have To Visit

Maryland, nicknamed the Old Line State, boasts a rich history, from being home to the first dental school to the first umbrella factory. Hidden between the bustling cities and towns are treasure troves of natural scenery and activities in the form of national and state parks. Whether it is the endless Atlantic waters visible along Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore or the towering peaks at Catoctin Mountain Park, outdoor lovers visiting Maryland are spoiled for options. For the best views and opportunities, these are the five state parks in Maryland you have to see.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

If waterfalls and hiking sound like your kind of adventure, then Gunpowder Falls State Park is the place for you. This public recreation area in Maryland comprises six distinct areas, covering over 18,000 acres, each offering a new set of recreational possibilities. The primary attractions here are the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls, the Gunpowder River, and an array of tidal marshes and rugged cliffs. These landmarks open up a vast trail network spanning over 120 miles open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. The Gunpowder Falls Big Loop is a popular option, spanning 7.1 miles with an elevation gain of nearly 700 feet, making it a moderate-level route. That said, the waterfront walk and unique wooden stream crossings make it worth the effort.

Apart from hiking, Gunpowder Falls State Park allows visitors to picnic, canoe, kayak, fish, and even hunt. Those who want to spend a whole day here can head to the Hereford Area to fish for some trout, and then set up camp in designated areas. Mill Pond Cottage is also available for accommodation, so you can relax as you cook up fish for a heart-warming dinner. The best times to visit the park are during the summer for swimming and water activities, or in the fall to take in the cool breeze and golden foliage.

Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore

Split between Maryland and Virginia, the Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore is probably one of the most scenic areas on America’s East Coast. On Assateague Island, which is a 37-mile-long barrier island, there is no end to the waterfront scenery, with 37 miles of beach lined with coves, marshes, and bays. Tom's Cove is one such landmark, notable for its waterfront greenery and its visitor center, which offers a wealth of information for tourists on the island. While on the coast, other activities, such as fishing, swimming, and crabbing, are also ideal, as the region is home to blue crabs, a rare and memorable find for an outdoor trip.

While fishing and hunting can be done in most parks, Assateague Island State Park is also home to a set of wild, or feral, horses. These horses, also known as the Chincoteague pony, are one of the most sought-after sites in the region, and people can watch the herd as they roam along the shore. After watching them roam, head inland for a new set of activities, including hiking along boardwalk trails, biking, and even camping. Those here for the latter can choose between multiple campgrounds, such as the Oceanside Drive-In, which accommodates tents and trailers, or the Horse Camp, which offers camping for up to six people and their horses.

Catoctin Mountain Park

Near the town of Thurmont in northern Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park is a stunning natural retreat renowned for its rugged beauty and serene charm. Spanning over 6,000 acres, this park is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its landscape features dense forests, rocky ridges, and clear streams, with trails that range from gentle walks to steep climbs. One of the best experiences here is the hike to Chimney Rock, where panoramic views of the Monocacy Valley unfold in every direction. The steep route is about four miles for the round trip, and connects to the visitor center parking area for easy access. Nearby, Cunningham Falls, the largest waterfall in the state, adds a soothing touch to the park’s already tranquil atmosphere.

Catoctin Mountain Park also provides rich opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing. The Owens Creek Campground is a favorite among visitors, offering shaded sites that are perfect for a peaceful retreat under the shade of the trees. Deer, foxes, and even black bears are occasionally spotted along the trails, making each visit feel like a new adventure. For those interested in history, the park is home to Camp Misty Mount, a restored stone-and-log recreation camp built in the 1930s.

Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco Valley State Park is a charming reprieve that offers a stark contrast to the urban streets of nearby Baltimore. This quaint park spans over 16,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Maryland, and has lots to show for it. Split between half a dozen areas, visitors can choose which side of the park is ideal for their experience. For example, those interested in hiking or biking will love the McKeldin Area, which features a significant portion of the park’s 200+ mile trail network. It also features a disc golf course and fishing areas along the Patapsco River, making it an ideal destination for people of all ages. Meanwhile, for water-related activities like kayaking and canoeing, the Daniels Area is your best bet.

Standing out among the many sights in this park are the two swinging bridges that cross the Parapsco River. Both are connected to trails and offer a unique experience. Families might enjoy some time in the Hilton Area, which features a nature center and playground with scenic creek views, making it ideal for people of all ages.

Swallow Falls State Park

Last but still one of the most scenic places in the region, Swallow Falls State Park lies northwest of Oakland in northeastern Maryland. This small park, covering only around 250 acres, packs a punch. Every few steps, surprise travelers with something new, from the lush forests home to 300-year-old hemlock trees to the small waterfalls along the Youghiogheny River and Tolivar Creek. That said, the star of the show is definitely Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall, coming in at 53 feet tall. It is easily accessible via the 1.25-mile-long Swallow Falls Loop Trail, which courses through old-growth forests.

After taking in the magnum opus of this park, one can retreat to set up camp at one of the 60+ campsites available. These offer easy access to the river and other landmarks, allowing visitors to head out along the famed 5.5-mile trail that connects to Herrington Manor State Park nearby. Add on the pavilion and playground, and there is something for everyone in this charming abode of Mother Nature.

Maryland’s Landscapes of Adventure and Tranquility

Maryland’s beauty extends far beyond its historic towns and coastal cities, offering landscapes that inspire adventure and peace in equal measure. From the cascading falls of Gunpowder and Swallow Falls to the wild horses of Assateague Island and the panoramic views at Catoctin, every park reveals a different side of the Old Line State. Whether you’re hiking through rugged terrain, camping beneath forest canopies, or relaxing by a quiet riverbank, these five parks capture the essence of Maryland’s natural splendor and invite you to experience it firsthand.