Mid July Activities: The Dying Days of Summer
The end of the summer season is fast approaching and now is the perfect time to get in some ‘quality time’ and take advantage of Maryland’s bountiful natural resources. Once the fall season begins planning outdoor activities may be more difficult due to the fact that children will be getting ready for school. Now is the perfect time for assessing the possibilities and even taking that last vacation trip. The biggest benefit to living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is that almost everything is within a few hours drive. The Chesapeake Bay, one of the largest attractions in Maryland, is an incredibly complex ecosystem of rivers and wetlands that is a habitat for many plant and animal species. The Potomac River, flowing through the nation’s capital, is on of the most beautiful and bountiful rivers on the East Coast and is known for its historic, scenic, and recreational significance. The Potomac River watershed is over 14000 square miles of farmland, forest, and parks as well as a major route for trade and commerce. The Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River provide some of the most exhilarating and stimulating outdoor activities in this area.
3 Best Local Hikes
The Appalachian Trail to Annapolis starts in Boonsboro, MD. The Appalachian Trial offers almost unprecedented access to over 40 miles of easily accessible trails. You will find an abundance of wooded trail hikes to wonderful rock formations and scenic views. Some popular day hikes include hiking from Greenbrier State Park to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock, from Greenbrier to Washington Monument State Park, and from Gathland State Park to Weaverton Cliffs. Whether your goal is scenic beauty, history, bird and wildlife watching, or just exercise the Appalachian Trail has it all.
The AppalachianTrail.org website:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/trail/maryland.html
The Billy Goat Trail is located between Carderock Recreational Area and Great Falls Park near Potomac, MD. One of the most popular short hikes in the Metropolitan area, the Billy Goat Trail winds along the Potomac River and offers a unique insight into the beautiful flora and woodland surroundings. There are good views of the rocky islands immediately downstream of the falls as well as well as a trail winding along the tops of 50 foot cliffs for a mile or two overlooking Mathers Gorge, a popular playground of whitewater kayakers and rock-climbers.
For in-depth Billy Goat Trail information:
http://thecocanal.homestead.com/billygoat.html
Seneca Creek State Park, comprised of 6300 acres, extend along 14.75 scenic miles of Seneca Creek in Gaithersburg, MD. There are over 10 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking, in addition to the 16.5 mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail follows the entire course of the creek. A restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area.
Fore more information:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/seneca.html
2 Best Water Trails
Fishing Bay Water Trail, located on the lower Eastern Shore Fishing Bay Water Trail is the largest parcel of public owned tidal wetlands in Maryland. The over 28,000 acres of remote wilderness are home to a rich variety of wildlife, meandering creeks, marsh grass habitats, and islands of loblolly pine. Often referred to as Maryland’s Everglades, the nearly pristine salt marsh habitat is to subject high winds and strong currents.
Official Department of Natural Resources website:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures/fishingbay.html
Gunpowder Falls State Park, situated on 18,000 acres in Harford and Baltimore Counties, was established to protect the stream valleys of the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River. There are more than 100 miles of trails featuring sun-drenched tidal marshes and wetlands, rugged slopes, and historic water-powered mills
Official Department of Natural Resources website:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/gunpowder.html
The Chesapeake Bay National Water Trail is a proposal for a marked interpretive trail along a contiguous stretch of the bay, creeks, and rivers with public rest areas that include historical and ecological information for the paddler or boater. The Chesapeake Bay National Water rail would retrace Captain John Smith’s voyages along the major tributaries of the Bay in both Maryland and Virginia. In addition there would be extended river trails that would reach up into the six state watersheds until the rivers are no longer navigable by kayak or canoe.
Reference article:
http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=2766
2 Best Climbing Sites
Carderock, overlooking the Potomac River near the eastern boundary of Great Falls Park, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful climbing locations in Maryland. Some of the over 200 climbs are on the Virginia side and are in the 50 foot range. The main climbing area, situated in the C & O Canal National Historic Park, is home to climbs ranging from 30 to 50 feet including a variety of features; approximately 200 yards of friction slabs, overhangs and cracks. Great Falls National Park boasts a picturesque river gorge with a view of the falls.
Rockclimbing.com Listing:
http://rockclimbing.com/routes/listArea.php?AreaID=1431
Rocks State Park, located 30 miles north of Baltimore in Harford County, features 885 acres of dense forests and massive boulders riding above Deer Creek. One of the few free-standing pinnacles on the east coast is found here and most routes are about 75 feet. This is a popular climbing area due to ease of access and climbs of varying difficulty. Also be sure to keep an eye out for white-tailed deer and wild turkey!
Official Department of Natural Resources website:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/rocks.html
2 Best Camping Sites
Assateague Island National Seashore offers a variety of camping opportunities including National Park Service Camping, State Park Camping, Backcountry Camping, or Camping on Chincoteague. The National Park Service provides year round camping in Oceanside and bayside campgrounds. Activities include ocean swimming, canoeing, clamming, fishing, hiking, biking, viewing wild horses and nearly 300 species of birds.
Official Department of Natural Resources website:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/eastern/assateague.html
Catoctin Mountain Park features camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, fishing, 25 miles of hiking trails including challenging geological structures, and the scenic mountain vistas of the Blue Ridge Province. The mountainous terrain of the park makes for several steep, strenuous rails that offer rewarding views to those that are up to the challenge. The park is also home to Camp David, the Presidential retreat.
Official Department of Natural Resources website:
http://www.nps.gov/cato/
2 Best Local Fishing Spots
The Potomac River, one of the best fishing spots in America, boasts a nine mile section bordering the Potomac State Forest that has been heavily stocked with rainbow trout and fish over 20 inches are not uncommon. The Potomac is also one of the few eastern rivers inhabited by rainbow trout, as well as brown, cutthroat, and brook trout giving anglers the rare opportunity to land the coveted “Grand Slam”
Potomac River Fishing Reports & More:
http://www.potomacbass.com/
The upper Chesapeake Bay offers limitless opportunities, expansive views, and a broad diversity of fishing opportunities. In 1991, the “Bassmasters Classic” was even held in the upper Chesapeake region. Largemouth and smallmouth bass proliferate in these waters and bass in the 2 to 6 pound range are abundant. The summer season has been inundated with reports of croaker and striped bass.
Chesapeake Fishing Report From Department of Natural Resources:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/chesapeake.html
Credit Department of Natural Resources, RockClimbing.com, Field & Stream Magazine
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