Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and spend some time in nature? Interested in Maryland history?
You can satisfy both of those desires at Maryland’s national parks. From historic battlefields to the Chesapeake Bay, the state is home to 18 national parks, each with their own unique history and environment.
We’ve compiled the state’s top five national park travel destinations. Whether you want to hike a mountain or watch wild horses roam freely, you’re sure to have an interesting
and memorable experience at one of these parks.
Assateague Island
Maryland’s only oceanfront park, Assateague Island is a small, secluded island just a short distance away from Ocean City. Part of it belongs to Maryland, with the state owning Assateague State Park and the Assateague Island National Seashore, while the remainder is owned by Virginia and is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Assateague Island’s main draw is its truly unique wildlife. The area is well-known for the herds of wild horses that live on the beach, making it one of the few wild-horse habitats in the country. They’re a gorgeous sight to see from afar, though visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from them, as they are not domesticated and not used to humans.
Aside from horse-related activities like photographing them and taking a ride on a (domesticated) horse, the island lends itself well to swimming, boating and fishing.
There is a substantial network of trails, both paved and unpaved, for hikers and bikers. The Maryland section of the island allows camping, though prospective campers should be prepared for the challenges that come with camping in a barrier island environment.
nps.gov/asis
Catoctin Mountain Park
With its many mountain trails, Catoctin Mountain Park is an ideal spot for experienced hikers and casual walkers alike who are looking to go for a relaxing stroll in nature.
Twenty-five miles of trails stretch throughout the park, passing by waterfalls and unique natural rock formations.
The hiking trail system is split into two sides, with the East Side trails containing most of the park’s resident landmarks and historical exhibits and the West Side trails being closer to the park’s campgrounds and providing a generally more quiet hiking experience.
Campers can pitch a tent at the park or rent one of its historic cabins. Camp Misty Mount offers housing for individuals and families, while Camp Round Meadow and Camp Greentop are more ideal for large parties and private events.
For people who want something between a tent and a cabin, the park has two Adirondack shelters, which are three-sided buildings that allow campers to be fully immersed in nature.
nps.gov/cato
Glen Echo Park
While it’s not as naturalistic as other national parks, Glen Echo Park has been a popular day-tripping destination for generations.
It was one of the DMV’s most popular amusement parks for over 50 years, and while most of its rides are now long gone, the park still acts as an entertainment hub with attractions aimed at audiences young and old.
Families may be interested in booking an appointment at the Glen Echo Park Aquarium, where guests can have a private tour of Chesapeake Bay wildlife, or riding the Dentzel Carousel, which is the amusement park’s last remaining and operational ride.
The park’s historic Spanish Ballroom and Bumper Car Pavilion host community dances every week, with events focusing on a diverse selection of music genres and dance styles.
Glen Echo Park also has a notable focus on art, with three on-site art galleries showcasing works from local artists, and art classes with mediums ranging from drawing to puppetry to silversmithing.
nps.gov/glec
Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farms
This humble farm has a surprisingly deep history. It’s a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom for the many enslaved people who escaped the plantation that used to occupy the property, and the area later became the home of several free Black families who owned land at a time when it was rare for them to do so.
Many historical displays and exhibits at Oxon Cove Park pay tribute to that history.
Oxon Hill Farms is a popular destination for field trips, giving children an opportunity to learn about farm animals and the agriculture industry.
Many animals live on the farm, including cows, goats, horses and critically endangered Ossabaw Island Hogs. There is also a short hiking trail on the property for nature walks.
nps.gov/oxhi
Piscataway Park
Maintained by the community-run Accokeek Foundation, Piscataway Park is a 200-acre park teeming with wildlife and filled with plenty of things to do.
It’s the site of National Colonial Farm, an organic farm maintained using 18th-century farming techniques that helps preserve historic plant varieties, many of which are not commonly grown anymore.
Plants are not the only kind of wildlife that Piscataway Park helps preserve — its resident livestock are several critically endangered species, including American Milking Devon cattle, Hog Island sheep and Java chickens.
These species are native to the United States, but are endangered because other livestock varieties eclipsed them in popularity and they largely fell out of favor with farmers.
There are seven nature trails running through the park, all of which are fairly accessible and highlight the park’s natural flora and fauna.
There’s also the Fairy Trail, where park guests can search for tiny, handmade fairy houses and participate in the Fairies Favorite Trees Scavenger Hunt.
Piscataway Creek runs through the park, with the Fort Washington Marina being an ideal spot for fishing and boat rentals.
accokeek.org