Brrrrr! The weather outside is frightful but that doesn’t mean you need to hide away all winter long. We’ve come up with a list of 10 state parks to visit in Maryland that are actually great for exploring during the cold season, offering frozen waterfalls, fewer crowds, and more. Who knew that some of the best parks in Maryland should be enjoyed when the weather takes a dip?! Bundle up and check out these local gems in the winter season. You’ll be glad you did!

1. Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Flickr / Glen Engel-Cox
This Western Maryland park is home to the state's tallest free-falling waterfall, known as Swallow Falls. Hike the nearly one-mile trail here and you'll find another waterfall, plus more stunning scenery.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
2. Deep Creek Lake State Park
Deep Creek Lake State Park, Maryland 21561, USA
Google / Joshua Frick
Right next door to Swallow Falls State Park is Deep Creek Lake State Park. This is Maryland's largest lake and it's great for visiting year-round, even during wintertime. In fact, local cabin rentals might be even cheaper if you visit during this time of year and who wouldn't love snuggling by a fire while enjoying sights like this?
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
3. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Flickr / Fred Schroeder
This Southern Maryland state park has a path that leads straight to a fossil beach. In wintertime, there are fewer crowds, which means more fossils for you to potentially find. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may even spot a megalodon tooth!
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
4. Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park Headquarters, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/premierehdr/16330164016/in/photolist-qT3mQ1-4zuSWu-4B31Bh-qtxgmb-BDYhx9-4zwhf7-5v4Caa-5v4BXe-5v8XcG-5v8TPw-5v8Y1U-5v4FCi-5v4yuT-5v4Gvn-5v4Bjx-5v8ZAL-5v4AX2-5v91df-5v4zDV-5v4Fhc-5v4F3i-5v4AdM-5v8Tjy-5v8R21-5v8YVs-5v4ALt-5v4vNZ-5v4wke-5v4tPk-5v4v4B-5v8ZMo-5v4z12-5v8Rhs-5v4xUP-5v4tnX-5v8Sv9-5v4uf4-5v8UkS-5v4xqM-5v8QAw-5v8Qky-5v8PkU-5v4CUi-5v4zkg-5v4D6R-5v4x76-5v4DJx-5v92nY
This lengthy barrier island is a summer favorite but you can also visit this area during wintertime. Explore the nature trails and bring your camera to capture picture-perfect moments.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
5. Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park, 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Flickr / Alyson Hurt
Cunningham Falls is Maryland's highest cascading waterfall. During wintertime, it becomes frozen over and it's quite a surreal sight. Sit along the edge and take in the beauty.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.

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6. Patapsco Valley State Park
Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/109690096@N08/39256638120/in/photolist-r1caTY-CXVshT-24uRHWq-mPFBcD-21urqNE-22NYwQh-22DR2nh-wFyJmC-r18dTn-uP2RYy-N4WEBS-24cTMf8-Hh1vVA-H7gZn9-jzA25m-7x6oaX-7xac9f-KbQ4iH
This Central Maryland park has it all, including ruins, a waterfall, a swinging bridge, and more. There's so much to explore in its 32 miles of area and wintertime is the perfect time to do just that.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
7. Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USA
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Point Lookout State Park is all the way south in Maryland and is home to the allegedly haunted Point Lookout Lighthouse. This park is full of history as it was once a prisoner of war camp. Head here to enjoy the water views, hike the trails, and maybe spot a ghost or two.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
8. Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
Flickr / ars5017
Who doesn't love a lighthouse? Along with enjoying the scenery at Elk Neck State Park you can also hike along the white clay cliffs and enjoy water views that seem to stretch on for miles. This is a beautiful spot for photo ops.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
9. Rocks State Park
Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA
Flickr / sneakerdog
Rocks State Park is incredibly diverse, with a waterfall, trails, and one of the best scenic overlooks in the state known as the King and Queen Seat. Bring a friend and enjoy a day in nature.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.
10. Washington Monument State Park
Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769, USA
Flickr / Preservation Maryland
Check out Washington Monument State Park where you can climb the top of Washington Monument and enjoy this view down below. So much history is wrapped into this spot and while here, be sure to also explore part of the nearby Appalachian Trail.
Click here to find out more about this Maryland park.

These 10 Maryland state parks are only the beginning. For more state parks around the Old Line State, visit the official DNR website.

In the mood for even more adventures? Then check out the Wisp Alpine Coaster!

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More to Explore

State Parks To Visit In Maryland This Winter

Marisa Roman | February 10, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in Maryland?

While the list outlined above features some really great spots, we do have more of the best state parks in Maryland to visit outside of the winter season. For instance, this list we’ve created offers up 10 of the most under-appreciated state parks in the state, with highlights like Gathland State Park and Casselman River Bridge State Park. Also, we have the best parks in Maryland that might just knock your socks off. This includes gems like Patapsco Valley State Park and Tuckahoe State Park for example.

What are the best hikes with a view in Maryland?

For anyone hunting for things to do outside in Maryland how about hitting some hiking spots?! We have a bountiful selection of hiking trails in Maryland that offer up some seriously spectacular views. Try your hand at the Billy Goat Trail which promises sweeping views of the Potomac River. Also, Gunpowder Falls State Park has over 100 miles of serene wooded paths, with a few historic sites thrown in the mix, too.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Maryland?

From vast hiking trails in Maryland to sprawling park systems, there are quite a few things to do outside no matter the season. Maryland has plenty of outdoor adventures for even those just starting to dip their toes into being outside. We’ve compiled a list of 10 perfect places to go in Maryland if you’re feeling adventurous. Start by planning a day of rock climbing at Carderock. Then enjoy a wetland boardwalk at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, which is perfect for birding and wildlife watching.

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Explore Maryland

Featured Addresses
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
Cunningham Falls State Park, 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769, USA
Deep Creek Lake State Park, 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561, USA
Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USA
Assateague State Park Headquarters, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA