With seven unique districts, each boasting a distinct element of life on the shore, you’re sure to be entertained for as long as you’d like to stay at the gateway of the bay.

The Oceanfront is lined with a boardwalk spanning three miles, home to live music, street performers, and some of the best restaurants in town. Pop onto the beach for a day on the sand or rest up at one of numerous hotels lining the beach boasting unparalleled views of the Atlantic sunrise.

Just inland of the boardwalk sits the ViBe Creative District, a hub for Virginia Beach’s artistic population and a place to sample cuisines centered around locally grown ingredients. Every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon throughout the summer, the Old Beach Farmers Market plays host to local vendors supplying seasonal fruits, fresh seafood, meats, and baked goods.

The boardwalk’s southern endpoint, the Rudee Inlet, is your spot for all things out on—or hundreds of feet above!—the water. Book a fishing charter, rent a kayak, or take in breathtaking views of the Virginia coastline with a parasailing trip. If dining on fresh caught seafood overlooking the water is more your speed, Rockafeller’s, Rudee’s Restaurant, and Big Sam’s Raw Bar have you covered.

South of the inlet, the expansive Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an immersive natural slice of the Atlantic coastline. Hiking and kayaking around the calm waters of the bay are the main attraction here, along with pristine sand dunes and untouched coastal vegetation. Sandbridge, the peninsula that frames Back Bay, represents the northern beginning of the Outer Banks that extend into North Carolina.

Take a break from the crashing waves of the Atlantic and relax on the bayside just a 15-minute drive north. Chesapeake Beach, known by Virginians as “Chick’s,” is a laid-back take on a beach day with calmer waters and smaller crowds. The bayfront still has plenty of dining options, with craft breweries and raw bars lining the shore. A sunset over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is the perfect way to close out the day.

A few miles inland from the bay and oceanfront sits Virginia Beach Town Center, home to luxury hotels, shopping, and rich nightlife. Take in a show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club or one of two theaters, hosting shows on weekend nights throughout the whole summer.

If you’re looking for big names in music, look no further than the massive outdoor Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, located just south of Town Center. This summer, they’re welcoming Eric Church, Snoop Dogg, Counting Crows, and Fall Out Boy, to name a few.

By far the biggest music event of the Virginia Beach summer is Beach It!, the three-day country music festival from June 23-25, headlined by Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Bryan. The oceanside festival takes place on the sand between 3rd and 8th streets and welcomes more than 25 top country artists.

Inland Virginia Beach is home to more than just high-profile performances. Pungo is an agricultural community to the southwest of Virginia Beach proper, with acres and acres of farmland making it the perfect place to experience the charm of rural Virginia with bed and breakfasts and pick-your-own farms with views of the countryside.

No matter what your perfect shore itinerary looks like, Virginia Beach has it covered. Plan your vacation now at visitvirginiabeach.com.

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Whatever your idea of adventure, you’re likely to find it in Allegany County, “the Mountain Side of Maryland.” With an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, historic sites, and award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eateries, you’ll find a trail for just about any age or interest in this picturesque part of the state. Here are just a few of the spring and summer trail experiences Allegany County has to offer.

Great Allegheny Passage

Connecting Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail offers 150 miles of scenic rail-trail for biking and hiking, with majestic views of Maryland’s mountains. The trail follows the route of the historic Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and it’s the only location along trail where bikers can ride through a tunnel at the same time as a passing train. The GAP trail links up to the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland.

The official trail towns of Frostburg and Cumberland boast Main Street districts full of unique and charming shops, restaurants, and arts and entertainment venues. Be sure to take the self-guided walking tours to admire the architectural beauty and enduring history when you visit.

C&O Canal Towpath

The 12-foot wide, nearly level path was built for mules to pull the canal boats along the 184.5-mile canal from Cumberland, MD, to Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Today, the path is maintained by the National Park Service and draws visitors from all over the world looking for scenic biking and hiking.

Tracks and Yaks

If you’re looking for something fun and different for all ages, try rail biking! Pedal-powered tandem or quad rail bikes take riders along the smooth, steel railroad tracks. This is not a physically strenuous activity since the tracks steer the rail bikes and the terrain is mostly downhill. The Track and Yak excursion includes a 15-mile rail bike trip, a 4-mile float on the North Branch of the Potomac River in a kayak or tube, and a shuttle bus back to Frostburg Depot. Shorter rail bike-only tours are also available.

Ice Cream Trail

If your warm weather goals are to sample as many sweet frozen treats as possible, the Ice Cream Trail is for you. From end-to-end, the self-guided drive is just under 55 miles and includes nine stops at local eateries. Or, you can take a break from biking or hiking one of the trails above to pop into one or two of them, such as the Oak Barrel Café, offering soft serve and smoothies, or Frostburg Freeze, family owned and operated for over 50 years, purveyors of the Boston Shake—a hot fudge sundae inside a milkshake or a milkshake poured over a hot fudge sundae, depending on your viewpoint.

Mountain Maryland Tap and Pour Tour

If your idea of a treat leans more toward adult beverages, this is your kind of tour. Mountain Maryland’s Tap and Pour Tour was recently named “Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail” by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Visit the area’s award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries, including 1812 Brewery, the first farm brewery in Allegany County, located on 190 acres where they grow their own hops, and Charis Winery and Distillery, offering award-winning sweet and semi-sweet wines and brandy, as well as seven different oils and balsamic vinegar for sampling.

For even more ideas, destinations, and events, visit our website where you can request a destination guide.

Maryland. Be Open.

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This explains the popularity of the Waldorf School of Baltimore’s Forest Kindergarten. While still a relatively new concept in the United States, forest kindergarten has been popular in Scandinavian countries since the 1950s. The most striking difference between forest kindergarten and traditional kindergarten is that most, if not all, of the school day is spent outside regardless of the weather. The Waldorf School of Baltimore has long had a successful preschool and Kindergarten program; and last year, as the school celebrated its 50th birthday, they had the opportunity to realize a long held dream: to open a second Kindergarten “classroom in the woods;” Baltimore City’s first Forest Kindergarten.

“The trend in mainstream education is to have kindergarten look more like an elementary grade with direct academic instruction and lots of desk time. We are giving children the gift of one more year to learn through self-initiated play, movement, and ample time in nature,” says Forest K lead teacher Lida Lawrence.

The Forest K classroom is located in a beautiful urban woodland on The Waldorf School’s campus, found along the northernmost edge of Baltimore City on a hill adjacent to Cylburn Arboretum. Simply follow the stone steps down from the main campus, which is itself a certified wildlife habitat and Maryland Green School. Take the trails naturally terraced with boulders and logs and planted with wildflowers until you spot the sandboxes, sinks, swings, and natural wooden play-structures marking this classroom with no walls.

Children engage their sense of wonder, their powers of imagination, their motor and social skills, by climbing, jumping, hiking, creating art at handcrafted tables, pumping water from a cistern, and resting in hammocks rain, snow, sleet or shine. The time-tested Waldorf Kindergarten curriculum of movement-rich circles and stories, painting and craft work, practical skills and social exploration, all play out in complete immersion in nature. Dressed in rainboots and jackets when necessary, children experience the changing seasons. Weather, in all its forms, is seen as a teachable moment. (A classroom on the main campus can be used for exceptionally inclement weather).

For more than a century, Waldorf education has maintained a strong focus on immersing children in the outdoors to promote a love of nature. Fostering a love for all living things, by intertwining educational experiences with the land around us, is central to the Waldorf approach. Waldorf Education is the fastest-growing educational philosophy worldwide, with more than 1,000 Waldorf schools in 64 countries around the world.

Do you or someone you know have a kindergartener who is ready to become not just a young learner but also a forest explorer? For information on admissions and visiting The Waldorf School of Baltimore, see their website.

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Do you crave fresh air and stunning fall foliage? You’ve got to check out the Great Allegheny Passage. Named one of the ‘Top Fall Trips in the World’ by National Geographic, the trail starts in Cumberland and follows the route of the historic Western Maryland Railway up toward the Eastern Continental Divide. The 150 mile trail winds through Maryland’s mountains to connect with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and travelers can catch majestic views across four states from the overlook outside the Big Savage Tunnel just over the Mason & Dixon Line. Grab your backpack, your bike, or even your skis when the snow begins to fall and get going – you won’t want to miss this.

If outdoor sports aren’t your thing, no worries – Mountain Maryland has trails for you too. Climb aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a range of experiences on the rails, with astounding views, authentic coaches, and fun for the whole family. Or try Tracks and Yaks, Maryland’s only rail biking excursion, which will whisk you through lush hills and valleys on tandem or quad railbikes. If you’re more comfortable in the car, drive the three-hour, 45-mile, self-guided scenic overlooks tour of Green Ridge State Forest. Maryland’s largest contiguous forest is not so green this time of year, and you’ll be mesmerized by the tapestry of fall colors.

While losing yourself in Mountain Maryland’s natural splendor, take a tour through history along the C&O Canal Towpath. One of the most-visited National Parks in the U.S. last year, the nearly 200-mile canal connects the region’s towns, parks, and forests, as well as the Potomac River. Learn about local industry, transportation, and recreation dating back to the early 1800s at the Allegany Museum and Canal Place Heritage Park. Then take it for yourself — the 12-foot wide, nearly-level towpath is perfect for biking and hiking. Stop for self-guided tours of Cumberland and Frostburg, which will walk you through the history and culture of these charming trail towns.

Before, after, or amid your outdoor exploits, reward yourself with delicious treats along Mountain Maryland’s tastier trails. The Tap and Pour Tour was named ‘Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail’ in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2021 ‘Best Of’ awards. Bask in the ambiance of outdoor gardens and patios at award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries, or take your favorites in a growler to go. For early birds, the irresistible offerings along the Donut and Coffee Trail will give you the sugar rush and caffeine buzz needed to knock out an early climb or a day of kayaking.

There’s something in the autumn air, something that drives us to get our, explore, and chase down adventure. Lots of places have incredible fall experiences. But if you’re looking to pursue your passions against a backdrop of sweeping mountain views and vibrant fall foliage, there’s only one place to go: Mountain Maryland.

Visit mdmountainside.com/startshere to learn more and request a destination guide.

Maryland. Be Open.

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Located on more than 17 beautiful acres in close proximity to the Western Run, 1508 Worthington Heights Parkway boasts a spectacular, custom-designed, thoughtfully expanded five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath luxury home.

Guests are welcomed up a landscaped path into a bright, two-story foyer. The main level features a living room, banquet-sized dining room, butler’s pantry, and expansive custom gourmet kitchen with island/breakfast bar and separate breakfast area. The kitchen flows into the attached family room. A hall from the family room leads to the private, thoroughly renovated two-bedroom guest suite, which is connected to the main house as well as a separate entrance. The laundry room, powder room, and oversized three-car garage complete the main level.

The spacious primary bedroom suite features a large custom fitted walk-in closet and an attached spa bath. This level also includes two additional bedrooms, an office (or sixth bedroom) and a bath. The lower level contains a large recreation room with wet bar, theater seating, and billiard area as well as a bath and abundant storage.

Custom designed, built to incorporate the original house, and sited to take full advantage of views and natural sunlight, this tremendous luxury home also boasts wonderful outdoor living spaces. A wraparound, two-tiered deck runs across the back of the home–ideal for outdoor dining or entertaining. The large back yard includes a paved sport court, playhouse, playset and garden shed. Backing to wooded areas leading to the Western Run, hiking, fishing, tubing and other outdoor recreational options abound! A thoughtfully renovated and expanded home, 1508 Worthington Heights Parkway offers a private woodland oasis of luxury!

 

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By Marty LeGrand
Illustrations by Jason Schneider

Travel & Outdoors

Ten Wild to Mild Adventures in The Great Outdoors

Fall adventures whether you're a daredevil or just want a relaxing weekend away.

By Marty LeGrand.
Illustrations by Jason Schneider.

emember when you were a kid and the natural world was one enormous adventure? It was something to be explored wide-eyed and with both feet forward, a place where the unmarked paths begged to be taken. Cloud formations and towering trees put your very person in perspective, and a rope swing beat a diving board any day of the week.

That’s what fall excursions should be. Whether your journeys are bucket list material or just an excuse to flee Wi-Fi for a weekend, we think you should spend the days of dwindling sunlight with childlike enthusiasm. Just do like the trees do this time of year: Make a full-bore, end-of-season, what-the-hell splash. Pretend you’re Tarzan while clutching a zip line, or float like The Wizard of Oz in a hot-air balloon. Pedal a rail-trail through an enchanted forest, or picnic with pals in a centuries-old wood.

Even if you barely escape the neighborhood, you owe yourself a fall fling. Since not everyone shares the same inclination for torching calories and touting adrenaline, we’ve divided our fall adventures menu into two flavors: wild and mild. And if you have neither time nor disposable dollars enough to indulge in anything too grand, consider our options for localized escapes, too. After all, backyards are the birthplace of natural curiosity.

James River Gorge. —Jon Bilous

Ride the Rapids

Virginia boasts whitewater where you’d least expect it: downtown Richmond, where the James River tumbles over boulders and broken dams under the capital city skyline. Launch at Pony Pasture Park and paddle to Reedy Creek, a route suitable for even beginner kayakers. The pace quickens at two Class II rapids, Choo Choo, near a soaring railroad bridge, and the rock-strewn Mitchell’s Gut. Challenge yourself at the Class III, triple drop Pipeline Rapids. No kayak? RVA Paddlesports offers rentals and on-water instruction.

Stay: Salvaged architecture and original artworks grace the Quirk Hotel’s fashionably located lodgings in a former 1916 department store. Don’t miss the Q Rooftop Bar, where mixologists love to craft cocktails for “spirits-ual” holidays including Rum Punch Day (September 20) and Mezcal Day (October 21).

Savor: Ensconced in Quirk Hotel’s lobby, Maple & Pine ranks among the city’s top restaurants. Plate sharing is optional; apple crisp with cheddar ice cream, if it’s available, is not. Also slurp roasted oysters and watch the river from the prow-like deck at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing.

Closer to Home: Class II and III whitewater flows as close as the Gunpowder River below Prettyboy Reservoir in the Hereford Area of Parkton.

TAKE A DETOUR?

Looking for some more wild waves to conquer? On your way back to Baltimore from Richmond, take a 15-minute detour outside of the nation’s capital to Great Falls Park on the border of Maryland and Virginia. Here, the Potomac River cascades into a natural wonder, building in speed and force around a series of rocky surfaces and the narrow Mather Gorge. Its whitewater offers adventure for everyone from the novice (Class II) to the extremist (Class V+). Watching from the sidelines? There are several waterfalls to ogle at as your friends catapult down the river.

Shutterstock

Bike a Remote Rail-Trail

A century ago, West Virginia’s Greenbrier River Valley bustled with train traffic and mill towns to serve the king of local industry: timber. Reclaimed by the very forests that rail and lumber barons once profitably harvested, the valley now boasts one of the East’s most bucolic rail-trails, the Greenbrier River Trail between North Caldwell and Cass. Hearty souls may want to tackle the entire 78-mile gravel path (amenities are limited, so pack accordingly). Alternatively, take the 24-mile northern stretch of this river-hugging route to see boundless wilderness dotted with decaying relics of the old rail line.

Stay: Cyclists can find comfort in the trailside campsites and refurbished millworkers’ houses in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, the trail’s northern terminus. Also stay in the GRT’s largest waypoint, Marlinton, where the Locust Hill inn offers trail trekkers cozy rooms, full complimentary breakfasts, pub fare, and shuttle service.

Savor: Sip a craft brew with your breakfast sandwich or luncheon pizza at Dirtbean Cafe & Bike Shop, a colorful eatery that also rents and repairs two-wheelers in Marlinton.

Closer to Home: View the small towns and autumn-flecked hills of hunt country on the 20-mile Torrey C. Brown, aka North Central Rail (NCR) Trail from Hunt Valley along the Gunpowder Falls State Park to the Mason-Dixon Line.

Zip Through the Trees

Call it leaf peeping for speed freaks: swooshing down a forested hillside on a zip line canopy tour is fall’s extreme sport. For a hair-raising endurance ride, make a reservation for the Vertical Trek at Roundtop Mountain Resort in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, a 10-step, two-plus-hour descent of the ski resort’s mountain. Gliding from one treetop platform to the next, sometimes 40 feet above ground, each rider navigates zip lines as long as 400 feet, tipsy bridges, cliff ledges, and other gulp-worthy challenges.

Stay: The historic Allenberry Resort in nearby Boiling Springs has a new look. The 57-acre property has preserved its heritage while updating its lodgings, restaurant, and playhouse along the burbling Yellow Breeches Creek. Book a choice room in the renovated Stone Lodge, originally the barn and stables.

Savor: With a fishing stream on the premises, Allenberry’s The Barn Restaurant unsurprisingly highlights local seafood dishes such as pan-seared rainbow trout amandine, while sticky buns remain the treat de la maison. Adventurous activity also begs adventurous eating. Try house-fermented kimchi tacos or kale-pistachio pizza at Little Bird Craft Kitchen in Camp Hill, the innovative eatery of Ever Grain Brewing Company.

Closer to Home: Go zip lining, rope-walking, or scale a 43-foot tower and descend headfirst inside the super-skinny “rainbow serpent” net at Terrapin Adventures in Howard County.

New River Gorge. —Shutterstock

A base jumper on Bridge Day. —Shutterstock

Go to Extremes

Celebrate the wild and wonderful during Bridge Day, West Virginia’s extreme sports extravaganza on October 20, when parachuted BASE jumpers fling themselves—one every 30 seconds on average—off the impossibly scenic, 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville. What’s even wilder? This lemming-esque lunacy goes on for six straight hours, while thousands gather to watch. Leave bridge-diving to the pros, but try whitening your knuckles on the Highline, a 700-foot bridge-to-gorge zip line, or shuffling among the span’s support beams on a skinny catwalk overlooking the river’s churning rapids.

Stay: Known for its whitewater rafting trips, Adventures on the Gorge beckons visiting thrill-seekers to the New River rim. Choose from a range of rentals, including rustic platform tents, one-room log cabins, and deluxe multi-family lodges.

Savor: Sample local fare during Taste of Bridge Day on October 19. The Secret Sandwich Society in nearby Fayetteville serves gourmet, presidential-themed sammies. Try the McKinley (spicy meatloaf on crunchy sourdough with chipotle-bacon jam) and a side of ooey-gooey-good pimento cheese fries.

Closer to Home: Experience a 120-mph freefall from a passenger’s perspective when you tandem skydive from 10,000-plus feet with Skydive Baltimore’s experienced instructors in Churchville.

Susquehanna State Park. —Jon Bilous

Hike An Ancient Forest

Pennsylvania’s woods don’t come any deeper, darker, or older than Forest Cathedral Natural Area in Cook Forest State Park in Cooksburg, a National Natural Landmark. Don hiking boots to commune with centuries-old white pines called “The Ancients.” The Longfellow Trail leads to the most revered relic of all, the 181-foot-tall Longfellow Pine, and its equally venerable cousins. The Seneca Trail ascends through a grove of old-growth hemlocks. At the summit, climb the historic fire tower and see the forest from above the trees.

Stay: After a day in the woods, where else to spend the night than a grand lodge with fieldstone fireplaces, chinked log walls, antler chandeliers, and . . . an Aveda spa? Yes, please. Gateway Lodge in Cooksburg provides all these things and more in its tastefully rustic rooms, suites, and cabins.

Savor: Splurge on Gateway Lodge Restaurant’s five-course Taste of the Wilds menu, saving space for a slice of house pecan pie with local maple syrup. Beer-lovers trek to the family-owned Straub Brewery an hour away in St. Marys for award-winning suds from the “Eternal Tap” that has poured since 1872.

Closer to Home: Maryland has big, old trees, too. See champion-sized specimens of tulip poplar and beech at Susquehanna State Park in Havre de Grace.

Chrysanthemums at Longwood Gardens. —Longwood Gardens

Cook Forest State Park. —Shutterstock

Tour Glorious Fall Gardens

Come fall, Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley positively glows, and in few places brighter than the region’s du Pont estates. The autumn flora starts to color in October at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, entrepreneur Pierre du Pont’s splashy, formal oasis. Don’t miss the Chrysanthemum Festival (October 25–November 18), when bazillions of bonsai-styled mums form a floral, Seussian landscape.

In nearby Winterthur, Delaware, wander horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont’s more naturally landscaped Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and behold billowy viburnums, brilliant beautyberries, and delicate white wood asters.

Stay: Relax like aristocracy at The Inn at Montchanin Village in Montchanin, Delaware, a jewel of preserved du Pont history. The restored 19th-century workers’ community now encompasses 11 luxury lodgings that pamper guests with four-poster beds, fine linens, marble baths, and, you guessed it, gorgeous gardens.

Savor: Where Montchanin’s village blacksmith once toiled, you’ll find Krazy Kat’s, the inn’s fine-dining, feline-decorated restaurant. Try game dishes (grilled elk) and farm fare (mushroom Vichyssoise). Also sample the culinary flavor of the local Latino community at La Pena Mexicana in Kennett Square, where the tortilla chips are bottomless, and the tacos and enchiladas are spiced just right.

Closer to Home: Turning leaves, ripening berries, and blooming fall flowers offer eye-popping contrasts to Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton.

Great Pumpkin Celebrations

Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival

October 20

Bald Eagle State Park, Howard, PA

Wild factor: Watch catapult teams sling giant gourds hundreds of feet into Sayers Lake at this annual local fire company benefit.

PumpkinFest

October 6

Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills

Mild factor: The kids get to paint pumpkins, pet the resident snakes, and reconnect with nature at the center’s celebration of fall.

Kingsmill Golf Club. —Kingsmill Golf Club

Golf Where the Pros Go

You could spend a fortnight playing a course a day in golf-blessed Williamsburg, Virginia. Where to take tee? Start with the championship links at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and the Kingsmill Golf Club. Reopened last year, the Rees Jones-renovated Gold Course at the former updates the timeless woodlands fairway designed by his father, the lauded Robert Trent Jones. Created and later renovated by golf guru Pete Dye, the scenic River Course of the latter has hosted numerous PGA and LPGA tournaments.

Stay: Book a Gold Golf Package at the Williamsburg Lodge, a stately Colonial Williamsburg hotel, and get a spacious room plus a free Gold Course round per night. Meanwhile, the swanky Kingsmill Resort’s Signature Golf Package covers your guestroom, greens fees, and breakfast.

Savor: Dine like a tycoon on fresh oysters and steak with Yorkshire pudding at The Williamsburg Inn’s Rockefeller Room, followed by a petit Pecan Financier cake with bourbon chantilly cream. Local landmark The Cheese Shop also crafts four-star sandwiches to carry along with your clubs.

Closer to Home: Play on another Pete Dye design, the Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre de Grace, host of past LPGA tourneys.

Geese wade in the Loch Raven Reservoir. —Jon Bilous

Go Lake (or Loch) Fishing

When summer ends, the beach-and-boating crowd deserts Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest, most popular body of fresh water, located in Garrett County. But the fish remain: smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, pike, panfish, and others. Launch a skiff at the boat ramp or throw your line from the extensive shoreline of Deep Creek Lake State Park. You can also fish at the Route 219 bridge pilings, rent a boat from a marina, or hire a guide. Bill’s Outdoor Center in Oakland is a one-stop shop with guided trips, tips, and tackle. Just be sure to check if you need to purchase a state fishing license before you go.

Stay: The fish are a stone’s throw away when you sleep at LakeStar Lodge in nearby McHenry, with cozy lakefront rooms, kayak and boat slip rentals, a fire pit for toasting marshmallows, and pet-friendly policies.

Savor: Surf, turf, vegan, sweets—whatever you’re craving, the kitchen at MoonShadow in McHenry has you covered with an eclectic menu and décor, plus live music. Join locals for great java and breakfast goodies at Trader’s Coffee House in Oakland.

Closer to Home: Scottish lochs famously hold salmon, but the Loch Raven Reservoir boasts state-record white perch, as well as small and largemouth bass and catfish. The Loch Raven Fishing Center in Phoenix covers anglers’ every need.

Scenic waterfront in St. Michaels. —Jon Bilous

Set Sail on the Chesapeake

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, St. Michaels and Tilghman Island showcase the maritime heritage of both the Chesapeake Bay’s leisure and working classes. For the former, imagine you’re F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald aboard Selina II, a 1926 luxury yacht that plies the historic harbor of St. Michaels, home to iconic sailing regattas. Aboard the 1886 Rebecca T. Ruark, raconteur Captain Wade Murphy shares tales of Tilghman’s hard-toiling watermen and estuary ecology during two-hour sails on the Bay’s oldest working skipjack.

Stay: The new, buzzworthy Wylder Hotel continues the island’s slow gentrification, replacing the Harrison family’s iconic Chesapeake House seafood outpost. Kick back and enjoy the refurbished waterfront bungalows, saltwater pool, and beach-house vibe.

Savor: The Wylder boasts two dining options: Tickler’s, a chic crab shack at the edge of the Choptank River, and Bar Mumbo, a nautically themed pub run by a D.C. fine-dining veteran with foodie tweaks on Shore classics such as crab cakes, fried oysters, and rockfish.

Closer to Home: Brush up on local history with an educational sail on the tall ship Summer Wind off of Key Highway.

Soar with the Winds

Commemorate a special occasion or surprise your beloved with an excursion aboard aeronautics’ most colorful and carefree conveyance—the hot-air balloon. Travel peacefully at the wind’s whim as Delmarva Balloon Rides pilots you on a morning or afternoon journey above the Eastern Shore’s panoramic farm fields, pine forests, and waterfowl refuges. Perks include a lesson in ballooning history, the chance to help with flight prep, and the traditional Champagne toast to celebrate your return to terra firma.

Stay: The French introduced hot-air ballooning (and, arguably, the art of romance), so where better to enjoy a couple’s getaway than the French Suite at The Inn at 202 Dover in Easton, one of five luxurious guestrooms at the historic downtown inn?

Savor: Make it a sans souci weekend as you linger over house-roasted coffee and fresh pastries at Easton’s own Rise Up Coffee Roasters. For dinner, reserve a table at splurge-worthy Bas Rouge, located just up the street, where multi-course prix fixe dinners exude European-style fine dining. Afterward, swing by The Stewart, its fancy sister Scotch bar.

Closer to Home: Try leaf peeping from above the rolling hills of Carroll, Howard, and Frederick counties. Friendship Hot Air Balloon Company in West Friendship offers regular and special scenic flights.

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By Ron Cassie
Illustrations by Eleanor Grosch

Travel & Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

52 places to hike, bike, & paddle without leaving town!

By Ron Cassie. Illustrations by Eleanor Grosch

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Trees are among the oldest living things in the world. They are more like us, it turns out, than we imagine. They suckle their young. They make good friends, moving their thickest, sun-blocking branches out of the way of their neighbors’ sunlight. Trees count the passing time and days, and collaborate by sending electrical signals across a fungal filament network that is sometimes referred to as the Wood Wide Web. While it’s not known why, they keep the stumps of fallen companions alive for hundreds of years by feeding them through grafted roots.

Trees, to put it plainly, are social beings. “Sometimes, pairs . . . are so interconnected at the roots that when one tree dies, the other dies, too,” Peter Wohlleben, a German forest ranger and author of The Hidden Life of Trees, told The New York Times. Some trees, of course, are also revered by human beings. In Maryland, the famous Wye Oak, which sprouted in the 1500s in the village of Wye Mills in Talbot County, was named the largest white oak in the country by American Forests magazine in 1940. Years earlier, in 1909, Maryland’s first state forester, Fred Besley, along with a descendant of one of the early Wye Oak property owners, had photographed and measured the great tree, which continued to attract visitors until its death nearly a century later. (It finally succumbed after a storm on June 6, 2002, by which time it had soared to nearly 100 feet in height, with a canopy that spread 119 feet. The main trunk of the mammoth beauty weighed more than 61,000 pounds.) Recognizing the importance of preserving other specimens, Besley started the Maryland Big Tree program in 1925—the first such effort of its kind in the U.S.—to highlight and preserve the state’s largest and oldest trees.

Associated with the state Department of Natural Resources today, the volunteer-led initiative documents more than 1,600 trees in its registry, including state and county champions culled from Maryland’s 250 native species. The formula used to measure trees includes their circumference, height, and average crown spread. “People send in applications for their trees to be listed nearly every day,” says program coordinator John Bennett, adding that beloved trees have come to feel like a part of the family through the years. “When we go to measure a tree, a lot of times the photo album comes out, too. There will be pictures when the kids were young next to the tree. Then, maybe a swing or picnic table underneath it a few years later. Wedding pictures. Photos of the dog and grandparents—all with the tree as part of the picture.” Baltimore City has almost 40 trees on the registry. They include publicly accessible trees at Druid Hill Park (check the English Oak state champ on the park’s west side), Cylburn Arboretum, and Leakin Park. Baltimore County has nearly 200 registered trees, including a former national champion 112-foot American Elm in Lutherville. (The Maryland Big Tree program website includes photos and directions to assist visitors.) One of Bennett’s favorite trees is the current state champion White Oak, which stands 96 feet tall on the property of the Calvert Brick Meeting House in Cecil County, not far from where he grew up. It’s said to be more than 400 years old. According to legend, William Penn climbed the tree in 1682 to survey property he claimed for Pennsylvania. The dispute over the land with a certain Lord Baltimore was later settled by a couple of guys named Mason and Dixon. “That’s the story, according to an old Cecil Whig reporter, who wrote about the tree years ago,” says Bennett. “He’d heard that story from his grandfather, I think. Naturally, that tree would’ve been a lot smaller back then,” he adds, with a chuckle. “I’m pretty sure there would’ve been some other trees around at that time that would’ve better suited Mr. Penn’s purposes.”

In the end, whether the William Penn story is a tall tale or not probably isn’t that important. Maybe what matters is that the yarn continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The bond that people form with their favorite trees is often not just familial, but spiritual.

“Sitting in the shade of a big tree, listening to its leaves rustle, it’s like sitting alongside a river running,” Bennett says. “It connects to something primordial in us. It quietly reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves in this world.”

Barrans-Baldwin Trail

Parkville

The 460-acre Cromwell Valley Park focuses on local history, farming, and natural history. White-tailed deer and red foxes are abundant here, as well as tons of songbirds, including the Baltimore oriole, eastern bluebird, bobolink, and indigo bunting. Great blue herons and belted kingfishers can also be spotted from time to time around Minebank Run. There are more than a dozen very short, easy hikes and walks in this stream valley, the longest of which is the Barrans-Baldwin Trail.

Length: 1.67 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Access Point: 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Parkville

Grab a Bite: Named for the area’s old Ma & Pa Railroad, McFaul’s Ironhorse Tavern is a great place for brunch or a crab cake and beer after a long hike. There’s an outdoor deck, too.

Big Gunpowder Trail

Glen Arm

Established more than a half-century ago to preserve the Gunpowder River and Big and Little Gunpowder Falls, Gunpowder Falls State Park covers 18,000 acres, from wetlands to rugged slopes. Check in at the park’s headquarters to get a handle on everything here, including the 120 miles of multi-use trails. The heavily forested Big Gunpowder Trail is mostly flat, straddling the river and highlighted by tons of spring wildflowers.

Length: 8.8 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: Take I-695 to Harford Road (Route 147) and head north for 3 miles. There’s parking on the right, just before the river.

Grab a Bite: The family-run Prigel Family Creamery offers handmade ice cream and yogurt, coffee, and other desserts. Leashed dogs are allowed and picnicking is encouraged.

Druid Hill Park is for hiking or biking; a great blue heron takes flight. —Jon Bilous; Kevin Grall

Black Marsh Trail

Edgemere

Situated inside North Point State Park, this well-maintained trail provides open looks at the local wildlife—muskrats, beavers, foxes, and otters—that makes its home beside the marshes here. North Point is also known as a haven for bird watching, so bring binoculars and keep an eye out for blue herons, bald eagles, hawks, and ospreys.

Length: 2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Access Point: The trails at North Point State Park, off exit 42 of the Baltimore Beltway, are all clearly marked and easily found. Pick up a map at the visitor center.

Grab a Bite: Beanie’s Ice Cream & Candy Parlor, with its friendly service and black-and-white tiled floor, has the feel of a 1950s-style corner store. Nothing fancy, just 32 flavors of ice cream.

Buzzards Rock Trail

Catonsville

Part of the network of trails in the Hilton section of Patapsco Valley State Park, the short-but-steep Buzzards Rock Trail runs along the top of a ridge and offers scenic views of the railroad tracks down below. Link up to the Grist Mill Trail (2.3 miles) or Saw Mill Branch Trail (.9 miles)—or both—to stretch out the hike.

Length: 2.1-mile loop
Difficulty: Challenging
Access Point: Parking is at the Hilton area of Patapsco Valley State Park—1101 Hilton Ave., Catonsville.

Grab a Bite: Hit up Atwater’s bakery for its great bread, breakfast, and coffee. Open all day Saturday and Sunday for brunch, too.

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The Sierra Club Celebrates 125 Years

“The Earth can do alright without friends, but men, if they are to survive, must learn to be friends of the Earth.”—John Muir

The founder of the Sierra Club did not just appreciate the mountains and rivers for their aesthetic value. John Muir (1838-1914) also recognized humanity’s eternal interconnectedness with each other through the beauty of the natural world. One of America’s most compelling historical figures, Muir helped inspire President Theodore Roosevelt’s innovative conservation initiatives.

From its early association with the progressive movement, the Sierra Club, which officially celebrates its 125th birthday May 28, remains the country’s largest grassroots environmental organization. Known for its educational efforts and political advocacy, the Maryland chapter and Greater Baltimore group also organize outdoor trips to connect people with the environment, hosting kayaking and biking outings that raise awareness of local air, climate change, and water quality issues.

“The Sierra Club prides itself on outreach,” says Seth Bush, the organization’s first full-time Baltimore-based staffer. “In Baltimore, it’s important that we realize the environment is the trees in the city, the air that we breathe, and water we drink.”

Cascade Falls Trail

Catonsville

Located in the Orange Grove section of Patapsco Valley State Park—Central Maryland’s outdoor jewel, which extends some 32 miles along the Patapsco River—the trail features close-ups of the best waterfall in the park. There are also a number of places to wade in the water here, so don’t forget to bring flip-flops and a swimsuit on summer days. The Cascade Trail also links easily to the Ridge Trail for a longer hike. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Length: 2.2-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: Trailhead and parking are inside the park at Patapsco Valley State Park, 5120 South Street.

Grab a Bite: Check the local and family-friendly Peace A Pizza in Catonsville’s historic downtown. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Cascade Falls at Patapsco Valley State Park. —Mukesh Patel

Choate Mine Trail

Owings Mills

The Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area is one of the best-kept secrets in the Baltimore metro region. Composed of 1,900 acres of unique, natural landscape—and home to nearly 40 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as unusual rocks, minerals, and insects—there are 7 miles of marked hiking trails here. The largely flat Choate Mine Trail provides both a scenic overlook of Baltimore County—you’ll forget you’re in the suburbs—and a look at the entrance of the old mine from which the trail takes its name. Leashed dogs only.

Length: 1.1 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Access Point: 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills.

Grab a Bite: For a healthy, authentic Mediterranean lunch, try one of Hummus Corner’s marinated kabobs or toasted pita wraps.

Ivy Hill Trail

Cockeysville

The yellow-blazed Ivy Hill Trail connects with the similarly yellow-blazed S. James Campbell Trail, adding up to the longest hike on the 1,043-acre grounds of Oregon Ridge Park. The other significant hike here is the 1.9-mile Loggers Trail loop—which like the Ivy Hill Trail is a popular route for fitness-oriented trail runners—but there are several smaller offshoots as well. Overall, Oregon Ridge serves as a terrific place to introduce kids to nature. There are wildlife programs for adults, too.

Length: 2.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Access Point: Park entrance is at 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville.

Grab a Bite: It’s hard to beat the barbecue, ribs, and pit beef—some of Baltimore’s best—at nearby Jake’s Grill.

Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail

Parkton

Several years ago, the state of Maryland named this 7.2-mile catch and release section of the Gunpowder River after legendary Maryland fly-fishing pioneer, instructor, author, journalist, and conservationist Lefty Kreh. The tree-shaded, winding trail, formerly known as the Gunpowder South Trail, traces the river’s edge, and the area has been recognized as one of the finest trout streams in the country. Not to be missed.

Length: 7.2 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: Hereford area of Gunpowder State Park. 17910 York Road, Parkton.

Grab a Bite: What’s better after a long hike than good pizza and BYOB beer or wine? Check Woodfire Kitchen, which works with local farmers to bring fresh ingredients to the table.

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Coconut Date Bars (makes 9 bars)

Put some pep in your step with these energy-inducing coconut-date bars from Michele Tsucalas, owner of Michele’s Granola. “The mixture should be stored in the fridge to set,” she says, “but will last all day out on the trail.”

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Ingredients:

• ■ 1 cup whole raw almonds (or a blend of equal parts almonds, cashews, and pecans)
• ■ 1 cup pitted dates
• ■ 1/2 cup  unsweetened dried cranberries (or cherries, apricots, or a combination)
• ■ 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ■ 1/2 cup crispy rice cereal or Michele’s Toasted Muesli
• ■ 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• ■ 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• ■ 1 cup roasted salted cashews

Directions:

Blend nuts and coconut in a food processor until finely chopped. Add rest of ingredients. Pulse until combined. Line an eight-inch square dish with parchment paper. Pour in mixture. Place another square of parchment on top. Press mixture firmly into pan. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Overnight is preferable. Cut into individual bars. Wrap in saran for easy transport.

Will Keep in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Merryman Trail

Towson

One of the more diverse and challenging trails in the area, the Merryman Trail network is also one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Baltimore metro region. This is a fairly strenuous three-hour walkabout around—and up and down—the banks of the 10-mile Loch Raven Reservoir. Bring your camera and check out one of Baltimore County's largest waterways.

Length: 9.8 miles total
Difficulty: Challenging
Access Point: Pull-off parking on Dulaney Valley Road, heading north, after crossing Old Bosley Road and the reservoir bridge.

Grab a Bite: Friendly Farm restaurant has been serving family-style dinners for more than 57 years. Don’t miss the hand-dipped vanilla ice cream and take a stroll on the 200-acre farm.

Panther Branch Trail

Hereford

Located in Gunpowder Falls State Park, the Panther Branch Trail is more hilly than some other hikes, but the spring wildflowers are worth the effort. With several small stream crossings, this trail can get a little muddy, but you also might spy some beavers working on downed trees.

Length: 4.4 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: From I-83, take exit 27 onto Mount Carmel Road heading east before turning north on York Road. Parking and trailhead are on York Road, just before the bridge that crosses the Gunpowder Falls.

Grab a Bite: Try the Teacher’s Pet at Graul’s Market—made with Graul’s turkey breast, sliced Granny Smith apple, pine nuts, leaf lettuce, and Russian dressing on a Kaiser Roll.

Serpentine Loop

Owings Mills

This is an easily accessible, year-round trail that loops behind the Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area visitor center. It’s a steep walk-hike, there’s also a minor stream crossing or two, and the trail can become fairly muddy after it rains. Otherwise, this is a good trail for all ages and abilities. The Serpentine Loop, named after the rare type of grasslands and geology here, is also a popular destination for fitness-minded trail runners. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Length: 2.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills.

Grab a Bite: The family-owned Kavkaz Kebab won’t disappoint with its Middle Eastern cuisine.

Stony Run Trail

Remington

The Stony Run Trail is sometimes forgotten by Baltimoreans who don’t live nearby, but it is a one-of-a-kind city trail that connects a number of North Baltimore neighborhoods, including Hampden, Remington, Charles Village, Roland Park, and Tuscany-Canterbury. It’s mixed-use and multiple-surface—asphalt, crushed stone, dirt, gravel, grass, and wood chips—and follows an old Maryland and Pennsylvania rail line, which once ran between Baltimore and York. It’s a popular destination for both dog walkers and Johns Hopkins’ cross country runners.

Length: 2.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Access Point: Southern section: Sisson Street and Wyman Park Drive. Northern section: Overhill Road and Linwood Road.

Grab a Bite: With its coffee, breakfast, and variety of vegan lunch options, Charmington’s is the perfect pre- or post-hike stop for the healthy-minded.

Wetland Trail

West Baltimore

Situated in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park—the largest contiguous urban wilderness area east of the Mississippi at 1,216 acres—the Wetland Trail will have you quickly forgetting you’re inside Baltimore City. Deer, raccoons, and possums are all prevalent in the adjacent parks, as are owls, hawks, robins, and goldfinches. Overall, there are 16 miles of marked trails here—pick up a map at the Carrie Murray Nature Center.

Length: 1.5 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: Leakin Park at Winans Meadow, 4500 N. Franklintown Road.

Grab a Bite: For an easy picnic, get a prosciutto panini from Trinacria Foods, a Baltimore institution for more than 100 years.

Beaver
(Castor canadensis)
North America’s largest rodent has reddish-brown fur, large orange teeth, and a paddle-shaped tail for swimming. Look for them building dams at North Point, Gunpowder Falls, and Patapsco Valley state parks.

Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
In danger of extinction four decades ago, our soaring national symbol has made a dramatic return and can be readily found today at North Point State Park and Conowingo Dam.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
(Papilio glaucus)
The yellow and black tiger swallowtail flies from spring to fall, feeding on the nectar of numerous local flowers while producing two to three broods. Check for the female’s blue band of spots on its hind wings.

Eastern cottontail
(Sylvilagus floridanus)
Brown, short-eared, and named for its white-tufted tail (obviously), the cottontail is usually spotted near the edge of forests, farms, and orchards while nibbling on leaves, flowers, and herbs.

Ashland to Monkton

Cockeysville

The main line of the Northern Central Railway (NCR), built in 1832, once extended from the industrial docks of Canton to the shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York. Today, the former NCR line, now known as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, is one of the oldest—and best—rails-to-trails experiences in the country. A busy weekend and weeknight destination, this compacted dirt and stone-dust path is a true multi-purpose trail, serving walkers, joggers, and bicyclists alike. Check for hours, but don’t forget to stop by the restored 1898 Monkton Train Station, which serves as a local museum, gift shop, and turning around point. (Plus restrooms, too.)

Length: 7.2 miles (one way), stone-dust
Bkie: Hybrid or mountain
Access Point: York Road (Route 45) to Cockeysville (exit 18 off I-83), turning right (east) on Ashland Road. Bear left onto Paper Mill Road and look for the parking lot on the left.

Grab a Bite: Check the Pennsylvania Dutch Market in the Ashland Marketplace Shopping Center and try the pancakes or waffles at Linny’s Kitchen before you roll out.

Bikers can soon enjoy a planned 35-mile car-free loop that circles Charm City. —Rails to Trails Conservancy

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

Glen Burnie

One of the best things about the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail is that it’s accessible by the Maryland Transit Administration’s bike-friendly light rail. Check the schedules, but the light rail trains stop at the Mount Royal station roughly on the half-hour, with a final stop at Glen Burnie’s Cromwell station that is just a short hop to the entrance to the B&A. This 8-foot-wide paved path is more of a suburban ride—albeit with lots of nature, including the Cattail Creek Natural Area, as it winds down to the state capital.

Length: 13.3 miles (one way), asphalt
Bike: Hybrid or road
Access Point: If you drive: Thomas A. Dixon Observation Area, 1 mile west of I-97, at 1911 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie.

Grab a Bite: Give Pip’s Dock Street Dogs house specialty—an all beef hot dog with mustard and Pip’s homemade relish, made with mango and jalapeños—a shot. Outside seating, too.

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Baltimore Greenway

Imagine a 35-mile, car-free loop that circles Charm City. A fantasy reserved for bicycling havens like Copenhagen? No longer. Led by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and a coalition of some 40 partners, including The Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, city agencies, developers Sagamore and Seawall, and nonprofits such as Bikemore, this game-changing urban trail network will soon (five to seven years) link the Gwynns Falls Trail, Jones Falls Trail, and Herring Run Trail. According to plans, it will then extend down to the Canton Waterfront Promenade—via an unused Highlandtown rail corridor—and eventually to Port Covington, where it will connect with the Middle Branch leg of the Gwynns Falls Trail.

Here’s the good news: Only 10 miles remain to close the critical gaps, and some of that work is already in progress.

The 33rd Street stretch, for example, which will bridge the divide between Hopkins’ Homewood campus and Lake Montebello, is in planning. And both that section and the part from the Gwynns Falls Trail to Druid Hill Park are expected to be completed in the next few years, says Remington resident Jim Brown, manager of trail development for Rails-to-Trails.

“Some of this concept, utilizing the Gwynns Falls Parkway corridor and 33rd Street boulevard to connect Druid Hill Park with the Herring Run Valley, were part of the 1904 Olmstead plan,” says Brown. “But it’s also an opportunity to take road and rail infrastructure that has served as barriers and use them to connect neighborhoods.”

BWI Trail

Linthicum

Similar to the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail, the BWI Trail is accessible by the Maryland Transit Administration’s bike-friendly light rail. The closest stop here is the Linthicum station. But it is also reachable from Glen Burnie’s Cromwell station—essentially where these two trails connect—which is great for the serious cyclist who can ride to Annapolis and back on the B&A and then add another 11 miles with a loop around the similarly paved BWI Trail. Despite circling the airport, there are remarkably serene stretches here.

Length: 11-mile loop, asphalt
Bike: Hybrid or road
Access Point: If you drive: Thomas A. Dixon Observation Area, 1 mile west of I-97, at 1911 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie.

Grab a Bite: Carb load with a sautéed spinach omelet (baby spinach, tomatoes, bacon, mushrooms, and Gorgonzola cheese) at The Grill at Quarterfield Station.

Druid Hill Park Loop

Baltimore

Whether for recreation or a serious workout, bicycling Baltimoreans shouldn’t forget about the paved trails at massive Druid Hill Park. Unfortunately, most of the 1.5-mile loop around the reservoir there will be closed for a while because of construction work. However, there are innumerable trail options throughout the 745-acre Baltimore jewel. Starting near The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, sticking to the outermost paths, and then circling back is an easy way to get in a solid 6-mile-plus jaunt.

Length: 6-mile loop, paved
Bike: Hybrid, road, or mountain
Access Point: 1 Safari Place.

Grab a Bite: If you haven’t been to the Dovecote Café in nearby Reservoir Hill, this ride is a good excuse to stop by. Start your morning here with banana bread or a corn muffin and coffee.

Glen Ellen Trail

Timonium

Mountain bikers worked to get permission to bike around Loch Raven Reservoir and the payoff is a wonderful venue—the terrain isn’t as challenging as some at Patapsco Valley State Park, but it’s still a fun ride for all abilities. Both world champion mountain biker Marla Streb and U.S. Olympian Georgia Gould have gotten in workouts here. This is a super scenic trail, too, running close to the banks of the reservoir. Check lochraventrails.com for a map.

Length: 9 miles (one way), dirt
Bike: Mountain
Access Point: Take Dulaney Valley Road north of I-695 and turn onto East Seminary Avenue. Look for parking and the trailhead immediately on the left.

Grab a Bite: It’s hard to top Cunningham’s Café & Bakery for house-baked bread, locally sourced eggs, top-notch sandwiches, and small-batch coffee.

Grist Mill Trail

Relay

Bicycling, walking, and inline skating are all popular activities on this paved, heavily wooded introduction to the Glen Artney Area of Patapsco Valley State Park. The gentle Grist Mill Trail (the mill burned down long ago) strides on the bank of the Patapsco River and is wheelchair accessible. Leashed dogs are allowed, too. It also passes by the Swinging Bridge and Bloede’s Dam. There are plenty of other nearby trail options to explore by foot or bike.

Length: 2.5 miles (one way), asphalt
Bike: Hybrid or mountain
Access Point: 410-539-8395.

Grab a Bite: Head to Sorrento of Arbutus for their pizza, made with homemade dough and signature house tomato sauce.

Gwynns Falls Trail

Baltimore

A major section of the not-to-be-missed annual Tour dem Parks, Hon! event, plus part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area, this ride is a must for Baltimore bicyclists as well as newbies and visitors, who get a unique look at Charm City’s diverse terrain. This surprisingly scenic urban trek follows the Gwynns Falls stream and the Middle Branch and Inner Harbor of the Patapsco River, and winds through Leakin, Leon Day, and Carroll parks, offering 10 miles of natural path in total.

Length: 15 miles (one way), paved
Bike: Hybrid, mountain, or road
Access Point: With nine trailheads, there are plenty of convenient starting options. Check gwynnsfallstrail.org.

Grab a Bite: One of the easiest trailheads is in South Baltimore, not far from the Cross Street Market. Tons of possibilities there, obviously, but it’s hard to beat a post-ride, overstuffed sandwich at Big Jim’s Deli.

Both Loch Raven Reservoir and Patapsco Valley State Park offer great local mountain biking; riding south on the BWI Trail. —Kevin Grall; PJ Duhig

Herring Run Trail

Baltimore

A great, Northeast Baltimore trail for walking, inline skating, and bicycling through Herring Run Park’s 375 acres of urban woodland that is home to ducks, foxes, great blue herons, and white egrets. Amenities at the park include the historic Halls Spring, the Herring Run stream, three playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, a half-basketball court, and restrooms, plus picnic areas and birding and fishing opportunities.

Length: 2.5-mile loop, asphalt
Bike: Hybrid, road, or mountain
Access Point: Harford Road and Chesterfield Avenue.

Grab a Bite: Start your day with a breakfast burrito and cup of Zeke’s Coffee at the kid-friendly Red Canoe Café in Lauraville.

Jones Falls Trail

Baltimore

The Jones Falls Trail doesn’t have any super steep climbs, but it can be steep at times as it zigzags north from the Inner Harbor to Cylburn Arboretum. An easy place to start (and a landmark) is the Shot Tower on Fayette Street near the harbor, at which point the trail heads north on a protected cycle track alongside the city prison before crossing over to the mill neighborhood close to Hampden. As the Jones Falls Trail continuous north, cutting through Druid Hill Park, the ride takes in more nature as it reaches the grounds of the arboretum. Check jonesfallstrail.us for an online map.

Length: 11 miles (one way), asphalt
Bike: Hybrid, mountain, or road
Access Point: Shot Tower, 801 E. Fayette St. Or the Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave.

Grab a Bite: Nothing says bicycling more than great coffee and French pastry. Get to Pâtisserie Poupon early because the best breads go quickly.

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Indigenous Plants and Where to Find Them

Wild Geranium
(Geranium maculatum)

A popular perennial native to woodland in Maryland and the eastern U.S. It flowers in spring to early summer.

Witch Hazel
(Hamamelis)

The extract from this colorful plant was widely used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.

Highbush Blueberry
(Vaccinium corymbosum)

These native fruits have been found in North America for millenniums. They are cold-hardy and vigorous plants.

Cardinal Flower
(Lobelia cardinalis)

The name of this showy perennial alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Lake Montebello

Baltimore

Local long-distance runners know this venue as the reward after climbing the toughest stretch of the Baltimore marathon. The Lake Montebello loop is a popular weeknight and weekend spot for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists, and it can easily be combined with the Herring Run Trail for a longer pedal—the park sits adjacent on the lake’s north side. The Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks has rented bicycles here in the past as part of its Laps Around the Lake program.

Length: 1.3-mile loop, asphalt
Bike: Hybrid, road, or mountain
Access Point: 33rd Street and Hillen Road.

Grab a Bite: The crab cakes at nearby Koco’s Pub are legendary and worth putting in a dozen laps around the lake.

Rockburn Skills Park

Elkridge

Created jointly by the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, the International Mountain Biking Association, and Howard County Recreation and Parks, the 450-acre park has been built with mountain bikers in mind. Free to the public, the park here consists of multiple trails of varying complexity, including a pump track and three downhill tracks—one each for beginners, intermediate, and advanced mountain bikers. Helmets are required. All ages are welcome.

Length: Not applicable
Bike: Mountain
Access Point: 5400 Landing Road, Elkridge.

Grab a Bite: R&R Taqueria is the local go-to for Mexican fare.

Short Line Trail

Catonsville

The old Short Line Railroad, a 3.5-mile line whose operations began in 1884, ran from St. Agnes Station to Catonsville, and today it is undergoing a rails-to-trails rebirth. Starting at the north end of the trail at Frederick Road in downtown Catonsville, the trail begins on several local roads and loops south by Spring Grove Hospital Center before heading back to Frederick Road and picking up the completed crushed stone section of the trail, which heads over Maiden Choice Lane.

Length: Not applicable
Bike: Hybrid, road, or mountain
Access Point: Visit catonsvillerailstotrails.com for an online map. Start next to Bill’s Music at 743 Frederick Road and head south on Mellor Avenue.

Grab a Bite: Try one of the varied burgers—like the kobe beef specialty—at Duesenberg’s American Café & Grill.

Canton Waterfront Park

Baltimore

A super convenient place to launch your kayak and go for an easy paddle while enjoying a unique perspective of the city. You might see some ospreys, and paddle far enough, you’ll see the U.S.S. Constellation, and lots of tourists at Harborplace. The water quality is improving—thanks Professor Trash Wheel—and the launch is across from Fort McHenry, which provides another great view. But it can get crowded: Keep an eye out for water taxis, paddle boats, and other crafts and vessels. This is also a great spot for a picnic or walk along the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade. Don’t miss the Second Annual Baltimore Flotilla on June 10, which launches from Canton Waterfront Park.

Access Point: 3001 Boston St.

Grab a Bite: After paddling, stay with a seafaring theme and stop by Mama’s On the Half Shell for their famous oysters.

Canton Waterfront Park; Lower Gunpowder River. —Jon Bilous; Vicki Dodson

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Middle River

Power boats are not allowed to launch from the shallow water in the Hammerman Area, which makes it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. If you don’t have your own kayak, you’re in luck—Ultimate Watersports rents kayaks, wind surfboards, and stand-up paddleboards at the beach here. This is one of the most scenic paddling areas in the region and there’s a fair chance you’ll spot a bald eagle or two. Sitting on the banks of the Gunpowder River, the Hammerman Area also offers 1,500 feet of beach and open-water swimming. Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming area Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Access Point: 7200 Graces Quarters Road, Middle River.

Grab a Bite: Don’t leave the park: The Riverside Grille, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offers food, drinks, and other concessions. Think French fries and snow cones.

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Nature Centers

Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road, 410-396-0808. Known for its raptors, this center is home to dozens of other rescued animals, too, including a 12-foot Guyana red-tailed boa constrictor named Fluffy.

Marshy Point Nature Center, 7130 Marshy Point Road, 410-887-2817. Situated on a peninsula surrounded by 400 acres, this site offers glimpses of eagles, blue herons, and ospreys.

Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, 443-738-9200. This 17,000-square-foot nature center hosts Maryland Science Center-designed interactive exhibits and live animals, including raptors, snakes, and turtles.

Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 1000 Frankfurst Ave., 410-246-0669. The education center hosts an exhibit that details the cove’s journey from a site heaped with debris to its designation by President Obama as the nation’s first urban refuge in 2013.

Willow Grove Nature Education Center, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Parkville, 410-887-3014. Sitting inside an old farmhouse, this cozy nature center has pelts and bones to touch, plus a live starling that can mimic people.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, 410-887-1815. For the first time in several years, the small lake here will be open for kayaking and canoeing.

Lake Roland Nature Center, 1000 Lakeside Dr., 410-887-4156. The 2,594-square-foot building opened last year and provides exhibits on Lake Roland history and the park’s rare serpentine barrens ecosystem.

Lake Roland

Baltimore

Owned by Baltimore City, but leased to Baltimore County, the 500-acre-plus park has more to offer than ever with the new Lake Roland Nature Center, which opened this past fall. Along with all the other amenities at the park—hiking, biking, birding, and pavilions—canoeing and kayaking are allowed on the lake. Be sure to check lakeroland.org for ranger-led paddles (and other nature programming) to learn about the local wildlife and Baltimore’s first public reservoir.

Access Point: 1000 Lakeside Dr.

Grab a Bite: The Haute Dog Carte’s famous franks, including their signature Black Angus dog with homemade bacon and onion marmalade, are a summer must. Check out the lightly smoked and grilled beef and pork sausages, too.

Kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay. —Vicki Dodson

Middle Branch Park

Baltimore

The 150-acre Middle Branch Park derives it name from its water body’s position as the “middle branch” of the Patapsco River. Middle Branch Park is conveniently accessible by bike via the nearby Gwynns Falls Trail and Middle Branch Trail, which intersect not far from the park. If you’re new to paddling, or simply don’t own a kayak, participating in the Baltimore City Recreation and Parks canoe and kayak programs—which offer affordable rentals—is an easy way to get started. Check bcrp.baltimorecity.gov for more information on those efforts. The park serves as home to the Baltimore Rowing Club—if you’ve ever been interested in sculling, here’s your chance—and paddling here provides a unique view of the city’s skyline from Baltimore’s “other waterfront.”

Access Point: 3301 Waterview Ave.

Grab a Bite: The biscuits at Spoons Cafe were named the best in Maryland. Need we say more?

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Swimming Holes

Beaver Dam Swimming Club 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. Nestled on a 30-acre complex, this freshwater quarry is not to be missed by rope-swing aficionados.

Cascade Lake 2844 Snydersburg Road, Hampstead. Only 15 miles due north of Owings Mills, this 6-acre lake sits amid 70 acres of rolling hills and trees and remains one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

Hammerman Beach (Gunpowder Falls State Park) 7200 Graces Quarters Road, Middle River. Open year-round for daytime use inside Gunpowder Falls State Park, this area includes 1,500 feet of beach for swimming on the banks of the Gunpowder.

Hart-Miller Island State Park Mouth of the Middle River. This 1,110-acre island is located in Baltimore County where the Middle River meets the Chesapeake Bay.

North Point State Park 8400 North Point Road, Edgemere. North Point features numerous beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and includes a waterfront that is open to swimmers and waders.

Patapsco Valley State Park 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City. There are many reasons to visit the gem of Central Maryland, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, bird watching, and picnicking. But swimming—or more accurately, dipping—in the cool waters of the Patapsco River sometimes gets forgotten.

Rocky Point Beach 2200 Rocky Point Road, Essex. The 375-acre park sits at the mouth of the Back and Middle rivers and is open year-round for fishing, boating, and picnicking from sunrise to sunset—and for swimming at the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when lifeguards are on duty.

Prettyboy Reservoir

Parkton

Permits are required to access the Prettyboy, Liberty, and Loch Raven reservoirs, but are well worth the cost for dedicated paddlers. The rocks and gnarled pines along the banks of Prettyboy give the impression of being in the Great North Woods of upstate New York and New England. It would take days to paddle the nearly 7,380-acre reservoir, but canoeists and kayakers report spotting mink, beavers, eagles, and, of course, deer. And there is a nice, easy launch from Spooks Hill Road after a quick trip up I-83. Visit the Baltimore City Department of Pubic Works website for permit information.

Access Point: Spooks Hill Road, Parkton.

Grab a Bite: Aptly named, The Filling Station coffee shop’s breakfast burritos and selection of coffee, espresso, chai, frappés, and shakes are worth a short detour off I-83.

Kayaking and paddle boarding,both available to rent locally, offer some of the best water views. —Vicki Dodson

Rocky Point Park

Essex

The smart canoeists and kayakers sneak away to Rocky Point during a weekday before the 375-acre park and waterfront gets crowded with motorboats during the summer. Situated at the mouth of the Back River, Rocky Point offers excellent boat launches and important amenities like bathrooms and ample parking. There is a fee here, but it allows for access to Hart-Miller Island State Park—approximately a mile away—which is well worth the trip, and a boat is the only way to get there. Once ashore, the 1,000-acre Hart-Miller Island offers camping, hiking trails, great beach access, rental bicycles, and excellent birding, too. The expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Craighill Channel Lower Range Rear Lighthouse are not to be missed. Other eastern Baltimore County boat launches include the Marshy Point Nature Center, Cox’s Point Park in Essex, Wilson Point Park in Middle River, Inverness Park, Merritt Point Park, and Turner Station Park in Dundalk. Check baltimorecountymd.gov for more information on these locations, all of which are open all year. For more adventurous paddlers, North Point State Park serves as a potential launching point to Hart-Miller Island and Fort Howard. (The Hard Yacht Café on Bear Creek in Dundalk also has a boat launch available for members of the Canton Kayak Club.)

Access Point: 2200 Rocky Point Road, Essex.

Grab a Bite: What could possibly be more Chesapeake Bay than rental kayaks and a crab cake dinner for two at the Island View Waterfront Cafe?

Hart-Miller Island. —©2017 Kenneth Krach

Southwest Area Park

Baltimore

The Southwest Area Park is the only Baltimore County public boat ramp on the Patapsco River. It feeds into a shallow section of the river, perfect for kayak or canoe. The scenery here is a bit unusual. It’s a mixture of urban streetscapes plus tall stands of invasive phragmites—large perennial grasses typically found in wetlands throughout the world’s temperate and tropical regions. Plus, it’s fun to paddle under I-895. The 230-acre park also offers picnic and pavilion areas, nature trails, horseshoe pits, restrooms, and playgrounds.

Access Point: 3939 Klunk Dr., Brooklyn.

Grab a Bite: Work up a big appetite and try the smoked baby back ribs at Bon Fire Outdoor Charcoal Grill.

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