There are tons of stunning parks located in the Old Line State, all of which you can visit year-round. It’s difficult to choose a favorite because they’re all so different. Some have mountain views, some have beaches, and some are full of hidden trails. Here are 11 state parks to visit in Maryland that won’t disappoint.

1) Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
This park extends 32 miles, covering parts of Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties. It contains streams, waterfalls, viaducts, bridges, and is just all-around amazing. It may just be one of the best state parks in Maryland!

Read our previous coverage to learn more.
2) Tuckahoe State Park
Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657, USA
Lisa G / Flickr
Tuckahoe State Park is located in Caroline and Queen Anne's Counties. The scenic lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and boating and there are also plenty of trails for land lovers for those looking for some amazing hiking trails in Maryland.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about kayaking at Tuckahoe State Park.
3) Gambrill State Park
Gambrill State Park, 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
Rob Speed / Flickr
Located in Frederick County, this state park offers some of the most amazing views and offers plenty of things to do outside in Maryland.

Read our previous coverage to learn more.
4) Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park Headquarters, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
yuan2003 / Flickr
This park in Worcester County is adored by all creatures and was named one of the best state parks in Maryland. This is one park that deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Read our previous coverage to learn more.
5) Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Mr.TinDC / Flickr
This 6,300-acre park is a gem in Montgomery County, containing 50 miles of trails and a 27-hole disc golf course.

Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

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6) Deep Creek Lake State Park
Deep Creek Lake State Park, Maryland 21561, USA
Jon Dawson / Flickr
The grand lake in Garrett County is only one of the features of Deep Creek State Park. This park is a popular location for water sports, fishing, and mountain biking if you're looking for things to do outside in Maryland.

Read our previous coverage to learn more.
7) Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs, Maryland 20657, USA
Fred Schroeder / Flickr
Calvert County is home to Calvert Cliffs State Park. It's known for - you guessed it - the cliffs. This is also a notable location to go fossil hunting.

Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
8) Janes Island State Park
Janes Island State Park, 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Big Dog 91 / Flickr
Over in Somerset County you can find Janes Island State Park, one of the best parks in Maryland. The calm water here is great for kayaking and canoeing.

Read our previous coverage to learn more.
9) South Mountain State Park
21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
Wikimedia Commons
South Mountain State Park spans parts of Washington and Frederick Counties. It also contains Maryland's 40-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, and the views are breathtaking.

Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
10) Susquehanna State Park
Susquehanna State Park, Maryland 21078, USA
acoolerclimate / Flickr
This beautiiful park is located in Harford County. It's a popular spot for fishing and camping. There are also historical sites throughout the park as well.

Read our previous coverage to learn more.
11) Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
Chesapeake Bay Program / Flickr
Located in Anne Arundel County, this sandy park is the perfect place for a summer day trip. This park also hosts the annual Polar Bear Plunge in the winter. Brrrr! It's one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Maryland.

Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

How many of these state parks to visit in Maryland have you been to? Do you have a favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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State Parks To Visit In Maryland

Melissa M. | March 21, 2022

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If you enjoy chasing waterfalls, take one of these best waterfall hikes in Maryland. In Harford County, you can take a 1.3-mile hike to the stunning Kilgore Falls at Rocks State Park. Head to Frederick County for a round-trip hike of fewer than three miles to Cunningham Falls. These are just two of the highlights in our waterfall hikes article.

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