Thank you for participating in the "25 in 2025" Challenge!
We hope you enjoyed participating and we'd love to hear from you about your experiences via the short survey at this link: https://bit.ly/3M3GFPa
This will help us to start planning for new adventures for 2026!
We received more than 1,000 photo entries for this program! From those who successfully completed at least 25 challenges and by random drawing, our 2025 prizes go to:
3rd prize: MPS Camping Gift Certificate - Alex Cherpes
2nd prize: MPS Cabin Stay Gift Certificate - Michelle Sanville
1st prize: MPS Annual Passport - Gilmore Family (Laura, Chase and Evelyn)
Congratulations to all who participated! Everyone who registered will receive a small token of appreciation for participating in this new program. All prizes will be mailed out before the end of December. Be sure to check your mailboxes!
PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHTS
Congrats, Alex!
Pictured left is Alex's submission for "What a View" from Merkle Natural Resources Management Area. Located in Prince Georges County, the 40-foot observation tower at Merkle provides a spectacular overlook of the Patuxent River.
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Congrats, Michelle (and family)!
Pictured right is Michelle's submission for "Lend a Hand" at Dan's Mountain State Park in Allegheny County. This challenge was a "Pick-a-Park" Challenge, which asked you to Volunteer at a Maryland State Park and take a “before” and “after” photo with the volunteer project in which you participated. Kudos to Michelle and crew for helping with a trail project!
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Congrats, Gilmore Family (Laura, Chase and Evelyn)!
Pictured left is the Gilmore Family's "Lake Life" Challenge from Greenbrier State Park. This challenge asked you to dip your toes in one of Maryland's State Park's lakes.
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Congrats, Ken!
Pictured right is Ken, our "25 in 2025- Ultimate Adventurer."
We wanted to recognize him for his eager participation in this program. Ken submitted more than 50 different successful challenges for "25 in 2025."
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Kids-Choice Challenge: Playground-palooza
The results are in.... and IT'S A TIE for 2025!
We received ten different playground entries for the Kids- Choice Challenge "Playground-palooza." but the most entries were for just two playgrounds, Smallwood State Park and Cunningham Falls State Park. The runner up was Sandy Point State Park.
Do you have a favorite State Park playground? Start thinking... as this challenge may come back for 2026!
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Pictured above - Photo Submitted for "Playground-palooza" at Smallwood State Park.
Pictured right - Photo Submitted for "Playground-palooza" at Cunningham Falls State Park.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
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First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks
Maryland State Parks once again will offer numerous First Day Hikes across the state on January 1, 2026. There will be something for everyone, including Ranger-guided hikes and self-guided adventures. Come out and celebrate the start of the New Year on the right foot!
For a list of hikes near you, keep an eye on our First Day Hikes webpage, which will be updated soon.
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Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to support butterfly and bumblebee
habitat and education in state parks!
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Park and Trail Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
First Responders & Law Enforcement Discount:
$40 off the Annual Park Pass, which provides unlimited day-use entry to all Maryland State Parks, plus free boat launching and discounts on concessions and boat rentals.
Offer good for Maryland residents only.
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