Maryland
Parks in Maryland
Discover the best state parks, lakes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation throughout the Old Line State.
Maryland offers much more than its cities. From the Atlantic beaches of Assateague to the wild shores of Deep Creek Lake, the cliffs at Calvert Cliffs, and the Catoctin Mountains, there are places to enjoy the outdoors in every corner of the state.
Explore Maryland ParksEnjoy the Outdoors in Maryland
Maryland's park system includes state parks, state forests, national park sites, county parks and city green spaces. Whether you are looking for a scenic hike, a lake to swim or paddle, a waterfall trail, a Chesapeake Bay beach, or a quiet place to relax, the state has parks for many different lifestyles.
Popular Parks in Maryland
Explore some of Maryland's best-known state parks, national sites and outdoor recreation areas.
Worcester County
Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park is Maryland's only oceanfront state park, with two miles of Atlantic beach, dunes and campground behind Assateague Island.
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Worcester County
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore protects 37 miles of barrier island across Maryland and Virginia, with wild horses, ocean beaches and marsh trails.
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Garrett County
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Deep Creek Lake State Park sits on Maryland's largest inland lake, with a swimming beach, boat launch, trails and the Discovery Center.
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Garrett County
Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park protects old-growth hemlock forest and a chain of waterfalls on the Youghiogheny River, including Muddy Creek Falls.
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Frederick County
Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park is home to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, with a lake beach, campground and trails into Catoctin Mountain.
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Frederick County
Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park protects 5,800 acres of forested ridgeline in Frederick County, with trails, historical structures and Camp David inside its boundaries.
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Anne Arundel County
Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park sits on the Chesapeake Bay at the western end of the Bay Bridge, with a large swimming beach, marina and bay fishing.
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Baltimore, Howard and Carroll County
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park follows 32 miles of the Patapsco River southwest of Baltimore, with waterfalls, river trails and a swinging bridge.
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Baltimore and Harford County
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Gunpowder Falls State Park protects 18,000 acres of river valley northeast of Baltimore, with trout streams, swimming areas and the Sweet Air trails.
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Cecil County
Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park occupies a peninsula between the Elk and Bohemia rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, with the Turkey Point Lighthouse and wooded trails.
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Calvert County
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park is known for its fossil-rich cliffs above the Chesapeake Bay, reached by a trail through wetlands to a shell-strewn beach.
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Somerset County
Janes Island State Park
Janes Island State Park sits on a marshy peninsula near Crisfield, with a water trail network, a bay beach and some of the best kayaking in Maryland.
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Worcester County
Pocomoke River State Park
Pocomoke River State Park protects a cypress swamp river corridor, with canoe trails, camping and the Milburn Landing and Shad Landing areas.
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Harford County
Rocks State Park
Rocks State Park centers on the King and Queen Seat, a 190-foot rock outcrop above Deer Creek, with trails, fishing and tubing on the creek.
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Washington County
Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier State Park sits on South Mountain with a 42-acre lake beach, camping and trails linking to the Appalachian Trail.
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Allegany County
Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park surrounds a mountain lake in the Alleghenies, with a beach, lodge, golf course and trails through rocky ridges.
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St. Mary's County
Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State Park sits at the tip of St. Mary's County where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake, with beaches, camping and Civil War history.
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Washington County
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield preserves the ground of the 1862 battle at Sharpsburg, with an 8.5-mile driving tour, walking trails and a visitor center.
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Dorchester County
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 28,000 acres of marsh, forest and water near Cambridge, famous for bald eagles and waterfowl.
View Park DetailsGreat Parks for Families
Families across Maryland have plenty of options for a day outside. Many state parks have swimming beaches, playgrounds, open lawns, shaded picnic areas, hiking trails, and facilities that make it easy to spend several hours outdoors.
- Playgrounds and play structures
- Picnic tables and pavilions
- Open lawns for games
- Walking and biking paths
- Shaded areas
- Family-friendly recreation
Walking, Biking & Outdoor Fitness
Maryland's parks and rail-trails make it easy to stay active through every season. Residents use them for morning hikes, jogging, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, and everyday recreation — from the B&A Trail outside Annapolis to the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail north of Baltimore.
Explore Maryland's Natural Side
Maryland is shaped by the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic, the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers, and the Allegheny Mountains. Parks such as Assateague, Calvert Cliffs, Cunningham Falls and Deep Creek Lake offer a quieter side of the state, from sandy beaches to rocky gorges.
Perfect for walking, wildlife viewing, photography, and simply relaxing outdoors.
Find Parks Near Maryland Cities & Towns
Living near a quality park can make a big difference in everyday life. Parks provide recreation, community gathering spaces, walking opportunities, and easy access to outdoor activities.
Explore Maryland Cities & TownsWhy Parks Matter When Choosing Where to Live
Outdoor Recreation
Easy access to walking, biking, boating and family activities.
Family Lifestyle
Playgrounds and green spaces give families more options close to home.
Community
Parks often serve as gathering places for events, recreation, and neighborhood activities.
Quality of Life
Access to attractive outdoor spaces adds to the overall appeal of a neighborhood.
Maryland Parks FAQs
Discover More of Maryland
Explore Maryland cities, towns, counties, parks, restaurants, shopping, local businesses, and things to do throughout the Old Line State.