Top 10 Nature & Parks in Maryland, United States

February 18, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” because of its great variations in topography and culture. This makes it a perfect east coat travel destination for those who would like to experience a little bit of everything. From amusement parks, to beaches, to mountains and historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Each region of Maryland provides its own unique and fun activities to do. If you're headed for some fun in the sun in Ocean City on its eastern coast, be sure not to miss the Ocean City Beach, the Boardwalk, or Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park for an all-ages fun experience. Central Maryland is home to a Six Flags theme park, the Annapolis Golf Club, and countless hubs of art and culture such as the African Art Museum and Annapolis Opera, Inc. Heading to western Maryland? It is perfect for lovers of nature and the outdoors, with the Washington Monument State Park, Wisp Resort ski slopes, and the spectacular Muddy Creek Falls.
Restaurants in Maryland

1. Northside Park

200 125th St Bayside, Ocean City, MD 21842-2247 +1 410-250-0125 [email protected] http://www.oceancitymd.gov
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 752 reviews

Northside Park

Northside Park is located on 125th Street and the Bay. It is Ocean City's largest and most popular park and home to the Recreation and Parks Department administrative offices. This 58-acre complex boasts three lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted soccer field, multipurpose field, a foot bridge, mini-borrowing library, concession stands, accessible playground, picnic shelter, two piers, over 1 mile of walking/jogging paths and a state of the art outdoor exercise area. Indoor facilities include a Community Center with 14,200 square foot gymnasium, kitchen, community room, conference room, patio, sitting areas and a Sports Center annex with a 21,000 square foot multi-use arena. Northside Park hosts more than 100 special events and recreational programs and activities each year for both residents and visitors to Ocean City.

Reviewed By 266rudyb - Ocean City, United States

One of OC’s best outdoors attractions. Multiple softball fields, an indoor recreation center hosting several activities, and an outdoor walking track with several courses mapped out. The park also has a playground and a covered pavilion with BBQ grills. There are several other activities there as well. I saw where you could rent a kayak or standing paddle board. While you’re walking around the soccer field, don’t forget to take a look at the pier that goes very far out into the bay. My wife and I go walking here several times a month.

2. Great Allegheny Passage

13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502-3052 +1 724-309-4041 http://www.gaptrail.org
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 235 reviews

Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside three rolling rivers on its nearly level path from Cumberland, Md. to Pittsburgh. Cyclists pass through the Cumberland Narrows, cross the Mason-Dixon Line, top the Eastern Continental Divide, wind their way through Pennsylvania’s breathtaking Laurel Highlands, journey through the region’s coke, coal, mining, and steel-making corridor, and end at Pittsburgh’s majestic Point State Park. Stunning views of waterfalls, gorges, river valleys, and farmland are everywhere, especially from outside the Big Savage Tunnel, from the sweeping Salisbury Viaduct, at both ends of the Pinkerton Tunnel, and via the Ohiopyle High and Low Bridges. Riders overlook the joining of rivers at Confluence, McKeesport, and Pittsburgh, and can explore adjoining peninsulas, state parks, hollows, wildflower stands, and forests on foot at many places along the trail.

Reviewed By obsidian2017 - Dearborn, United States

I biked this with three friends. Over the course of two days, we biked about 100 miles, starting from Pittsburgh, overnight stop in Connellsville, then to Ohiopyle and back to Connellsville. The trail is incredibly well tended--not only clean and cleared but also with great signage indicating miles to go to next city. In addition, many cities have air pumps and water stations. It is an incredibly beautiful trail and mostly level. The crushed limestone is almost like pavement. Ran into one of the guides/marketing staff for one of the cycling groups that helps tend the trail. He was full of useful info. From him, we learned that biking from Ohiopyle to Falling Water was less than ideal--no trail, no shoulder, lots of car traffic, curves, and inclines. So, once in Ohiopyle, we took a shuttle (offered by the local outfitter) up to Falling Water and back. That was perfect.

3. Deep Creek Lake

MD
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Deep Creek Lake

Reviewed By msg08701

Awesome lake and accommodations. Great to boat on and jump in the water for a fresh swim. We rent vacation homes and never had a problem with any of them. I've been going there for many years and will be going back for more.

4. National Aquarium

501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202-3194 +1 410-576-3800 [email protected] http://www.aqua.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,050 reviews

National Aquarium

Considered one of the world's best aquariums, the National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world's natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collection of more than 20,000 animals from more than 800 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, marine mammals and sharks, as well as through exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like sleepovers and tours, science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field.

Reviewed By marleneb140 - Canton, United States

This wonderful aquarium contains a myriad of sea creatures along with a tropical rainforest and Australian exhibit. Although the building is quite large, it is easy to get around and there is plenty of room for viewing the displays. There were several school groups going through during my visit and some students were outside looking at items brought out by the aquarium workers. One worker also brought a milk snake into a lobby area and explained its behaviors. There are many displays to show ways of saving the oceans from litter and damage to the environment. Very educational and informative ! There is a wonderful cafe on the premises as well.

5. Rocky Gap State Park

12900 Lake Shore Dr, Cumberland, MD 21530-1082 +1 301-722-1480 http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/rockygap.aspx
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Rocky Gap State Park

Park that offers swimming beaches, campsites and boat rentals.

Reviewed By kabston - Pittsburgh, United States

a well maintained park with many activities to enjoy such as boating rentals, sandy swimming beach and well maintained hiking trails

6. Assateague State Park

7307 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811-2653 +1 410-641-2120 http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/eastern/assateague.aspx
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 741 reviews

Assateague State Park

State park that is managed by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.

Reviewed By Reviewer1954 - Skaneateles, United States

Assateague Island is a must-do visit in this area. We prefer the National Park end. We have never failed to find some wild horses here, as sometimes happens on Chincoteague. Great beach, ocean and bay views and of course the horses. Nice!

7. Assateague Island National Seashore

7206 National Seashore Ln, Assateague Island, MD 21811-2551 +1 410-641-1441 http://www.nps.gov/asis
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,112 reviews

Assateague Island National Seashore

One of America's last fully functioning barrier island ecosystems.

Reviewed By Sbyman - Salisbury, United States

I come here a lot as it’s one of my favorite places to visit. It’s a great place to bring your family as you can see wildlife here. Remember to use your bug repellent May through late September as the mosquitoes and biting flies are vicious and even if you are going to come early in the morning to get sunrise pictures. They have several trails that you can walk on. Life of the dunes Trail, and life of the forest trail and also life of the marsh Trail. It’s also a great place for stargazing or taking pictures of the night sky.

8. Kent Island

Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Kent Island

Welcome to Kent Island, Maryland our site brings residents and visitors alike a complete island guide with news, classifieds, real estate listings, and dining, lodging, and business information. Explore! Kent Island is the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay and was the location of the first European settlement in what is now Maryland. From its earliest inhabitants to its present-day status as the gateway to the Eastern Shore, Kent Island has played a vital role in the history of Maryland.

9. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230-5390 +1 410-962-4290 http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,361 reviews

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

A unit of the National Park Service. Site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September of 1814.

Reviewed By Y1591GWamyl - Simpsonville, United States

Great trip for students of any age. Mr. Raymond wats very helpful as we made plans for our trip. He got us the paperwork needed for the Dept. of Interior to apply for a Fee Waiver, making the trip free to our 100 students and 12 chaperones. He sent schedules for activities and talks on the grounds, information for teachers to use prior to trip, and maps of the fort to plan. And despite the extreme heat wave we experienced during our trip, this was a great opportunity to share the history of the War of 1812 with our kids and the penning of the National Anthem by Francis Scott Key!!

10. Quiet Waters Park

600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403-2700 +1 410-222-1777 http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 461 reviews

Quiet Waters Park

This rural park has a short but scenic route for biking.

Reviewed By goldenparadox - Elkridge, United States

I have a dog that loves water, so I came here for the dog beach. It wasn't huge, but the area was perfect for my dog to enjoy the sand and water. Other dogs and people were friendly. Only thing I wish is that was a gate-- couldn't take my guy off leash because the entry was wide open. Next time I will bring a chair so I can relax and catch some rays while my dog plays and relaxes. I'm going to bring a longer lead to tie him to so he'll have a little more freedom than a leash, but he'll still be contained. The park is well marked and labeled, so it wasn't hard to find my way around. If you're looking for the dog park and dog beach, follow the paw print arrows-- it's at the very "back" of the park. I will definitely be back to explore the other areas. They have very nice paved paths, most ranging less than a mile, but a few about a mile and a half long. I'm excited to see it in the spring when everything starts growing and blooming. To get in (they call it a parking fee) is $6. I will most likely just buy the yearly pass because if you go 6-7 times, it pays for itself. And the money is going to a park. Well worth it!

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