1. Lake Roland
Where is it located: 1000 Lakeside Drive Baltimore, MD 21210
What makes it cool: They have picnic tables with panoramic views of the lake, trails with accessibility features, and visitors are able to fish at this park.
Feedback: Beautiful park, water, lots of great hiking trails for every ability, dog park, nature center, and a playground.
Hours: Opens at sunrise. Must depart 15 minutes prior to sunset.
2. Jones Falls Trail
Where is it located: 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209
What makes it cool: The trail has 3 parts to it, while being 11 miles long. You can walk, jog, run or bike on the trail for however far as you would like.
Feedback: Gorgeous and accessible trail that runs right near Hampden area.
Hours: It is a 24-hour trail which visitors can access at any time.
3. Pretty Boy Reservoir
Where is it located: 19228 Spooks Hill Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074
What makes it cool: Visitors can legally hunt here if you are licensed. Great place to go horseback riding and hiking, plus lots of amazing nature photography available.
Feedback: Beautiful place, best picture was on a foggy morning. You can fish or take a walk. Best place to try and park is by the bridge.
Hours: Due to COVID-19, Prettyboy Reservoirs is temporarily closed for right now.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/prettyboy.aspx
4. Gunpowder Falls State Park
Where is it located: 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087
What makes it cool: It is a 4.2-mile loop trail that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are able to use the trail but must be kept on a leash. Great place to capture stunning photos and experience peaceful walks.
Feedback: We gave it five stars because of the many beautiful landscape changes, the water feature, and the mossy ferny undercover.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed on weekends and Holidays)
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/gunpowder.aspx
5. Patapsco State Park
Where is it located: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043
What makes it cool: This trail is 32 miles long with beautiful views of the Patapsco River. There are recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain-biking trails. There are picnic spots for individuals or large groups in the park under popular pavilions.
Feedback: Great waterfalls and views while walking along the trail
Hours: 9 a.m. to sunset everyday
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patapsco.aspx
6. Maryland's Northern Central Railroad Trail
Where is it located: Sparks, MD 21152
What makes it cool: The NCR trail is 31 miles long near White Hall, Maryland. It features a river and is good trail for all skill levels. This location offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Feedback: Very scenic, follows streams most of the time, and liked how it had lots of benches and picnic tables available
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/tcb.aspx
7. Double Rock Park
Where is it located: 8211 Glen Rd, Parkville, MD 21234
What makes it cool: Double Rock Park trail is 2.6 kilometers with beautiful landscape and flowers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are able to use the trail as well, as long as they are on a leash.
Feedback: Really cute trail in the middle of Parkville. Really nice creek with pretty views.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/double-rock-park-trail
8. Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area
Where is it located: 5100 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117
What makes it cool: It offers 6 amazing hiking trails on which you can run, walk or take pictures. It is over 1900 acres which is the largest trail in Maryland. Plus, this location is pet friendly!
Feedback: Great day for s trip with friends or family, or a day trip just for yourself
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/soldiersdelight.aspx
9. Oregon Ridge Nature Center
Where is it located: 13555 Beaver Dam Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
What makes it cool: This location offers an Exhibit Hall, nature observations and a classroom full of animals. It is a great place to see beautiful views while learning more about what life is like in the wild.
Feedback: Oregon ridge is the perfect solution to get out into a quiet stretch of nature, sitting down and quietly waiting for animals to appear around you
Hours: Monday - closed, Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm
https://www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org
10. Cromwell Valley Park
Where is it located: 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville, MD 21234
What makes it cool: There are many different trails that offer one-of-a-kind views, with the ability to get away from society and take in the amazing art of nature.
Feedback: Beautiful suburban park with well-marked hiking trails and weekend programs.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-7pm
https://cromwellvalleypark.org
11. BONUS LOCATION- Liberty Reservoir
Where is it located: 5685 Oakland Road, Eldersburg, MD 21784-6828
What makes it cool: This location boasts 9,200 acres which offer hiking, rowing or paddle boating, bird watching, horseback riding and beautiful nature photography opportunities.
Feedback: Its a great area to take your significant other who does not really want to ride off-road or similar trails. I like the woods and how it is not too rocky
Hours: Open 24 hours everyday
https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/hotspots/liberty.aspx
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