Greetings!
It's February- which means we are in the shortest, and coldest, and snowiest month of year here in Maryland...making it a potentially a tough(er) month to get in your "Miles for Maryland". Plus, Myles' distant cousin, Phil, is saying "6 more weeks of winter" after seeing his shadow. But now is still a great time to start planning ahead for when you'll be heading on those spring outings.
Happy Valentine's Day...from Myles!
Are you in need of the perfect Valentine cards? Don't worry, Myles the Squirrel, our "Miles for Maryland" mascot has you covered!
Head on over to the Miles for Maryland website and download https://bit.ly/4r4ne8y the whole sheet of 8 mini-Valentine greetings to print off and share!
Valentine's Day is a great time to encourage your friends and family who LOVE hiking and the outdoors to register for Miles for Maryland, too.
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Here are a couple of the "Miles for Maryland" photos that we LOVE!
Each month we will feature some of YOUR "Miles for Maryland" photos in our newsletter.
Remember you only need to submit your miles and photos once per month. Just keep track of your hikes and submit them at the end of the month (or beginning of the next month). Only your miles hiked in Maryland State Parks count towards this challenge. If you are unsure, please check this list on our website: https://bit.ly/4rz82jA
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Above: Richard submitted this selfie from his hike at South Mountain State Park in January, complete with his own hiking buddy mascot.
Right: Kweilin submitted this awesome photo, showing smiling faces while hiking at Rosaryville State Park in January.
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Hiking into History:
Celebrating Black History Month in Maryland State Parks
The Williams Family at Fort Frederick: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Discover the Williams family story from enslavement to freedom as you follow in their footsteps. The Williams were a formerly-enslaved African American family who purchased Fort Frederick shortly before the Civil War in 1860. The Fort at that time was defunct, so the Williams family primarily used the land for farming. This self-guided walking tour is just under one mile from the Visitor Center. Find tour booklets online or at the Visitor Center. Portions of the tour are accessible by vehicle for those with mobility challenges. Snow is not removed from trails, so please contact the park about current trail conditions.
February Featured Hike: FORT FREDERICK As we're still only in February, the featured hike sticks to the modest side. The Plantation Trail is a 1.2 mile loop leading visitors amongst varying tree species that were planted as part of a CCC reforestation effort in the 1930s. While on the loop, be sure to follow the short spur to the Williams Schoolhouse. Find the trailhead for the Plantation Trail in the park's picnicking and day-use area; follow the road to the left after passing the fort. Want to get in some additional miles while visiting Fort Frederick? Use your visit to also hike the Beaver Pond Loop (1.9 miles) with views over the Potomac.
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Freedman's State Park Black History Month Tour
Join us on February 21 at 11 a.m. for a tour of Freedman's State Park. Still in development, Freedman's State Park will honor the legacy of Enoch George Howard, a formerly enslaved man who purchased his own and his family's freedom. He purchased his wife's former enslaver's land and house and made them his own. Howard's daughter, Martha, helped establish the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper, which played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. The park is in the process of restoring the site, which includes two former residences and two cemeteries.
Be prepared for a 1-mile hike. Bring drinking water and wear appropriate footwear. Please email patuxentriver.statepark@maryland.gov to register. Space is limited to 20 people.
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Upcoming Guided Hikes:
Every Thursdays in February: Let It Snow Hikes
Meet 2:30 p.m. at Chickadee Picnic Area at Seneca Creek State Park
Montgomery County received 25 inches of snow last winter; February averages 8 inches – and we love to hike in the snow! Join us as we explore snowy trails, search for animal tracks, examine insect galls, and admire the beauty of bare trees. As long as the park remains open, the hike will go on. Please dress for the weather and bring hiking poles if needed. Hikes will follow park trails and roads, covering approximately 1.5 to 3 miles round trip. A perfect opportunity to add to your Miles for Maryland tally.
Take-a-Hike Tuesday: February 10
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Lake House- New Germany State Park (weather-dependent)
Join Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike at New Germany State Park and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise and earn some miles for your "Miles for Maryland" goal.
“Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge - Guided Hike
Saturday February 21 at 2 p.m.
Meet at Quail Ridge Picnic Area - Seneca Creek State Park
Join us for a monthly guided hike series to explore Seneca Creek State Park while building toward your 2026 Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge goals! Each hike explores park trails at a relaxed pace suitable for all ages and abilities. Hike distances will be adjusted to group interest and ability, ranging from 2 to 5 miles. Whether you’re aiming for all 250 miles or just starting your journey, these monthly hikes are perfect for making progress and having fun outdoors. Please bring plenty of drinking water and dress for the weather.
Hidden Corners Hike
February 22 from 2-5 p.m. Meet at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
5100 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Join Volunteer Ranger and mining historian Johnny Johnson on a Hidden Corners Hike. We plan to hike several miles, off-trail, to rediscover little known or forgotten historic features of Soldiers Delight such as mill foundations, dam ruins, chrome mining pits, and quartz quarries. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up, able to hike this distance and variable terrain. Hiking footwear, gloves, hat, and appropriate warm clothing layers for winter weather with possible snow on the ground will be needed. Be prepared to navigate some briers and thorns (hand pruners are helpful) and wet crossings. Hiking sticks are helpful. No pets please. Signup required. Limited to 25 participants.
Then and Now Hike
February 28: Meet at 1 p.m. at the Nature Center at Patuxent River State Park
Did you know Patuxent River State Park used to be a farm? Step back in time and explore the transformation of Patuxent River State Park over the past 50 years! Join us for a 1.5-hour guided hike to uncover the park’s past. Compare historic maps with today’s trails, hear stories about the old farmhouse, and discover how pastureland has given way to new plant life. This engaging hike is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and middle school-aged children or older.
Don't like hiking by yourself?
Join the Frequent Hikers Club at Seneca Creek & Patuxent River State Parks
Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell, pictured here in her beaver costume for the First Day Hike, recommends joining the Frequent Hikers Club. Every 10 ranger-led hikes at SCSP or PRSP earns you a special sticker featuring park specific designs. New stickers are coming soon for Patuxent River!
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Happy Little Trees 5K
Friends of Maryland State Parks is once again supporting the Bob Ross Happy Little Run for the Trees Virtual 5K in 2026. This national event lets you run, walk, or roll your 5K anywhere you choose between April 18 and 26, in celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
When you register through Maryland, you’re helping plant trees, improve habitat, and support small grants that benefit state parks across the state. It’s a fun, positive way to get outdoors, be active with friends or family, and make a real difference in our parks.
Every participant receives a Bob Ross T-shirt, finisher’s medal, bib, and sticker. Packets start mailing in March and the event fills up quickly each year, so early registration is encouraged... https://mddnr.info/4bDYqiN
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Maryland’s Story is America’s Story
Experience Maryland
To truly know Maryland is to experience it firsthand. That’s why we’re inviting you to visit historic places and attend events that celebrate all that our state has contributed to America’s 250 years.
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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 75 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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