Patapsco Valley State Park
BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ( DORCHESTER COUNTY ) Canoe or kayak in a 60-acrelake or hike / bike / ride along 20 miles . The park also offers camping , cabins , and hunting . FAVORITE SPOTS : Adkins Arboretum , a 40 acre garden and preserve . The large recycled tire playground and the ropes course .
Greenbury Point Park
GREENBURY POINT PARK , NAS AN- NAPOLIS We hate to mention this tiny park because we don ’ t want any more people there . But it truly is a tiny treasure in Annapolis . You may recognize it by the three radio towers that mark the entrance to the Severn River from the Chesapeake Bay . FAVORITE SPOT : We won ’ t give that up . But you can try picnicking in the grassy areas , exploring the shoreline , or fantastic sunset views of the Bay Bridge . Note : lots of ticks .
WYE RIVER MANAGEMENT AREA ( TALBOT COUNTY ) Wildlife viewing and hiking are the most popular activities on Wye Island ' s six miles of trails . FAVORITE SPOTS : wandering through an old growth forest of ancient oaks . Picnicking beneath a canopy of Osage Orange Trees .
SMITH ISLAND ( SOMERSET COUN- TY ). Smith Islanders are feisty and strong by nature . They live in a beautiful , isolated place that is shrinking in size every year . British settlers arrived on the island in the 17th century , and the natives retain the fantastic accent . Smith Island is accessible only by boat from Solomons or Crisfield . FAVOR- ITE SPOT : anywhere they serve Smith Island Cake .
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL ( MD / DC / VA ). A network of locally-managed trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands , this trail passes through five geographic regions . To date , 830 miles of existing and planned trails have been recognized as segments of the Trail . FAVORITE SPOTS : George Washington Birthplace , Colonial Beach , VA , Mt . Vernon , Caledon State Park , King George , VA .
POINT LOOKOUT STATE PARK ( ST . MARY ’ S COUNTY ) Located on the southern tip of the St . Mary ’ s peninsula where the Potomac meets the Bay , Point Lookout is the site of a notorious Civil War prisoner of war camp . Rich in history and recreation , this is truly a beautiful place to play . Camping is great when the mosquitos aren ’ t too bad . FAVORITE SPOT : PLSP is one spooky place ! In fact , it is known as one of the most haunted places in America . If you want a real scare , visit at night under a full moon .
BROWNIE BEACH ( CALVERT COUN- TY ) Hunt for shark teeth and other artifacts , wade out onto a shallow beach that seems to be knee-deep for miles , enjoy a beach day close to home . FA- VORITE SPOT : walk along the cliffs to find the perfect driftwood bed for a nap . ( also try nearby Calvert Cliffs State Park )
FORT MCHENRY ( BALTIMORE COUN- TY ) Every Maryland kindergartner knows Fort McHenry , but few return to visit for the beautiful location , statuary and sprawling lawns . FAVORITE SPOT : a post bike ride picnic under the trees on the lawn overlooking the harbor , where maritime trade floats by .
CHAPEL POINT STATE PARK ( CHARLES COUNTY ) Chapel Point State Park is located on the beautiful Port Tobacco River , a tributary of the Potomac River . Chapel Point is an undeveloped multiuse park that boasts a waterfront that offers excellent fishing . FAVORITE SPOT : waterfront sunsets , kayaking to remote beaches .
Brownie Beach
Fort McHenry
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