Are you always ready for an outdoor adventure? Think you’ve seen all there is to see in Maryland? Then check out our outdoor bucket list and see just how many of these natural attractions around the state you’ve actually been to.
- Deep Creek Lake
Flickr / R Q Did you know that Maryland has zero natural lakes? That’s right. Every single lake in the state is man-made but that doesn’t make them any less impressive. Deep Creek Lake is our largest lake and it’s spectacular year-round.
- Janes Island State Park
Flickr / IIP Photo Archive This quiet park is located in Crisfield and there are so many hidden spots here, it’s possible to find secluded areas where nobody can interrupt the scenery. If you’re a kayaker, this is the place to go!
- Assateague Island
Flickr / Assateague Island This barrier island is inhabited by wild horses who can be seen grazing, splashing around in the waves, and even pestering local campers. The views here are truly breathtaking, especially during sunrise.
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Flickr / Scott1346 Thousands of migratory birds can be spotted here at certain times of year so you’ll want to bring a good pair of binoculars! The sprawling wetland sights are truly a beautiful sight to behold.
- Calvert Cliffs State Park
Flickr / sikeri Not only does this park feature remarkable cliffs, but it also has an abundance of fossils that can be found, including Megalodon teeth! This is definitely a day trip to remember.
- Swallow Falls State Park
Flickr / Doug Kerr This state park has two of Maryland’s most impressive waterfalls, including the pictured Muddy Creek Falls. Prepare for rustic sights that are only enhanced during autumn.
- Billy Goat Trail
Flickr / Payton Chung This just may be the most beautiful hike in all of Maryland. Billy Goat Trail’s section A is a bit challenging, but the amazing views of the Potomac River are worth the effort.
- Maryland Heights Trail
Flickr / Jeff Walters Another beautiful hike in the Old Line State is Maryland Heights Trail, which overlooks Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Once you make it to the top, you’ll want to stay a while.
- Mallows Bay
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program You can kayak over old WWI ships at this massive ship graveyard. The ruins are fascinating to see up close and trust me, you’ll want to bring your camera.
- Patapsco Valley State Park
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program There is so much to see at Patapsco Valley State Park, you could spend several days exploring all of the sites. A few favorites include the swinging bridges, Cascade Falls, St. Mary’s ruins, and the abandoned town of Daniels.
- C & O Canal
Flickr / dmitri_66 The C & O Canal stretches 184 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland. This spot is perfect for walkers, runners, or cyclists.
- Ocean City
Flickr / Eric B. Walker We couldn’t make an outdoor bucket list without including Ocean City. Although this area is pretty touristy, the beach is pretty quiet in the morning and there’s no better view than the sun rising over the ocean.
- Cunningham Falls State Park
Flickr / PROJason and Tina Coleman This park is home to the unique Cunningham Falls. Hike to this natural wonder and then sit upon rocks and watch the water flow down the unique twists and turns.
- Antietam National Battlefield
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho Antietam National Battlefield is not only infused with history, but it’s also a gorgeous place for a walk. Visiting Burnside Bridge is highly recommended.
- King and Queen Seat Overlook
Flickr / bobistraveling There are many overlooks in Maryland worth seeing but a favorite of many locals is the King and Queen Seat overlook at Rocks State Park. Sit upon this natural outcropping and take in the surrounding foliage.
The list of outdoor attractions in Maryland could go on and on. Which are YOUR favorites?
Flickr / R Q
Did you know that Maryland has zero natural lakes? That’s right. Every single lake in the state is man-made but that doesn’t make them any less impressive. Deep Creek Lake is our largest lake and it’s spectacular year-round.
Flickr / IIP Photo Archive
This quiet park is located in Crisfield and there are so many hidden spots here, it’s possible to find secluded areas where nobody can interrupt the scenery. If you’re a kayaker, this is the place to go!
Flickr / Assateague Island
This barrier island is inhabited by wild horses who can be seen grazing, splashing around in the waves, and even pestering local campers. The views here are truly breathtaking, especially during sunrise.
Flickr / Scott1346
Thousands of migratory birds can be spotted here at certain times of year so you’ll want to bring a good pair of binoculars! The sprawling wetland sights are truly a beautiful sight to behold.
Flickr / sikeri
Not only does this park feature remarkable cliffs, but it also has an abundance of fossils that can be found, including Megalodon teeth! This is definitely a day trip to remember.
Flickr / Doug Kerr
This state park has two of Maryland’s most impressive waterfalls, including the pictured Muddy Creek Falls. Prepare for rustic sights that are only enhanced during autumn.
Flickr / Payton Chung
This just may be the most beautiful hike in all of Maryland. Billy Goat Trail’s section A is a bit challenging, but the amazing views of the Potomac River are worth the effort.
Flickr / Jeff Walters
Another beautiful hike in the Old Line State is Maryland Heights Trail, which overlooks Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Once you make it to the top, you’ll want to stay a while.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
You can kayak over old WWI ships at this massive ship graveyard. The ruins are fascinating to see up close and trust me, you’ll want to bring your camera.
There is so much to see at Patapsco Valley State Park, you could spend several days exploring all of the sites. A few favorites include the swinging bridges, Cascade Falls, St. Mary’s ruins, and the abandoned town of Daniels.
Flickr / dmitri_66
The C & O Canal stretches 184 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland. This spot is perfect for walkers, runners, or cyclists.
Flickr / Eric B. Walker
We couldn’t make an outdoor bucket list without including Ocean City. Although this area is pretty touristy, the beach is pretty quiet in the morning and there’s no better view than the sun rising over the ocean.
Flickr / PROJason and Tina Coleman
This park is home to the unique Cunningham Falls. Hike to this natural wonder and then sit upon rocks and watch the water flow down the unique twists and turns.
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho
Antietam National Battlefield is not only infused with history, but it’s also a gorgeous place for a walk. Visiting Burnside Bridge is highly recommended.
Flickr / bobistraveling
There are many overlooks in Maryland worth seeing but a favorite of many locals is the King and Queen Seat overlook at Rocks State Park. Sit upon this natural outcropping and take in the surrounding foliage.
For Maryland hikes that lead to ruins, click here!
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