The Frederick County Guide Spring 2016 | Page 12

CO MM U N IT Y #FindYourPark IN FREDERICK COUNTY! BY CHARISSA HIPP, DIGITAL MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER, VISIT FREDERICK The National Park Service (NPS) is turning 100 this year and there is no better place to celebrate the centennial than in your own backyard! 12 Hikers can enjoy challenging treks through the mountains leading to breathtaking overlooks, or laid-back scenic walks along nature trails, and everything in between whether it’s at Catoctin Mountain Park or along the Appalachain National Scenic Trail. Frederick County is home to six NPS units and nearly 100 National Register of Historic Places properties and historic districts. It is also part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. Follow 15.7 miles of towpath in Frederick County through the C&O Canal National Historical Park, which is also part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, on foot or by bicycle. In its entirety, the canal stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland for a total of 184.5 miles of adventure. The NPS and the National Park Foundation have launched the #FindYourPark initiative for the centennial. It strives to engage younger visitors and help them experience and connect to both traditional and less typical sites nationwide. The centennial is the perfect time to embrace parklands right here in Frederick County and #FindYourPark! The Frederick Historic District is a 50-block area on the National Register of Historic Places, offering more than 80 independently owned shops and restaurants, plus great art and architecture. The vibrant, walkable downtown hosts hundreds of special events throughout the year. If you prefer towns on a smaller scale with hometown appeal, you’ll enjoy the Brunswick Historic District, FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE | SPRING 2016