Maryland Nature/Scenic Areas

Maryland's National Parks

Maryland boasts 23 national park units, which display a collection of the state's best scenery, nature, culture, history and recreational opportunities.  Visit and experience the parks, battlefields, historic sites, scenic trails, a national monument and a national seashore that make Maryland unique. 

At the Atlantic Ocean, Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its wild ponies and offers sparkling white sands beaches amid dunes and marshes for a natural seashore experience.  National Battlefields, such as Antietam and Monoacy, interpret the bloodiest day in the Civil War and a battle that became the Civil War's turning point.  Historic sites honor Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross and Thomas Stone, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence.  But, perhaps Maryland is best known for the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen "The Star Spangled Banner" during the defense of Baltimore from Fort McHenry, now a National Monument and Historic Shrine.

Camp at Greenbelt Park while visiting Washington, D.C., located just a few miles away.  Or enjoy the splendor of fall color changes at Catoctin Mountain Park while staying in an authentic 1930's log cabin.  Take in a scenic view of ridge tops and valleys along the Appalachian Trail that runs from Maine to Georgia, or bike the Potomac River valley on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath in the C&O Canal National Historical Park.  In Maryland's National Park Service sites, you can immerse yourself in the stories of preserving America, experience our national culture, or jest get away from it all! 

Check out this site:  www.nps.gov

 

Scenic Byways

In Maryland, there are 19 state Scenic Byways that reflect the rich heritage of the region surrounding each of the routes. 

By driving these byways, our visitors and residents can explore the roads less traveled and appreciate Maryland even more.  Each byway has a theme and must meet at least one of the six intrinsic qualities required in order to be a State Scenic Byway: historical, scenic, cultural, recreational, archeological, and geological. Three routs have earned national distinction as part of the America' Byways Collection, the most significant routs through our the country. these three America's Byways include Chesapeake County, Catoctin Mountain and the Historic National Road byways.

Order your Maryland Scenic Byways map and guide.
More information ...

 

Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network:  Your Chesapeake Connection

In Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure.  Its wonders unfold along winding rivers, in deep forests, in lush marshland, in sheltered coves, and on open water. The Gateways Network connects you to the authentic Chesapeake including museums, sailing ships, paddling trails, parks, wildlife refuges, and more. The Gateways are where you encounter the stories, discoveries, and adventures the Chesapeake Bay offers.  For more information, visit

www.baygateways.net or call 866-229-9297.

 

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

In Maryland, the Potomac River corridor has long been referred to as the "Grand Canyon of American history and culture."

 

The Potomac River begins near Thomas, West Virginia and winds its way as Maryland's southern border all the way to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay.  For thousands of years, the Potomac River has served as a "leeway" for Native Americans.  For hundreds of years, it has served as a place for freedom and strife for european settlers and enslaved Africans.  Today, there are countless ways to enjoy the River's land and waterscapes.  Among the best are driving scenic byways and hiking, biking an paddling on the many trails found within the region.  Stop, enjoy the many working farms and take home fresh-cut flowers, locally-grown produce or home-made preserves.

 

So, come to the place that the Algonquin Indians named "where something is brought" and take away a Maryland memory.

 

For more information on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail,  visit  www.nps.gov/pohe . For water trail and paddling information, visit   www.baygateways.net

 

Agricultural Tourism

In Maryland, agriculture has played a part ever since the first explorers and settlers traded the indians goods for food.  Today agriculture continues to be a vital to Maryland.  For more information and places to visit:   Ag-Tourism in Maryland.

 

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