When it involves outside adventures, Maryland won’t appear to be it has so much however belief me, it’s the good place for you! It gives a number of adventures from mountaineering the paths to kayaking journeys in varied state parks and extra.
Not restricted to state parks, outside lovers can discover high experiences such because the well-known Assateague Island National Seashore, recognized for its wild horses and gorgeous seashores. Visitors may also go mountaineering on trails within the Appalachian Mountains, with the difficult terrain of the Maryland Heights Trail and the Annapolis Rock Trail.
For water lovers, kayaking or paddleboarding within the Chesapeake Bay is a should, plus guests can take a ship tour to see the historic lighthouses dotting the shoreline.
17 Things to Do in Maryland for Outdoor Lovers
1. State parks
If you might be on the lookout for a enjoyable outside expertise with good surroundings, Maryland’s state parks provide the proper getaway.
With over 50 parks to select from, there’s one thing for everybody, from the gorgeous views of Patapsco Valley State Park to the historic ruins of Fort Frederick State Park. Visitors can get pleasure from mountaineering, biking, or horseback using on the paths, or cool off with a swim within the crystal-clear waters of the state’s many lakes and rivers.
History lovers will love exploring the Civil War-era forts and battlefields at Antietam National Battlefield and South Mountain State Park, whereas wildlife lovers can observe the numerous species of birds and animals on the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
And with tenting and cabin choices obtainable, you possibly can really immerse your self in the great thing about Maryland’s state parks and make lasting recollections with household and associates.
2. Hiking trails
Maryland is a hiker’s paradise, providing a various vary of trails that cater to all talent ranges and pursuits.
The standard Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls is a difficult hike that rewards guests with breathtaking views of the Potomac River. Meanwhile, Catoctin Mountain Park boasts a community of trails that move by gorgeous waterfalls, tranquil streams, and forests.
For historical past lovers, the Antietam National Battlefield gives an opportunity to stroll within the footsteps of troopers from the Civil War. Whether you’re on the lookout for a difficult ascent or a leisurely stroll, Maryland’s mountaineering trails provide one thing for everybody (additionally for full mountaineering learners!), making it the proper vacation spot for a memorable outside journey. You could even spot some native wildlife or uncover hidden gems like waterfalls and rock formations as you make your method round.
3. Nature facilities
For nature lovers on the lookout for a novel option to discover the good outside, visiting Maryland’s nature facilities is a should!
From interactive displays and academic packages to guided excursions and particular occasions – there are many actions that may hold you busy all yr spherical. Whether you’re eager about studying about native wildlife or discovering native crops and bushes, these nature facilities have one thing for everybody.
You may also take part in hands-on experiences like studying about butterflies or constructing birdhouses, which is able to assist deepen your appreciation of this lovely state.
4. Go horseback using
Many horseback using excursions and stables provide guided rides, permitting you to discover the gorgeous surroundings and wildlife of the state in a secure and fulfilling method.
Most of those stables or farms enable everybody whether or not seasoned equestrian or a newbie.
From Assateague Island State Park to Catoctin Mountain Park, you could find quite a lot of trails that vary from simple strolls for learners to difficult climbs for skilled riders. As you traverse by means of these trails, absorb breathtaking views and observe native wildlife up shut as you make your method round this lovely state.
For an unforgettable expertise, you possibly can’t miss the Assateague Island National Seashore.
This 37-mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast of Maryland is house to over 400 wild horses and considerable wildlife. Here, you possibly can discover miles of untouched seashores and distinctive wetlands on horseback, taking within the unbelievable surroundings and recognizing wild horses alongside the best way.
5. Go Golfing
Golfing in Maryland is an expertise like no different. With a few of the greatest programs within the nation, golfers can get pleasure from a spherical of 18 holes surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and lakes. From difficult championship programs to family-friendly government layouts, there’s one thing for everybody right here in Maryland.
Not solely are the programs lovely and well-maintained, however additionally they provide nice facilities similar to bars, eating places, spas, professional retailers, driving ranges, and follow greens so as to good your sport earlier than teeing off. Here are a few of the greatest locations to play golf in OC Maryland.
6. Go swimming within the Lakes
Not all of the lakes in Maryland enable swimming however nothing beats taking a dip within the shimmering lakes of Maryland on a sizzling summer season day! From Deep Creek Lake, to Rocky Gap Lake, Maryland’s waterways present an idyllic setting for swimming and different water actions.
Some lakes have actually crystal-clear waters and luxurious inexperienced environment, some have enormous swimming holes that guests can throw themselves into and really feel relaxed when spending time round these serene our bodies of water.
7. Check out some waterfalls
Maryland will not be the primary place that involves thoughts while you consider waterfalls, however the state is definitely house to some really breathtaking waterfalls.
From the cascading fantastic thing about Cunningham Falls in Catoctin Mountain Park to the peaceable serenity of Kilgore Falls in Rocks State Park, there’s a waterfall in Maryland for each kind of adventurer. Some waterfalls require a little bit of a hike to achieve, however the reward of gorgeous views and the soothing sound of speeding water makes it properly well worth the effort.
Some Popular Maryland Waterfalls:
- Cunningham Falls – This 78-foot cascading waterfall is situated within the lovely Catoctin Mountains and is well accessible by automotive. The path to the falls is lined with lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for a peaceable picnic or stroll.
- Muddy Creek Falls – This is a crashing 53-foot waterfall situated in Swallow Falls State Park close to Oakland, Maryland.
8. Enjoy the outside in St Michaels
St. Michaels, Maryland is a pleasant little city that provides guests the proper alternative to flee the craziness of metropolis life and join with the good outside.
A day spent exploring St. Michaels and its surrounding is so price it with scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay, recent sea air, and the charming sights and sounds of the city itself. Visitors can hire a motorcycle or kayak and discover the numerous trails and waterways surrounding St. Michaels, or just stroll by means of the city’s historic streets and admire the superbly preserved structure.
Local seafood is a must-try for any customer, and there are many nice eating places in St. Michaels serving up recent crab muffins and different scrumptious seafood dishes. You might even make a day journey out of St Michaels and keep in a few of their good mattress and breakfasts.
9. Go kayaking
Outdoor lovers on the lookout for an unforgettable expertise ought to contemplate going kayaking in Maryland because the state supplies loads of alternatives to discover nature from a novel perspective.
Maryland gives a few of the greatest kayaking alternatives within the nation because of its miles of shoreline and abundance of bays, creeks, and rivers. From calm waters to rapids that may check your expertise, guests can discover one thing for all ranges of paddlers right here.
10. Explore Assateague National Seashore
Exploring the Assateague National Seashore in Maryland is a must-do for any nature lover. The park spans over 37 miles of pristine shoreline, dunes, and marshland, making it probably the most distinctive and various ecosystems within the nation. Visitors can get pleasure from mountaineering, biking, or horseback using on the miles of trails that wind by means of the park, or spend a day lounging on the seashore.
The park additionally gives implausible alternatives for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. One wonderful factor about this place is the wild horses. They roam across the seashore freely all day and are a sight to behold!
11. Smell some lavender
Visiting lavender farms is such a sensory and calming expertise even for outside lovers. It won’t be adventurous like mountain climbing or kayaking, however it supplies a number of calm and permits guests to absorb the great thing about the panorama whereas exploring the huge array of merchandise constituted of these fragrant flowers.
From important oils, tub salts, candles, and soaps to sachets and teas—there are numerous methods to benefit from the calming scent of lavender.
Visitors may even create their very own distinctive mix utilizing oils from completely different varieties. There are additionally loads of actions designed particularly for youths – like scavenger hunts, academic talks about how lavender is harvested and processed into important oils, and crafting classes the place they’ll make their very own perfumes out of pure elements.
12. Enjoy the great thing about Sunflowers
If you’re on the lookout for a shocking and distinctive outside journey in Maryland, visiting sunflower fields ought to be on the high of your listing! The vivid and cheerful flowers towering over you create a wide ranging and unforgettable expertise.
One of the very best issues about visiting sunflower fields is the chance for gorgeous images – the colourful yellow petals make the proper backdrop for a household picture shoot or a romantic couple’s outing. Plus, lots of the fields provide further actions like hayrides and pumpkin patches, making it an excellent day journey for the entire household.
13. Ocean City boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is among the most iconic and beloved sights on the East Coast. Spanning about 3 miles alongside the Atlantic Ocean in Maryland, this historic boardwalk has been a well-liked vacation spot for generations of households on the lookout for enjoyable and leisure.
There is a lot to do right here just like the amusement park rides to the carnival video games. Visitors can hop on a curler coaster, take a stroll on the sandy seashores, buy groceries, or seize some ice cream whereas soaking within the solar. There are nice household lodges on the boardwalk to spend the weekend.
14. Ziplining
If you’re on the lookout for an thrilling and adrenaline-filled journey, ziplining in Maryland is the proper exercise for you! With breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay and quite a few forests to discover, Maryland gives a few of the greatest zip-lining experiences within the nation. The zipline routes are nice for each learners and seasoned zipliners
15. Grab some sunshine on the seashore
Heading to the seashore in Maryland is a good way to get pleasure from a few of the greatest that nature has to supply. Visitors can spend an thrilling day trip with household and associates, or just chill out and absorb some gorgeous surroundings. There are miles of sandy shorelines ready to be explored in varied elements of Maryland similar to Ocean City and Assateague National Seashore plus a number of within the Chesapeake Bay space.
16. Go Crabbing
With a few of the greatest crabbing spots within the nation, Maryland is legendary for its blue crabs. You can catch crabs off the shore, from a pier, and even on a ship. One of the very best spots to crab is the Chesapeake Bay the place guests can get an amazing view of the clear blue waters and considerable wildlife.
There can be all kinds of crabs for anglers to focus on. From blue crabs to rockfish and even mushy shells throughout sure instances of the yr, there isn’t any restrict.
17. Go tenting
If pitching a tent outdoors and sleeping underneath the celebrities sounds wonderful to you, then Maryland is a good state for that.
Its campsites provide quite a lot of facilities, from fundamental tent tenting to RV hookups and cabin leases, so you possibly can select the extent of consolation that most accurately fits your wants. During the day, you possibly can discover the numerous mountaineering trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing spots that Maryland has to supply. At night time, you possibly can collect across the campfire with others and benefit from the night time.
Frequently requested questions on issues to do in Maryland for outside lovers
What leisure and leisure actions do you get pleasure from in southern Maryland?
When it involves outside leisure actions, Southern Maryland is the place to be. Visitors can discover so much to do right here similar to kayaking and fishing on the Potomac River, biking and mountaineering alongside the paths of Patuxent River State Park, and extra.
For those that want a slower tempo, there are a lot of golf programs to discover, or perhaps even go to one of many state parks for historic websites similar to St. Mary’s City or Point Lookout Lighthouse. There are additionally loads of alternatives for hen watching, stargazing, and tenting all through Southern Maryland.
What are three standard leisure actions?
Three standard leisure actions embody mountaineering, biking, and swimming. Other leisure actions which can be gaining popularity embody kayaking, mountain climbing, yoga, and golf.
In addition to bodily actions similar to these, different types of recreation may also be loved similar to board video games or trivia competitions.
Final ideas on issues to do in Maryland for outside lovers
As you possibly can see, Maryland is a good vacation spot for outside lovers. No matter your pursuits, seeking to hike, bike, kayak or just take within the surroundings, there are a great deal of actions obtainable that may fill your days with journey and enjoyable.
From the Appalachian Trail to Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland has one thing for everybody who loves being outside. So in case you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable journey within the nice outside, pack your baggage and head to Maryland – you gained’t be upset!
Lola is the founding father of Deyewa, the place she supplies households with nice trip concepts and ideas for planning actions and issues to do in Maryland. She is a spouse and mother of three younger children and loves to assist others expertise and discover the world round them.