SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS
West Virginia
American Discovery Trail
Nitro, WV
304-755-4878
www.discoverytrail.org
This 6,000 mile, multi-use, trans-continental trail extends from Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Point Reyes, California. A 276 mile section traverses West Virginia.
Appalachian Trail
Harpers Ferry, WV
304-535-6331
www.appalachiantrail.org
Passing through West Virginia at Harpers Ferry, the famous Appalachian Trail provides miles of scenic hiking and biking trails throughout the Northeast.
Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs, WV
304-258-2711
www.berkeleyspringssp.com
This working mineral spa is graced by a quaint historical atmosphere and offers treatments on a year-round basis. The highlight is George Washington’s bathtub, the only outdoor monument to presidential bathing!
C & O Canal National Historical Park
Potomac River 301-739-4200
Boat Rides 301-299-3613
www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
Hikers and bikers are invited to enjoy this former towpath canal used to transport cargo in the latter part of the 19th century. Running over 184 miles, the canal includes a section from Harpers Ferry to Paw Paw. Camping, fishing and boating are available in designated areas.
Cacapon Resort State Park
Berkeley Springs, WV
304-258-1022
www.cacaponresort.com
Combining resort amenities with the lush surroundings of a state park, the area offers year-round access to a lodge and cabins as well as horseback riding, a lakeside beach, and 18-hole championship golf course designed by master architect Robert Trent Jones.
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Harpers Ferry, WV
304-535-6223
www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
Combine recreation with history by walking along the brick streets of this restored, pre-Civil War town where abolitionist John Brown fought to free the slaves in 1859.
Sam Michael’s Park
1516 Job Corps Road
Off Route 230/Route 17
www.jcprc.org
Home of the nationally recognized spring and fall Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, the farm is the crown jewel of the park system, offering over 130 acres of prime land.
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
Berkeley and Morgan Counties
304-822-3551
www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/D2WMAareas.shtm#25d2
This sprawling area encompasses over 22,000 acres of prime forest for seasonal hunting and rifle practice on a designated range. Over 75 primitive campsites provide an ideal outdoor experience, while a 200-acre lake offers boating and fishing.
Tuscarora Trail
Information 703-242-0693
www.berkeleysprings.com
A southwestern section of a long circuit consists of the Appalachian Trail on the east and the Tuscarora Trail in the northwest. The Big Blue is 144 miles long, beginning in the north at Hancock, Maryland, on the C & O Canal Towpath under the US 522 bridge. The southern terminus connects it to the Appalachian Trail in the Matthews Arm section of the Shenandoah National Park.
Western Maryland
Broadford Recreation Area
Pittsburgh Avenue
Oakland, MD
www.visitmaryland.org/listing/outdoor-recreation/broadford-lake-recreation-area
Mount Lake Park boasts a 138-acre lake and 700 feet of beach. Bath-house, boat ramp and extensive picnic grounds are available.
The Cranesville Sub-Arctic Swamp
Lake Ford Road
Oakland, MD
www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/maryland/preserves/art135.html
One of nature’s phenomena, the swamp covers over 500 acres of land that sprawls across the boundaries of Maryland and West Virginia. Formed during the Ice Age, this remnant of boreal forest produces growth normally found only in Arctic regions, offering scientists and nature buffs the opportunity to observe rare flora and fauna.
Deep Creek Lake
898 State Park Road
Swanton, MD 301-387-5563
www.deepcreeklake.com
Maryland’s largest freshwater lake is 12 miles in length with a shoreline of 165 miles that covers 3,900 acres. The wide variety of activities include boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, sailing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and camping.
Garrett State Forest
Information 301-334-2038
http://dnr2.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/publiclands/western_garrettforest.aspx
Mountain forests, streams and valleys make up the 7,400 acres of this natural paradise. Scenic vistas, primitive campsites, hunting areas, fishing opportunities, biking and hiking trails and quiet spots for nature appreciation are all available.
Green Ridge State Forest
28700 Headquarters Drive NE
Flintstone, MD 301-478-3124
Green Ridge is full of opportunities for the adventurous including a challenging and scenic mountain biking trail; canoeing, kayaking, and angling on the Potomac River; and backpacking on a 24-mile hiking trail with new Adirondack-style shelters.
New Germany State Park
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD
301-895-5453
http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/newgermany.aspx
The park features a 13-acre lake with swimming beach; canoe, paddle and row boat rentals; hiking and cross-country ski trails; picnic areas and cabin rentals.
Hagerstown City Park
Virginia Avenue at Park Circle
Hagerstown, MD
301-790-8577
www.hagerstownmd.org/index.aspx?NID=308
Acclaimed for its natural beauty, the park features fitness trails and a 50-acre lake, home for over 250 waterfowl. Cultural attractions include the Jonathan Hager House, Mansion House Arts Center and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
Herrington Manor State Park
222 Herrington Lane
Oakland MD
301-334-9180
http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/herrington.aspx
Enjoy fishing in a trout-stocked, 53-acre lake. Swimming beach, paddle boat rentals, canoe and rowboat rentals, tennis courts, ballfields, hiking/biking trails, cross-country ski trails and cabin rentals are a few of the facilities.
Jennings Randolph Lake
Bloomington, MD
Information: 304-355-2346
www.nab.usace.army.mil/Missions/DamsRecreation/JenningsRandolphLake.aspx
Located in Garrett County, this full recreation lake is 952 acres with a 13.6 mile shoreline. The associated dam crosses the north branch of the Potomac River. Amenities include campsites, picnic areas and boat ramps.
Mt. Briar Wetland Preserve
19822 Millbrook Road
240-313-2700
https://www2.washco-md.net/parks_facilities/p-MtBriarWetlands.shtm
This extraordinary environmental site is noted as one of the most unique non-tidal wetland areas in Maryland. A floating boardwalk allows you to walk through the park surrounded by natural wonders.
Potomac State Forest
Information 301-334-2038
http://dnr2.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/publiclands/western_potomacforest.aspx
Over 12,400 acres of trees, streams and wildlife are located along Backbone Mountain near the headwaters of the historic Potomac river. The terrain is rugged and steep gradients give rise to fast-falling brooks and streams that feed the river.
Savage River Forest
Information 301-895-5759
www.stateparks.com/savage_river.html
This expansive area offers 53,000 acres of forestland, streams and wildlife habitat, including New Germany and Big Run State Parks as well as the 360-acre Savage River Reservoir. The dam is 1,050 feet long and rises 184 feet above the streambed. The reservoir offers year-round fishing.
Swallow Falls State Park
222 Harrington Lane
Oakland, MD
301-387-6938
http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/swallowfalls.aspx
Four waterfalls grade the park, including the 52-feet Muddy Creek Falls, the state’s largest. A towering forest is ideal for camping and picnicking. A scenic river offers outstanding fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities.
Youghiogheny Scenic & Wild River
898 State Park Road
Swanton, MD
301-387-5563
http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/youghiogheny.aspx
Known for wild waters, the Youghiogheny is fast becoming one of the most challenging and exciting whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. Approximately 20 Class IV and V rapids await experienced paddlers. For guides and equipment rental, contact your choice of local outfitters.
