{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2020-03-03T20:38:09","modified_gmt":"2020-03-03T20:38:09","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nWonderful nature centers, lush parks, and picturesque open space are available throughout the Metropolitan Baltimore region. Many of these relaxing and panoramic preserves and national parks also boast historical significance and living history attractions. Both city and county parks and recreation departments provide sports facilities and thousands of acres of lush parkland. At every turn, you\u2019ll find active residents who are enjoying and preserving nature\u2019s bounty.<\/p>\n

National Parks & Preserves
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nAssateague Island National Seashore
\n<\/b><\/strong>7206 National Seashore Lane
\nBerlin 410-641-1441
\nwww.nps.gov\/asis
\n<\/a>
\nFort McHenry National Monument
\n<\/b><\/strong>East Fort Avenue at Locust Point
\nFort McHenry 410-962-4290
\nwww.nps.gov\/fomc<\/a><\/p>\n

Fort Washington Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>1551 Fort Washington Road
\nFt. Washington 301-763-4600
\nwww.nps.gov\/fowa<\/a><\/p>\n

Hampton National Historic Site
\nand Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>535 Hampton Lane
\nTowson 410-823-1309
\nwww.nps.gov\/hamp<\/a><\/p>\n

Greenbelt Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>6565 Greenbelt Road
\nGreenbelt 301-344-3948
\nwww.nps.gov\/gree<\/a><\/p>\n

Oxon Cove Park& Oxon Hill Farm
\n<\/b><\/strong>6411 Oxon Hill Road
\nOxon Hill 301-839-1176
\nwww.nps.gov\/oxhi<\/a><\/p>\n

Piscataway Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>13551 Fort Washington Road
\nFt. Washington 301-763-4600
\nwww.nps.gov\/pisc<\/a><\/p>\n

Maryland State Parks
\n<\/b><\/strong>Elk Neck State Park
\n4395 Turkey Point Road
\nNorth East 410-287-5333
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area
\n<\/b><\/strong>376 Fair Hill Drive
\nElkton 410-398-1246
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Hart-Miller Island State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>2813 Jerusalem Road
\nKingsville 410-592-2897
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/b><\/strong>11704 Fenno Road
\nUpper Marlboro 301-888-1410
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Gunpowder Falls State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>2813 Jerusalem Road
\nKingsville 410-592-2897
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Morgan Run Natural
\n<\/b><\/strong>Environment Area
\n8020 Baltimore National Pike
\nEllicott City 410-461-5005
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

North Point State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>2813 Jerusalem Road
\nKingsville 410-592-2897
\nwww.dnr.state.md.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Patapsco Valley State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>8020 Baltimore National Pike
\nEllicott City 410-461-5005
\nwww.dnr.state.md.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Rocks State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
\nJarrettsville 10-557-7994
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Rosaryville State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>8714 Rosaryville Road
\nUpper Marlboro 301-856-9656
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Sandy Point State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>1100 East College Parkway
\nAnnapolis 410-974-2149
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Seneca Creek State Park &
\n<\/b><\/strong>Patuxent River State Park
\n11950 Clopper Road
\nGaithersburg 301-924-2127
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Soldiers Delight Natural
\n<\/b><\/strong>Environment Area
\n5100 Deer Park Road
\nOwings Mills 410-922-3044
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Susquehanna State Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
\nJarrettsville 410-557-7994
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Gardens & Nature Attractions
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nBaltimore Conservatory
\n& Botanic Gardens
\n<\/b><\/strong>Druid Hill Park
\nBaltimore 410-396-0180
\nwww.baltimorecity.gov<\/a>
\nEnjoy three display greenhouses and 1.5 acres of exquisite flower gardens.<\/p>\n

Hancock\u2019s Resolution Garden
\n<\/b><\/strong>2795 Bayside Beach Road
\nPasadena 410-222-7300
\nwww.aacounty.org<\/a>
\nSpecial events, historic sites, and lovely gardens make this a popular destination.<\/p>\n

Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
\n<\/b><\/strong>580 Taylor Avenue
\nAnnapolis\u00a0 410-260-8189
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov<\/a>
\nFive acres of blooms and plantings represent Maryland\u2019s various geographic areas and create a backdrop for popular concerts and special events.<\/p>\n

The Maryland Zoo
\n<\/b><\/strong>Druid Hill Park
\nBaltimore 410-396-7102
\nwww.marylandzoo.org<\/a>
\nSurrounded by a park setting, the zoo features natural habitats from an African savannah to the Chimpanzee Forest.<\/p>\n

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
\n<\/b><\/strong>10300 Baltimore Boulevard
\nBeltsville301-504-6078
\nwww.ars.usda.gov<\/a>
\nThe world\u2019s largest and most diversified agricultural research complex welcomes thousands of visitors each year.<\/p>\n

Oxon Hill Farm
\n<\/b><\/strong>6411 Oxon Hill Road
\nOxon Hill 301-839-1176
\nwww.nps.gov\/oxhi<\/a>
\nCreating an earthy getaway, the farm offers special programs and\u00a0 popular activities like gathering eggs and taking wagon rides.<\/p>\n

Catonsville Historical Society
\n<\/b><\/strong>Knot Garden
\n1824 Frederick Road
\nCatonsville 410-744-3034
\nhttp:\/\/catonsvillehistoricalsociety.org\/index.html<\/a>
\nIntricate patterns of miniature hedgework interspersed with colored materials or plants create the illusion of knots.<\/p>\n

Hampton National Historic Site
\n<\/b><\/strong>535 Hampton Lane
\nTowson 410-823-1309
\nwww.nps.gov\/hamp<\/a>
\nThe centerpiece of an elegantly furnished Georgian mansion enjoys the beauty of formal gardens and shade trees.<\/p>\n

Brookside Gardens
\n<\/b><\/strong>1800 Glenallan Avenue
\nWheaton 301-962-1400
\nwww.montgomeryparks.org<\/a>
\nClose to home in Montgomery County are these incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display gardens that are showcased in Wheaton Regional Park.<\/p>\n

Carroll County Farm Museum
\n<\/b><\/strong>500 S. Center Street
\nWestminster 410-848-7775
\nhttp:\/\/carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org\/<\/a>
\nSee how families and soldiers lived in the 1800s at this historic site where actors dress in period costumes and visitors can enjoy a variety of special events.<\/p>\n

Cylburn Arboretum
\n<\/b><\/strong>4915 Greenspring Avenue
\nBaltimore 410-367-2217
\nwww.cylburnassociation.org<\/a>
\nMore than 200 acres create a haven of open space, tranquility, and natural beauty with picturesque gardens, woodlands, historic buildings, and collections.<\/p>\n

Evergreen House
\n<\/b><\/strong>The Johns Hopkins University
\n4545 N. Charles Street
\nBaltimore 410-516-0341
\nwww.jhu.edu<\/a>
\nMore than 25 acres offer manicured lawns, flower gardens, meadows, woods, statuary, and charming walkways.<\/p>\n

Historic London Town & Gardens
\n<\/b><\/strong>839 Londontown Road
\nEdgewater 410-222-1919
\nwww.historiclondontown.com<\/a>
\nVistas of the South River and shady glades grace these premier woodland gardens that blend an unusual and exotic collection of plants and blooms that are designed to offer year-round fascination.<\/p>\n

Ladew Topiary Gardens
\n<\/b><\/strong>3535 Jarrettsville Pike
\nMonkton 410-557-9466
\nwww.ladewgardens.com<\/a>
\nInternationally known for its topiary and flower gardens, the site offers a 1.5-mile woodland trail and boardwalk through wetland forest and marsh. Children will be enthralled by the various animal shapes of the artfully trimmed greenery.<\/p>\n

National Aquarium in Baltimore
\n<\/b><\/strong>501 E. Pratt Street
\nBaltimore 410-576-3800
\nhttps:\/\/aqua.org<\/a>
\nBeyond the fascination of the aquarium itself are special programs such as spending an entire day on the bay with the Aquarium Conservation Team.<\/p>\n

National Colonial Farm
\n<\/b><\/strong>3400 Bryan Point Road
\nAccokeek 301-283-2113
\nhttps:\/\/accokeekfoundation.org<\/a>
\nSkilled interpreters highlight the colonial structures, fields, gardens, and animals.<\/p>\n

National Zoological Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
\nWashington, D.C. 202-673-4800
\nhttp:\/\/nationalzoo.si.edu<\/a>
\nThis 163-acre zoological park in Rock Creek National Park in the heart of the City is home to more than 2,700 animals from 435 different species.<\/p>\n

Old Maryland Farm
\n<\/b><\/strong>301 Watkins Park Drive
\nUpper Marlboro 301-218-6770
\nwww.pgparks.com<\/a>
\nAgricultural exhibits, livestock, and display gardens offer a unique farming experience for all ages.<\/p>\n

Patterson Park
\n<\/b><\/strong>2601 E. Baltimore Street
\nBaltimore 410-276-3676
\nhttp:\/\/pattersonpark.com<\/a>
\nAudubon programs and shared gardening are only two of the park\u2019s many programs.<\/p>\n

Sherwood Gardens
\n<\/b><\/strong>4100 Greenway Street
\nBaltimore 410-396-7900
\nwww.baltimorecity.gov<\/a>
\nMore than 80,000 tulips light up this 7-acre garden during peak blooming season, complementing the array of other plantings and blooms.<\/p>\n

William Paca House & Garden
\n<\/b><\/strong>186 Prince George Street
\nAnnapolis 410-263-5553
\nwww.annapolis.org<\/a>
\nComplementing the historic structures are two lush acres of exquisite landscaping and plantings appropriate to the era.<\/p>\n

Woodend
\n<\/b><\/strong>8940 Jones Mill Road
\nChevy Chase 301-652-9188
\nhttps:\/\/woodendsanctuary.org\/<\/a>
\nEnjoy the serenity of a wildflower meadow, hike the meandering trails, and explore the rich aquatic pond life at this peaceful 40-acre nature sanctuary.<\/p>\n

Regional Trails
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nAppalachian National Scenic Trail
\n<\/b><\/strong>2,172 miles, Maine to Georgia
\nHarper\u2019s Ferry, WV 304-535-6331
\nwww.appalachiantrail.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Baltimore & Annapolis rail
\n<\/b><\/strong>13 miles, Glen Burnie to Annapolis
\nSeverna Park 410-222-6244
\nwww.aacounty.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
\n<\/b><\/strong>184.5 miles, D.C. to Cumberland
\n1850 Dual Highway
\nHagerstown 301-739-4200
\nwww.nps.gov\/choh<\/a><\/p>\n

Northern Central Railroad Trail
\n<\/b><\/strong>16 miles, Baltimore County
\nGunpowder Falls State Park
\n2813 Jerusalem Road
\nKingsville 410-592-2897
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Cycling In Maryland
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nMaryland Bicycle Information
\n<\/b><\/strong>Baltimore 800-252-8776
\nwww.mdot.maryland.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Baltimore Bicycle Club
\n<\/b><\/strong>Baltimore 410-792-8308
\nwww.baltobikeclub.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Chesapeake Wheelman Racing Club
\n<\/b><\/strong>Baltimore 410-247-4064
\nwww.chesapeakewheelmen.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Oxon Hill Bicycle & Trail Club
\n<\/b><\/strong>Oxon Hill 301-567-8856
\nwww.ohbike.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Rails to Trails Conservancy
\n<\/b><\/strong>Washington, D.C. 202-331-9696
\nwww.railstotrails.org<\/a><\/p>\n

United States Cycling Federation
\n<\/b><\/strong>Colorado Springs, CO 719-866-4581
\nwww.usacycling.org<\/a><\/p>\n

City\/County Parks & Recreation
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nAnne Arundel County
\n<\/b><\/strong>Annapolis 410-222-7300
\nwww.aacounty.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Annapolis City
\n<\/b><\/strong>Annapolis 410-263-7958
\nwww.annapolis.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Baltimore City
\n<\/b><\/strong>Baltimore 410-396-790
\nwww.baltimorecity.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Baltimore County
\n<\/b><\/strong>Towson 410-887-3871
\nwww.baltimorecity.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Carroll County
\n<\/b><\/strong>Westminster 410-386-2103
\nwww.carr.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Harford County
\n<\/b><\/strong>Bel Air 410-638-3570
\nwww.harfordcountymd.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Howard County
\n<\/b><\/strong>Columbia 410-313-4700
\nhttps:\/\/www.howardcountymd.gov\/Departments\/Recreation-and-Parks\/Parks-and-Planning\/Park-Directory<\/a><\/p>\n

Prince George\u2019s County
\n<\/b><\/strong>Lanham 301-918-8111
\nwww.pgparks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

REGIONAL RESOURCES
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nMaryland Department of Natural Resources
\n<\/b><\/strong>
\nState Parks & Forests
\n<\/b><\/strong>800-830-3974
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Camping\/Cabin Reservations
\n<\/b><\/strong>888-432-2267
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Outdoor Discover Campus
\n<\/b><\/strong>410-260-815
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

USDA National Forest Service
\n<\/b><\/strong>202-205-8333
\nhttps:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Scenic Bridges
\n<\/b><\/strong>Enjoy a walk or a run across any of these scenic bridges that offer unmatched vistas. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk and the Governor\u2019s Bay Bridge Run are evens that draw more than 65,000 participants.<\/p>\n

Annual Bay Bridge Walk
\n<\/b><\/strong>Annapolis 877-BAYSPAN
\nhttp:\/\/mta.maryland.gov<\/a>
\nEach year since 1975 the Maryland Transportation Authority opens a span of the bridge just for walkers.<\/p>\n

The Governor\u2019s Bay Bridge Run
\n<\/b><\/strong>Annapolis 74-544-7700
\nwww.annapolisstriders.org<\/a>
\nThis annual 10K foot race over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is conducted by the Annapolis Striders.<\/p>\n

Bollman Truss Bridge
\n<\/b><\/strong>Foundry Street
\nOff U.S. Route 1
\nSavage
\nNow a hiking bridge, this hybrid cast and wrought-iron bridge once carried B&O railroad cars to the Midwest and back.<\/p>\n

Jericho Covered Bridge
\n<\/b><\/strong>Jericho Road
\nOff U.S. Route 1
\nKingsville
\nBuilt in 1864, the wooden bridge still carries vehicles across the Gunpowder Falls.<\/p>\n

Thomas Viaduct
\n<\/b><\/strong>Levering Avenue off U.S. Route 1
\nElkridge
\nAvoid the tracks on this working railroad but visitors can walk up to either end of the viaduct.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE Wonderful nature centers, lush parks, and picturesque open space are available throughout the Metropolitan Baltimore region. Many of these relaxing and panoramic preserves and national parks also boast historical significance and living history attractions. Both city and county parks and recreation departments provide sports facilities and thousands of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-316","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":849,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Baltimore3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}