Sometimes it’s necessary to escape the city and engage in some outdoor therapy, if you ask us. While there are several city parks in and around Baltimore, today we’re focusing on Maryland state parks. The following eight amazing spots are all under an hour of driving distance, and each offers so much:

1. Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Flickr / Nicolas Raymond
This gigantic state park sprawls through both Baltimore County and Howard County. It's also very diverse, offering swinging bridges, waterfalls, ruins, and more.

Click here for more information.
2. Hart-Miller Island State Park
Hart Miller Island, Maryland, USA
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
This state park is extremely unique because it is only reachable by boat. Some people choose to kayak over from Rocky Point Park through Hawk Cove.

Click here for more information.
3. North Point State Park
North Point State Park, 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219, USA
Yelp / Janjan J.
This park becomes particularly popular during the summer months due to its beach. Trails are also available, perfect for the avid hiker.

Click here for more information.
4. Gunpowder Falls State Park
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area, 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, USA
Flickr / Phil Romans
This is one of Maryland's largest parks, covering parts of Baltimore County and Harford County. The Gunpowder River provides scenic water views throughout the area and you'll want to bring your camera.

Click here for more information.
5. Matthew Henson State Park
Matthew Henson State Park, Veirs Mill Road east to, Georgia Ave, Aspen Hill, MD 20906, USA
Wikimedia Commons / TrailVoice
About 45 minutes away from the city, this publicly-owned greenway offers unique views among nature. The raised boardwalk trails are particularly eye-catching.

Click here for more information.
6. Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Flickr / Alan Kotok
The showstopper at this Montgomery County Park is Clopper Lake, which covers a whopping 90 acres. The drive to this spot from Baltimore is about 50 minutes, and the distance is worth it.

Click here for more information.
7. Rock State Park
ROCK STATE PARK, Stirrup Run, Maryland 21084, USA
Flickr / Beverly Vealach
Another park about 50 minutes from the city is Rocks State Park in Harford County. Although there are several trails here worth exploring (and a waterfall!), the showstopper is known as the King and Queen's Seat overlook. The view is spectacular.

Click here for more information.
8. Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
Flickr / Henk Sijgers
A 45-minute drive will bring you to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. The view of the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge is oh so Maryland, and there's nothing quite like a day at the beach.

Click here for more information.

How many of the above state parks have you visited? Tell us about your adventures in the comments!

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State Parks to Visit Near Baltimore

Tori Jane | February 01, 2022

What are the best hiking trails in Baltimore? 

Maryland is a small state, and Baltimore is the largest city in this tiny state. It’s got plenty of the great outdoors, though – as long as you know where to look. Did you know there are at least 20 great trails in and nearby Baltimore? It's true! As it turns out, Baltimore is actually a very hiker-friendly city! Some of the most popular (and thus arguably the “best” as agreed upon by locals) trails in Baltimore and surrounding area include the beautiful Avalon Loop Trail, a 20-mile excursion found in the Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area, which is absolutely amazing – it's got everything you can think of! Ruins, waterfalls, artifacts from the past... that gem has it ALL. Then, there’s the Lake Roland Park Red Trail at Lake Roland Park, a much shorter (under three miles) trail rated as easy. We’ve got plenty of parks with wonderful trails contained within, too, like Herring Run Park, Wyman Park, and the Canton Waterfront Park. Want more ideas? Take a look at this article! And, speaking of parks...

Where can I find the best parks around Baltimore for families with kids?  

Baltimore is a great city for families with kids; one of our favorite aspects of this little city is just how kid-friendly it can be. There are several parks designed entirely for the youngsters; one of those is the Mt. Vernon Children’s Park, on Calvert Street. There’s lots of space and plenty of room for the kids to run around. We also love Linkwood Park, on Cold Spring Lane, which has fun stuff for children of all ages. West Shore Park, on Light Street, is a blast, with a small water park for the kids located onsite. We’re confident that Baltimore is a wonderful place for the little ones and grown-ups alike!  

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