In and around Baltimore, you’ll find an abundant array of breathtaking parks. Whether you want to walk through a trail that cuts through meadows, forests and streams; take in gorgeous vistas from atop high hills; or follow a path alongside a meandering river, you and your entire family can find a happy outdoor experience without going far. Many of our parks boast dynamic, interactive nature centers. Some support playgrounds for children of all ages. Several offer outdoor events that teach children about the natural world around them—now and many years ago. You could spend multiple weekends exploring different area parks, or return to the same beloved park again and again. Here are some favorite local parks, each in a different part of the Baltimore area. Try out one or more and let us know what you think.
LAKE ROLAND PARK
This area park sits right at the Baltimore city-county line, making it a nearby oasis for urban residents. With about 400 acres of woodland, wetlands, and rocky plateaus that surround its centerpiece—Lake Roland—it hardly feels what most folks consider “urban”. After closing for two years for extensive enhancements, Lake Roland reopened as a Baltimore County Nature Park in 2011.
Favorite wintertime activities: hiking, exploring the playground and brand-new visitor center, and taking (member) dogs for a romp in the dog park. While it’s tempting when the temperature dips, ice skating is prohibited on the lake—and rangers are watching!
Dogs allowed? Yes, leashed dogs allowed in all areas except for inside the nature center. Members-only dog park also opened year-round.
Special features: A (new) pedestrian bridge at the dam for easy access from Lakeside Drive to the main peninsula, ranger station, MTA boardwalk and main hiking trails; Paw Point – an award-winning enclosed off-leash dog park with water access (membership required); a raised boardwalk from the Lake-Falls Light Rail Station—great for bird watching; Acorn Hill – a children’s natural play area; the Lake Roland Nature Center.
The main entrance to the Park is located at 1000 Lakeside Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21210. There is also access from the Falls Road MTA light rail station.
PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK
The Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing a wide swath of acreage—16,043 acres in all—and eight separate recreational areas. With 70 maintained trails of varying degrees of intensity, there’s more than one path you’ll find fitting for the whole family.
Favorite winter activities include hiking, horseback and mountain bike trails.
Dogs allowed? Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed in most parts of the park
Special Features: Brooks, waterfalls, wilderness, a swinging bridge, a tire playground, regionally renowned mountain bike trails—they’re all yours to discover.
8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043
SUSQUEHANNA STATE PARK
Located along the Susquehanna River valley, the park possesses a heavy forest cover and rocky terrain and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Over 15 miles of marked and maintained trails make the park ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and nature lovers.
Favorite wintertime activities include hiking horse back riding and exploring. Families often enjoy the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail, between the Conowingo Dam and Stafford Road at Deer Creek, a flat trail perfect for easy hike and bike outings.
Dogs allowed? Yes, leashed dogs allowed (but not in historical area or campgrounds).
Special features: Handicapped accessible, awe-inspiring massive rock outcroppings, and the 200-year-old Rock Run Grist Mill and the Carter Archer mansion (tours offered at select times during the year).
4122 Wilkinson Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Photo of Lake Roland Park courtesy of Rachel W.
