George martinak deeded this land of forests, fields and marsh to the state in 1961 for preservation as a recreational facility and a natural area for the enjoyment of all. bordered by the choptank river and watts creek, this area supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. anglers may enjoy the opportunity to catch bass, perch, sunfish and catfish.

Merkle wildlife sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary operated by the maryland department of natural resources. it is the wintering ground for several thousand canada geese, the largest concentration on the western shore of the chesapeake bay.

Located in frederick county, near dickerson, monocacy river natural resources management area is comprised of 1,800 acres of natural areas and farmlands along the monocacy river. recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. paths are unmarked. fishing access is available at parking areas at park mills road and route 28 road crossings of the monocacy river.

Located in carroll county, the morgan run n.e.a. is comprised of approximately 1400 acres of natural area. hiking and equestrian trails are popular. equestrians are restricted to specific trails. the morgan run is available to trout fisherman as a catch and release trout stream.

New germany state park’s visitors frequently call it a “best kept secret.” this mountain gem is nestled between the 2,900 ft. big savage mountain to the east and the eastern continental divide along meadow mountain to the west. named by early settlers due to its resemblance to their homeland, new germany has diverse forests with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. this park is ideal for families and individuals looking to “unplug” from a tech-reliant society and escape from the busy pace of life in cities and suburbs.

Newtowne neck state park is a 776 acre peninsula surrounded by breton bay, st. clements bay, and the potomac river. it has seven (7) miles of ecologically and recreationally important waterfront.

North point state park is located in baltimore county on the shores of the chesapeake bay and is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural and historical resources. it consists of 1,310 acres off old north point road in edgemere.

North point state park is located in baltimore county on the shores of the chesapeake bay and is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural and historical resources. it consists of 1,310 acres off old north point road in edgemere.

Located in howard and montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the patuxent river, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. paths are unmarked. paths lead from parking areas at long corner, mullinix mill, route 94, hipsley mill, howard chapel and route 97 road crossings over the river. hunting is permitted only in designated areas. a portion of the park is a state wildlands area.

The scenic pocomoke river is the setting for the pocomoke river state park, shad landing, and milburn landing areas. shad landing is on the south side of the pocomoke river off route 113. milburn landing is on the north side of the river on route 364. it is a 25 minute drive between the two areas of pocomoke river state park.

Recreational opportunities abound on this picturesque peninsula formed by the chesapeake bay and the potomac river. swimming, fishing, boating and camping are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed in this beautiful bay setting

Purse state park is located on the potomac river on wades bay. purse is a wooded undeveloped area that is used for hunting, bird watching, fishing and fossil hunting. purse is available for public use year round, sunrise to sunset. Check out a map of the area.

The first land purchases for what is now rocks state park began in 1951. originally slated to be deer creek state park, these were the first land purchases made by the state of maryland for the express purpose of creating a park.

Rocky gap state park is located in western maryland’s allegany county. the park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre lake habeeb. the lake is fed by rocky gap run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. overlooking the lake is evitt’s mountain, named for one of the first european settlers in allegany county.

Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park and the location of the historic mount airy mansion. miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians are available for day use. to gain access to rosaryville state park, make a right turn into the entrance just south of osborne road while traveling south on u.s. 301.

Sandy point state park provides its visitors with endless memories and unforgettable stories to be passed down from one generation to the next. the park is open year round and is a site on the chesapeake bay gateways network http://www.baygateways.net/.

Sassafras natural resources management area is located along the scenic banks of the sassafras river and turner's creek in kent county and operated by the maryland park service. the area is noted for the spectacular views of the sassafras river and chesapeake bay from the high banks that face toward the south. hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail riding are popular activities. birding enthusiasts will also find a surprising mix of songbirds, waterfowl and raptors on their visit. for history buffs, knock's folly, a federal style dwelling, is open on weekends from may through october with displays and information on the local farming community, native americans and the journeys of captain john smith in the chesapeake region and the sassafras river.

The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of seneca creek, as it winds its way to the potomac river. the clopper day-use area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre clopper lake, surrounded by forests and fields. picnicking, boat rentals, trails and a tire playground are just some of its recreational opportunities. a restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area. nearby, the schaeffer farm trail area offers 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. for the more adventuresome hiker, the 16.5-mile seneca creek greenway trail follows the entire course of the river. during may, the schwartz peony gardens and field plants are in bloom.

Smallwood state park takes its name from general william smallwood, a native born charles countian. he was the highest ranked marylander who served in the american revolutionary war. his house, called smallwood's retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors seasonally. besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and nature trails. on occasion, there are craft demonstrations, military exhibitions and other special events.

Soldiers delight natural environment area (nea) is comprised of 1,900 acres of serpentine barren. the area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and minerals. rare grassland plant species are threatened by invasion of virginia pines. currently, a five year effort of removing 1,000 acres of pines and prescribed burning are underway to return the area to natural serpentine habitat. 

South mountain state park is a 40-mile long multi-use state park weaving along the south mountain ridge from the pennsylvania line to the potomac river. it has no distinguishable boundary or entrance facility. south mountain state park can be accessed at a number of locations. most of the park is only accessible by foot.

On march 25, 1634, the first english settlers under the baltimore proprietorship sailed to st. clement's island on the ark and the dove (the maryland dove is seen to the right). the 40 acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first marylanders. accessible only by boat.

Situated at the northern end of the st. mary's river watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. with such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species. check out a map of the area.

Located along the susquehanna river valley with its heavy forest cover and rocky terrain, susquehanna state park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as points of historical significance. the park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in maryland and the river itself beacons fishermen and boaters alike. susquehanna state park also contains a very family friendly campground with traditional campsites and cabins. history buffs will be drawn to the restored rock run historic area with its working grist mill, the archer mansion, jersey toll house and the remains of the susquehanna tidewater canal.

This mountain park is located nine miles north of oakland, maryland and contains some of maryland's most breathtaking scenery. the youghiogheny river flows along the park's borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. muddy creek falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. the meandering trails through swallow falls guide hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in western maryland.