As the final weeks of summer near, it’s a great time to get outside and take advantage of the sunshine and warm weather. Here are some trails and parks that are perfect for summertime exploration:
B&A Trail Beginning on Boulters Way in Arnold and ending on Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie, the B&A trail features a 13.3-mile paved, scenic trail that winds through wooded parks, suburban neighborhoods, bustling shopping centers, and offers plenty of interesting historical markers along the route. Be sure to make a pit-stop at the Planet Walk near Harundale Mall in Glen Burnie. The linear museum, which is sponsored by NASA, has educational displays for the sun and each planet.
Bacon Ridge Trail, Annapolis. The Bacon Ridge Trail is located within the Bacon Ridge Natural Area, a 630-acre preserved area of land which is protected through a conservation easement with Scenic Rivers Land Trust and the Maryland Environmental Trust. The first publicly accessible trail, which totaled 2.5 miles, was built in 2015; an additional 4.5 miles of trail were added a year later. These natural surface trails are relatively obstacle free, making them perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
BWI Trail, Glen Burnie. Though initially designed with commuters in mind, the BWI trail has proven to be a great recreational trek. The trail links with the B&A Trail via the John Overstreet Connector, which is located at the southern terminus of the BWI Trail and the northern terminus of the B&A Trail. Pack a picnic and make a stop at Andover Park, which has excellent views of the BWI airport runway.
Downs Park Trail, Pasadena. Downs Park offers over five miles of paved and natural trails. The trail routes offer an outdoor exercise pavilion, plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, and spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. Bring the whole family and make a day of it; the kids can enjoy the playground and your pup can enjoy splashing around at the dog beach.
Quiet Waters Park Trail, Annapolis. Offering both paved and unpaved trail, the Quiet Waters Park Trail is perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy breathtaking views of South River and Harness Creek, a dog park and dog beach, and several picnic areas. This Saturday, August 10th, stick around for a free concert featuring live music from Assisted Living. The concert begins at 6 p.m.
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Grasonville. The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is a 510-acre wildlife preserve. The area is home to more than 200 species of birds, which visitors can search for while exploring the woodlands, marshes, and meadows along the four miles of walking trails. If you prefer to explore from the water, rent a kayak ($20/day) and paddle around Marshy Creek, the Narrows, and Prospect Bay.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is one of the more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands and waters managed specifically for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Boasting over 20,000 acres, the refuge makes up one-third of Maryland’s tidal wetlands and features hiking, paddling, and cycling trails. Don’t forget your binoculars! You might even spot a bald eagle.
Terrapin Nature Park, Stevensville. Wander through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands, and sandy beaches at Terrapin Nature Park. The 276-acre nature park offers three miles of flat hiking and biking trails. If the temperatures get toasty, enjoy a swim while enjoying unique view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the park’s beaches.
Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne. Aside from 20 miles of scenic trails, Tuckahoe State Park features a 60-acre lake, making it the perfect place to enjoy some time on the water. Canoes, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks are available for $10 an hour at the park office (weekdays) and lakefront boathouse (weekends).
