{"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":"2018-11-17T18:50:01","modified_gmt":"2018-11-17T18:50:01","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS<\/p>\n

West Virginia<\/p>\n

American Discovery Trail
\n<\/strong>Nitro, WV
\n304-755-4878
\nwww.discoverytrail.org<\/a>
\nThis 6,000 mile, multi-use, trans-continental trail extends from Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Point Reyes, California. A 276 mile section traverses West Virginia.
\n
\nAppalachian Trail
\n<\/strong>Harpers Ferry, WV
\n304-535-6331
\nwww.appalachiantrail.org<\/a>
\nPassing through West Virginia at Harpers Ferry, the famous Appalachian Trail provides miles of scenic hiking and biking trails throughout the Northeast.
\n
\nBerkeley Springs State Park
\n<\/strong>Berkeley Springs, WV
\n304-258-2711
\nwww.berkeleyspringssp.com<\/a>
\nThis working mineral spa is graced by a quaint historical atmosphere and offers treatments on a year-round basis. The highlight is George Washington\u2019s bathtub, the only outdoor monument to presidential bathing!
\n
\nC & O Canal National Historical Park
\n<\/strong>Potomac River 301-739-4200
\nBoat Rides 301-299-3613
\nwww.nps.gov\/choh\/index.htm<\/a>
\nHikers 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.
\n
\nCacapon Resort State Park
\n<\/strong>Berkeley Springs, WV
\n304-258-1022
\nwww.cacaponresort.com<\/a>
\nCombining 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.
\n
\nHarpers Ferry National Historic Park
\n<\/strong>Harpers Ferry, WV
\n304-535-6223
\nwww.nps.gov\/hafe\/index.htm<\/a>
\nCombine 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.
\n
\nSam Michael\u2019s Park
\n<\/strong>1516 Job Corps Road
\nOff Route 230\/Route 17
\nwww.jcprc.org<\/a>
\nHome 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.
\n
\nSleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
\n<\/strong>Berkeley and Morgan Counties
\n304-822-3551
\nwww.wvdnr.gov\/Hunting\/D2WMAareas.shtm#25d2<\/a>
\nThis 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.
\n
\nTuscarora Trail
\n<\/strong>Information 703-242-0693
\nwww.berkeleysprings.com<\/a>
\nA 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.
\n<\/p>\n

Western Maryland<\/strong>
\n
\nBroadford Recreation Area
\n<\/strong>Pittsburgh Avenue
\nOakland, MD
\nwww.visitmaryland.org\/listing\/outdoor-recreation\/broadford-lake-recreation-area<\/a>
\nMount Lake Park boasts a 138-acre lake and 700 feet of beach. Bath-house, boat ramp and extensive picnic grounds are available.
\n
\nThe Cranesville Sub-Arctic Swamp
\n<\/strong>Lake Ford Road
\nOakland, MD
\nwww.nature.org\/wherewework\/northamerica\/states\/maryland\/preserves\/art135.html<\/a>
\nOne of nature\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Deep Creek Lake
\n<\/strong>898 State Park Road
\nSwanton, MD 301-387-5563
\nwww.deepcreeklake.com<\/a>
\nMaryland\u2019s 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.
\n
\nGarrett State Forest<\/strong>
\nInformation 301-334-2038
\nhttp:\/\/dnr2.maryland.gov\/forests\/Pages\/publiclands\/western_garrettforest.aspx<\/a>
\nMountain 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.
\n
\nGreen Ridge State Forest
\n<\/strong>28700 Headquarters Drive NE
\nFlintstone, MD 301-478-3124
\nGreen 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.
\n
\nNew Germany State Park
\n<\/strong>349 Headquarters Lane
\nGrantsville, MD
\n301-895-5453
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov\/publiclands\/pages\/western\/newgermany.aspx<\/a>
\nThe 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.
\n
\nHagerstown City Park<\/strong>
\nVirginia Avenue at Park Circle
\nHagerstown, MD
\n301-790-8577
\nwww.hagerstownmd.org\/index.aspx?NID=308<\/a>
\nAcclaimed 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.
\n
\nHerrington Manor State Park<\/strong>
\n222 Herrington Lane
\nOakland MD
\n301-334-9180
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov\/publiclands\/pages\/western\/herrington.aspx<\/a>
\nEnjoy 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.
\n
\nJennings Randolph Lake<\/strong>
\nBloomington, MD
\nInformation: 304-355-2346
\nwww.nab.usace.army.mil\/Missions\/DamsRecreation\/JenningsRandolphLake.aspx<\/a>
\nLocated 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.
\n
\nMt. Briar Wetland Preserve
\n<\/strong>19822 Millbrook Road
\n240-313-2700
\nhttps:\/\/www2.washco-md.net\/parks_facilities\/p-MtBriarWetlands.shtm<\/a>
\nThis 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.
\n
\nPotomac State Forest
\n<\/strong>Information 301-334-2038
\nhttp:\/\/dnr2.maryland.gov\/forests\/Pages\/publiclands\/western_potomacforest.aspx<\/a>
\nOver 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.
\n
\nSavage River Forest
\n<\/strong>Information 301-895-5759
\nwww.stateparks.com\/savage_river.html<\/a>
\nThis 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.
\n
\nSwallow Falls State Park
\n<\/strong>222 Harrington Lane
\nOakland, MD
\n301-387-6938
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov\/publiclands\/Pages\/western\/swallowfalls.aspx<\/a>
\nFour waterfalls grade the park, including the 52-feet Muddy Creek Falls, the state\u2019s largest. A towering forest is ideal for camping and picnicking. A scenic river offers outstanding fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities.
\n
\nYoughiogheny Scenic & Wild River
\n<\/strong>898 State Park Road
\nSwanton, MD
\n301-387-5563
\nhttp:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov\/publiclands\/pages\/western\/youghiogheny.aspx<\/a>
\nKnown 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":588,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/WestVA3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}