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State Parks State Parks
Dans Mountain State Park
481 acres. In Allegany County, about nine miles south of Frostburg, east of MD Route 36.) Dans Mountain State Park is a day use park with rugged mountain terrain, and an Olympic-size pool. Nearby, Dans Rock affords a panoramic view of the surrounding region from a height of 2,898 feet. Activities: Food and beverages, fishing, hiking, historic interest, picnic areas, playground, shelters, swimming pool, and naturalist programs. For information call: (301)777-2139
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Cunningham Falls State Park
Within the 5,000-acre park area is Maryland's highest waterfall. The falls may be reached from four trails, including one which is wheelchair-accessible. Cunningham Falls, in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, features shaded glens, mountain streams, and winding trails. Activities: Boat launch, boat rental, cabins, cross country skiing, camp sites, camp store, dump station, food & beverage, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trail, historic interest, hunting, picnic, canoe, john boats, swimming, shelters. For information call: (301)271-7574
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Elk Neck State Park
Sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. Several trails meander through the diversified topography, revealing the great variety of plant and animal life. An easy walking trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse provides a view of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. (2,188 acres) Activities: Boat launch, boat rental, cabins, campfire programs, campsites, campstore, dump station, food & beverage, fishing, flatwater canoeing, hiking trail, historic interest, hook-ups, hunting, picnicking, playground, shelters, swimming, visitor center. Pets are allowed at two camping areas and one area with electric. Pets are allowed on trails if they are on a leash. Pets are not allowed on the beach. For information call: (410)287-5333
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The Potomac State Forest
The Potomac State Forest,(11,461 acres) is situated between the towns of Oakland and Westernport and partially bordering the Potomac River, is reached from the Maryland Routes 135 and 560. Mountain forests, streams, and valleys make up 12,000 acres in Potomac State Forest. The Potomac State Forest drains into the Potomac River Basin. Potomac State Forest features the highest point in any Maryland State Forest-Backbone Mountain, elevation 3,220 feet. Another high point in the forest is the rock outcropping near the intersection of Maryland Route 135 and Walnut Bottom Road which overlooks a portion of Potomac State Forest, Savage River State Forest and Crabtree Creek. Activities: Cross country skiing, camp sites, fishing, hiking trail, hunting, picnic, riding trails, shelters and snowmobiling. For information call: (301)334-2038
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Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. The Appalachian Trail passes near the park. The 42-acre man-made lake and beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, interpretive programs and nature study. Activities: Boat launch, boat rental, cross country skiing, camp fire programs, camp sites, camp store, dump station, food & beverage, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trail, hook ups, hunting, picnic, 2 playgrounds, swimming, visitor's center. For information call: (301)791-4767
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Camping and Hiking in
Smallwood State Park
Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors. Sixteen family campsites with electric hook-ups are available under a hardwood forest. There is a trailer dump station. There are two youth group camping sites available, reservations are required. Youth group passes are honored. The trails at Smallwood meander through the hardwood forest (a guided booklet is available), passing many natural and historical points of interest. You will be able to exit at several marked points if the walk becomes to strenuous. For a trail map contact the number below; they are also available at the park office. For information call: (301)743-7613
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Elk Neck State Park
Sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. Several trails meander through the diversified topography, revealing the great variety of plant and animal life. An easy walking trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse provides a view of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. Campgrounds can accommodate 291 camping units: tents, trailers, or motorhomes, with conveniently located washhouses. For information call: (410)287-5333
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Cunningham Falls State Park
Within the 5,000-acre park area is Maryland's highest waterfall. The falls may be reached from four trails, including one which is wheelchair-accessible. Cunningham Falls, in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, features shaded glens, mountain streams, and winding trails. The Houck Area has 149 sites, including four camper cabins. The Manor Area has 31 camp sites. For information call: (301)271-7574
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Swallow Falls State Park
This mountain park 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 63-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. (257 acres). The park features 65 campsites, near a modern washhouse with running water, laundry tubs, showers and sanitary facilities. For information call: (301)387-6938
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Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap Run winds its way through an impressive mile long gorge displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks, and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron. Rugged mountains surround the park which features 243-acre Lake Habeeb, available year round for recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming and boating. There are an extensive set of trails that wind through the area, pick up a map of the park as you enter Rocky Gap. The campground has 278 sites and bathhouses with electricity and showers. Some electric hookups are available. Some "pets allowed" sites. Youth group camping. For information call: (301)777-2138 (camping reservations) (301)777-2139
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Hunting and Fishing in
Choptank River Fishing Pier
The Choptank River Fishing Piers are open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The piers are lighted, and the pier is popular because of the variety of fish that can be caught including pearch, stripped bass, hard heads, sea trout, and catfish. Fishing and crabbing are the main attractions but other activities such as bicycling, walking, running, picnicking or sunbathing can be enjoyed. Fishing, boating, trails, picnicking, limited hunting. For information call: (410)476-3795
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Deep Creek Lake State Park
Fishing is generally good on the lake with stocked trout, walleye, bass, and yellow perch being the most abundant. Hunting is permitted in the park's backcountry areas during regular hunting seasons. The hunting areas are posted and applicable regulations including license requirements apply. For information call: (301)387-5563
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Green Ridge State Forest
This vast 43,000 acre forest stretches across the mountains of Western Maryland and occupies portions of Town Hill, Polish Mountain and Green Ridge Mountain. Wildlife is plentiful and includes wild turkey, grouse, squirrel and deer. Permitted during all designated seasons. Areas include the Potomac River, White Sulphur and Orchard Ponds, Town Creek, 15 Mile Creek and Sideling Hill Creek all are designated trout streams within the Forest. For information call: (301)478-3124
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Seneca Creek State Park
The 90-acre Clopper Lake provides fishing, Seneca Creek is stocked with put-and-take trout. A 1,200 acre parcel along River Road is reserved for hunting during the regulated seasons. For information call: (301)924-2127
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Patuxent River State Park
6,648 acres of undeveloped stream valley park has self-guided nature trails. A portion of the park has been designated as a State Wildlands Area. The park is used mainly for hunting and fishing. For information call: (301)924-2127
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Other Outdoor activities
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