Maryland, the Old Line State, is a culinary gem where Southern hospitality meets diverse flavors, but it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning parks offering everything from rugged hikes to serene beaches. With over 50 state parks and several national sites, Maryland’s best parks in Maryland provide endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and family fun. Whether you’re searching for the top state parks in Maryland, exploring Maryland parks near me, or seeking best parks in Maryland for families, this guide to the 5 best parks in Maryland will inspire your next escape. From the wild shores of Assateague to the cascading falls of Swallow Falls, discover Maryland state parks, national parks in Maryland, Maryland hiking trails, Maryland camping spots, family-friendly parks in Maryland, Maryland outdoor activities, best state parks in Maryland, Maryland park attractions, map of parks in Maryland, Maryland nature destinations, hidden gem parks in Maryland, and what to do in Maryland parks.

Use our Maryland park guide to navigate Maryland parks for hiking and Maryland parks for camping for an unforgettable 2025 adventure.This guide highlights Maryland park recommendations, best hikes in Maryland, and Maryland nature experiences, ensuring your visit is filled with wonder. Let’s explore the top 5 parks in Maryland!

Why Maryland’s Parks Are a Must-Visit This Year

Maryland’s diverse landscapes from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay make its Maryland state parks and national parks in Maryland some of the most varied on the East Coast. These parks offer Maryland hiking trails for all levels, Maryland camping spots under the stars, and Maryland outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Maryland, the Old Line State, is a culinary gem where Southern hospitality meets diverse flavors, and park picnics with local crabs, oysters, or farm-fresh treats elevate the experience. In 2025, expect enhanced accessibility with new trails and eco-programs, as noted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Summer brings warm weather (75–85°F) and festivals like the Maryland State Fair, while fall foliage in parks like Patapsco Valley draws crowds. Whether you’re a family seeking family-friendly parks in Maryland or an adventurer hunting hidden gem parks in Maryland, Maryland’s parks cater to all. No parks in Baltimore MD are directly in the city, but Maryland parks near Baltimore like Patapsco are just minutes away. This guide features the 5 best parks in Maryland, curated from Tripadvisor’s 2025 rankings and AllTrails user reviews. Use a map of parks in Maryland to plan your route and pair visits with Maryland attractions near parks.

Assateague State Park: Wild Ponies and Pristine Beaches

Assateague State Park, on the barrier island shared with Virginia, is often ranked as the best state park in Maryland for its wild ponies, 3 miles of oceanfront beaches, and over 300 bird species. It’s a top Maryland park for families and hikers, per Tripadvisor 2025 reviews.

Why Visit Assateague State Park?

• Features: Sandy beaches, dunes, and maritime forests spanning 39 acres, with access to the adjacent Assateague Island National Seashore.
• Activities: Beachcombing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking the 1.5-mile Life of the Marsh Trail; spot wild ponies and deer.
• Culinary Connection: Maryland is a culinary gem, and pack a picnic with Chesapeake Bay oysters or crabs from nearby Chincoteague—try Assateague Crab House for fresh seafood.
• Access: $5/vehicle in-state, $10 out-of-state (daily); reservations required for camping.

Assateague’s 2025 pony swim draws crowds; visit in early summer for solitude. It’s a Maryland park for camping favorite with family programs—book via Maryland Park Service reservations.

Patapsco Valley State Park: Urban Escape with Historic Trails

Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland’s first and largest state park at 18,000 acres, is a top state park in Maryland for its 200+ miles of trails, waterfalls, and historic ruins. It’s a favorite Maryland park near Baltimore, per Reddit discussions.

Why Visit Patapsco Valley State Park?

• Features: Rugged forests, rivers, and six areas (Avalon, Hilton, etc.) with diverse terrain.
• Activities: Hiking (Orange Grove to Cascade Falls, 2 miles), fishing, and exploring grist mills; family-friendly with playgrounds.
• Culinary Connection: Picnic with Maryland crabs or visit nearby Ellicott City’s Rogue Tiki for tropical twists on local fare.
• Access: $3.50/person or $5/vehicle; free for seniors.

Patapsco’s 2025 trail expansions include more accessible paths. It’s a family-friendly park in Maryland with ranger programs reserve camping via DNR.

Swallow Falls State Park: Waterfalls and Ancient Forests

Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County is a hidden gem park in Maryland known for its four waterfalls and old-growth hemlocks, often called one of the best state parks in Maryland by Tripadvisor.

Why Visit Swallow Falls State Park?

• Features: 17,000 acres with Muddy Creek Falls (53 feet, Maryland’s tallest), and the Muddy Creek Trail.
• Activities: Hiking (1.5-mile Swallow Falls Loop), fishing, and birdwatching; family-friendly with easy paths.
• Culinary Connection: Pair with Deep Creek Lake’s farm-fresh picnics or Firewater’s Pub for Maryland-inspired burgers.
• Access: $5/vehicle in-state, $10 out-of-state.

Swallow Falls’ 2025 eco-programs include guided hemlock tours. It’s a Maryland park for hiking standout—book via DNR

Cunningham Falls State Park: Majestic Waterfall and Lake Fun

Cunningham Falls State Park near Thurmont is a top state park in Maryland for its namesake 78-foot waterfall and family activities, praised in Sunshine Whispers’ family guide.

Why Visit Cunningham Falls State Park?

• Features: 25,000 acres with Cunningham Falls, William Houck Lake, and Catoctin Mountain views.
• Activities: Hiking (Majestic Trail to falls, 1 mile), swimming at the lake beach, and fishing; ranger programs for kids.
• Culinary Connection: Picnic with local apples or visit Thurmont’s Mountain Gate Family Restaurant for Maryland comfort food.
• Access: $5/vehicle in-state, $10 out-of-state; reservations for lake use.

The park’s 2025 beach enhancements include more shaded areas. It’s a Maryland park for families with summer camps—reserve via DNR.

Rocky Gap State Park: Lake Adventures and Mountain Views

Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County is one of the best parks in Maryland for camping and water fun, with Lake Habeeb and Evitts Mountain, per Chesapeake Family.

Why Visit Rocky Gap State Park?

• Features: 3,000 acres around Lake Habeeb, with rocky shores and forested trails.
• Activities: Swimming, boating, hiking (Overlook Trail, 1.3 miles), and fishing; family playgrounds and mini-golf.
• Culinary Connection: Grill lakeside or dine at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort’s Ember Island Grille for Maryland rockfish.
• Access: $3/person or $5/vehicle.

Rocky Gap’s 2025 fishing derbies are family hits. It’s a Maryland outdoor activity gem—book via DNR.

In Summary

Maryland’s 5 best parks in Maryland, from Assateague’s wild beaches to Swallow Falls’ cascades, capture the state’s natural soul. Maryland, the Old Line State, is a culinary gem where Southern hospitality meets diverse flavors, pairing trails with crabs and picnics. Whether exploring top state parks in Maryland, Maryland parks near me, or family-friendly parks in Maryland, this Maryland park guide covers national parks in Maryland and hidden gem parks in Maryland.

Use a map of parks in Maryland for Maryland nature destinations and plan your 2025 Maryland hiking trails adventure. Discover what to do in Maryland parks, Maryland camping spots, and Maryland outdoor activities for an unforgettable escape!