2013-2014 Maryland State Parks MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR State Park Passport: Welcome! A Real Deal! to your Maryland Frequent visitors will see a genuine Martin O’Malley, Governor cost savings when they purchase a State Parks! Maryland State Park Passport. The State Parks are a part of Maryland’s identity. STATE PARK Passport offers: unlimited day-use 2013 PASSPORT From Assateague to Rocky Gap, our bountiful entry for up to 10 people in a vehicle; natural resources are available for all Maryland unlimited boat launching at all State citizens and visitors to observe and enjoy. Park facilities; and a 10% discount on state-operated concessions and boat Through our Parks and our much appreciated rentals. ($75 or $100 out-of-state) visitors, Maryland continues to enjoy a growing, green economy. Maryland State Parks support more than 10,000 full-time jobs and generate nearly $40 million in State and local retail, hotel, gas and income taxes. Event I want to thank you for helping us support and expand our outdoor experiences, giving you and Calendar Scan code or visit us online at your family opportunities to discover nature in dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/outdooreduc.asp safe, welcoming places that nourish mind, body and spirit. We wish you a memorable adventure and invite you to visit again soon. When you see QR codes like this one inside your map, scan them with a smartphone to Martin O’Malley, Governor learn more. Don’t have a QR Code reader? Search QR reader in your phone’s app store. Join A Friends Group Become an advocate of the Maryland Park Service by joining the statewide volunteer group, Friends of Maryland State Parks. For more information, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/ publiclands/friendsof.asp. Where to Go Hit The Trails With Your Guide Paddle A Water Trail Waterproof guidebooks for state park hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and water trails are available for more than 22 state parks. These affordable guides offer topographic maps, Janes Island State Park offers more than 30 miles of marked water trails detailed information and photographs of state parks, forests and NRMA’s. that wind throughout the island’s saltmarsh. Launch your own craft, or rent solo or tandem kayaks from the park, and paddle waterways protected from wind and current. Happy Campers Plan an overnight stay in one of more than 2,000 campsites available in Maryland State Plan A Picnic Parks. Make your camping reservations through a toll-free reservation service by calling 1-888-432-2267, or online at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us Choose from more than 100 state park picnic shelters to plan your next family reunion, wedding reception or business gathering. Reserve shelters online at reservations.dnr.state.md.us. Cozy Cabins Many State Parks offer full-service cabins equipped with Explore Civil War History kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and electricity. Rustic camper Fort Frederick State Park features a stone fort built in 1756 cabins offer bunk beds only, and families use a shared to protect Maryland’s frontier settlers during the French campground bathhouse. A fun alternative to tent camping! & Indian War. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, staff and volunteers dress in period clothing and demonstrate daily life in the 18th century. Visit A Park With Your Pet Plan a day trip or overnight adventure in a Maryland state park that includes your family pet. Many pet-friendly day-use areas, campgrounds, swimming beaches and undeveloped areas are accessible to your leashed pet. Make A Difference - Volunteer! Volunteers donate their services each year in Maryland’s 66 state parks and state parks benefit from the time and effort. From camp hosts to volunteers who clean up trails, there’s an opportunity for everyone . Did You Know? The Swinging Bridge in Patapsco Valley State Park once enabled residents to cross the Patapsco River to work in a flour mill. YOURS TO EXPLORE • STATE PARKS A RE T HE GATEWAYS T O A DVENTURE• Leave No Trace 10 Essentials We encourage you to practice Leave No Trace when visiting your of Hiking park or any outdoor trail or area. It is easy to do and allows others to Appropriate footwear enjoy the park, including animals • that call it home. • Map and compass/GPS • Extra water and a way The Leave No Trace Seven to purify it Principles are: • Extra food • Plan Ahead and Prepare • Rain gear and extra clothing • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Safety items: matches or a lighter, a light and a whistle • Dispose of Waste Properly • Leave What You Find • First-aid kit • Minimize Campfire Impacts • Knife or multi-purpose tool • Respect Wildlife • Sunscreen and sunglasses PHOTO: TIM KEMPLE • Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Daypack/backpack To learn more, visit www.LNT.org BEFORE YOU GET OUT, GEAR UP THE NORTH FACE BETHESDA ROW • 4848 BETHESDA AVENUE • BETHESDA, MD 20814 THE NORTH FACE TYSON’S CORNER • 7870 TYSON’S CORNER CENTER • MClEAN, VA 22102 THE NORTH FACE GEORGETOWN • 3333 M STREET NW • WASHiNGTON, DC 20007 Top Five Parks for Winter Adventures • Herrington Manor State Park - Cross country skiers will enjoy the What to Do 10 miles of track from beginner to intermediate level trails. • New Germany State Park - Ski on groomed trails by day, and stay Top Five Parks for Hiking the night in one of the park’s 11 full-service cabins. • Deep Creek Lake State Park - Find four seasons of recreation • Appalachian Trail - With 40 miles of the AT in Maryland, day hikers can opportunities like mountain biking, cross country skiing and pass through historic Washington Monument and Gathland State Parks. snowmobiling. • Gambrill State Park - Trails include mostly rocky terrain. An easy • Cunningham Falls State Park - Celebrate winter’s end at the annual one-mile flat loop is perfect for families. Maple Syrup Festival in March. • Swallow Falls State Park - This mountain park offers hikes to Muddy • Maryland State Parks - Be a nature detective! Use a field guide and Creek Falls, a crashing 53-foot waterfall in Western Maryland. look for animal tracks in the snow or mud. • Patapsco Valley State Park - Hike across the Swinging Bridge, a suspension bridge located in the park’s Orange Grove area. • Wye Island NRMA - Hike the Holly Tree Trail and see a 290-year-old Top Five Parks for Cycling legend that gives this trail its name. • Western Maryland Rail Trail - The WMRT offers 23 miles of flat, paved trail surface that wind along the scenic Potomac River. Top Five Parks for Boating • Rosaryville State Park - The park’s 10 miles of marked trails include views of historic Mount Airy Mansion. • Gunpowder Falls State Park - Rent kayaks, • Cedarville State Forest - More than 19 miles of marked trails wind past wind surfboards and catamarans at loblolly pines, a historic charcoal kiln and rural farm areas. Hammerman. Access the Gunpowder River • Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail - Bike the 21-mile converted former railroad from Dundee Creek Marina. bed of the Northern Central Railroad. • Susquehanna State Park - Launch from the • Fair Hill NRMA - Known for its pristine fields and woodlands, mountain Lapidum boating facility. Avid anglers can bikers enjoy the park’s extensive, multi-use, 80-mile trail system. fish striped bass, perch and carp. • Rocky Gap State Park - Lake Habeeb offers year-round recreational opportunities. Rent a canoe or kayak from the park’s day-use area. • Deep Creek Lake State Park - Launch your boat on Maryland’s largest man-made lake stocked with trout, walleye, bass and yellow perch. Maryland Park Service Online: • Martinak State Park - A boat launch and dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands pier allow access to the Choptank River and its abundant supply of bass, perch, sunfish and catfish. turtles. Fifteen miles of trails provide excellent hiking, mountain biking and equestrian terrain. Enjoy the park’s playground and volleyball area. Expert Tips Janes Island State Park Greenbrier State Park Off the beaten path, Janes Island offers beauty, tranquility and Located along South Mountain in scenic Western bountiful wildlife on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. Stay in the Maryland, this park is a popular destination for campground or full-service cabins and crab or fish in the nearby canal. outdoor enthusiasts who like to camp, picnic, swim, Bald eagles, Osprey, egrets and Great Blue Herons abound. hike and mountain bike. Rent a lakefront gazebo, or try your luck at catching a trout or trophy bass. Cedarville State Forest Discover 19 miles of marked trails that include a diverse, mostly flat Herrington Manor State Park experience for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and bird watchers. Cool off at the lake on warm summer days. The Trail features include a loblolly pine plantation, and lush plants such as Lake House serves casual fare during summer holly, magnolia and mountain laurel. months and offers a cozy fireplace and cross country ski rentals in the winter. Full-service cabins Point Lookout State Park make this a popular winter retreat for families. Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac Animals in their Elk Neck State Park River, the Point is rich with natural habitat? How The park’s beach offers visitors an expansive view history and full of recreational fascinating! of the Susquehanna Flats. On a clear day you can opportunities. Paddle your see across the Chesapeake Bay to the nearby town canoe or kayak in some of the of Havre de Grace. On a foggy day be mesmerized Maryland State Parks are rich with diverse wildlife. Take a peek through your binoculars, or as the tranquil waters appear to extend endlessly. area’s best bring along your camera and catch a memory to share.