Think Twice Before Springing Onto Natural Surface Trails
March means it is time for shamrocks, spring, and MUD. That's right, “Muddy March” has arrived in Maryland…and if you’re leaving tracks, it's best to turn back. Your patience will result in happy fellow trail users and park staff. And good trail-karma for the rest of the season!
With warmer temps and clear skies appearing through our windows, many will be itching to hit their favorite trail, including our trail buddy, Myles the squirrel. But please think twice before throwing those boots or bike in the truck or hooking up the horse trailer. The thawing and saturated conditions occurring right now are when we have the greatest chance of damaging natural surface trails.
A good rule of thumb - if you're leaving behind more than a handful of footprints or tracks every mile, its probably not a good day to be on the trail. Just can't take any more cabin fever? Consider hitting the trail early in the morning when it is still frozen or head out to a hard-surfaced trail. It's best to wait for things to dry out to help protect natural surface trails. But now is a great time to check out a surfaced trail!
Photo by MPS Trail Planner Dan Hudson showing foot prints, hoof prints and bike tracks in mud
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Some of our favorite surfaced trails in Maryland State Parks include:
Western Maryland Rail Trail The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) in Washington County is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. A paved, linear trail, it is well suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience - walking, running, biking, and inline skating.
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail follows 19.7 miles of the former the Northern Central Railway (NCR) in northern Baltimore County. Hikers, joggers, bicyclists, horseback riders and pets on leashes are all welcome.
Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park- This paved 5.1-mile trail runs along the Patapsco River in Baltimore County, offering beautiful views of the river. AllTrails Grist Mill Trail Patapsco Avalon Map- Grist Mill Trail Map Patapsco Grist Mill Trail- Self Guided Hike (Historical Tour)
Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail - Marked with Greenways emblems at half mile intervals, a 2.2 mile improved section runs between Conowingo Dam and Stafford Road at Deer Creek, right along the Susquehanna River. This trail is accessible from the Deer Creek Picnic Area or Conowingo Dam parking area. Susquehanna State Park Map AllTrails Lower Susquehanna Greenways Trail
Martinak Fitness Trail- Enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved 0.9 mile Fitness Trail, which includes benches at several locations. It challenges youth (and those young at heart) to complete the exercises along the way while learning about animals and birds in the park. Martinak State Park Trail Map
Myles is gearing up for a spring hiking adventure with you and your team! See how many different GREEN items you can find while out hiking this month. Head to the website to print off your own copy. Create a list of every GREEN thing you and Myles, spot to celebrate the arrival of spring. Good Luck!
For this Spring Scavenger Hunt: Green Edition, please use your eyes (or cameras) only and do not disturb the natural items you find.
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Thanks to everyone who has submitted photos while tracking their miles! Here are a couple of pictures of Myles out and about over the last month.
Jennifer and Myles recently did 9.5 miles at Seneca Creek State Park and stopped to pose near the Black Rock Mill.
Did you know? Black Rock Mill sits along Great Seneca Creek adjacent to Black Rock Road. Inside the walls of the now roofless old building are displays which tell the history of this 1815 grain-grinding mill.Seneca Creek State Park Trail Map
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Myles and Tamara hiked 15 miles at Rocky Gap back in February!
Did you know? Rocky Gap offers a variety of multi-use trails for guests to enjoy. The Lakeside Loop Trail, a moderate 5.3 mile trail that encircles Lake Habeeb, offers hikers scenic beauty of the area. Crossing over four-foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands are what makes this such a diverse trail.
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Celebrating Women's History Month in Maryland State Parks
Featured Women's History Month Hike:
Anna's Trail at Tuckahoe State Park
Tuckahoe State Park- Anna’s Trail - approx. 3 miles
This wide gravel trail is level and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs with large wheels. Start at either the Park Office parking lot or Arboretum lot and travel past open meadows, new freshwater wetlands, and a pine forest. Benches along the way provide rest stops.
Tuckahoe State Park Trail Map
AllTrails- Anna's Trail
This trail was dedicated to Anna Murray Douglass in late 2025 commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tuckahoe State Park. Anna Murray Douglass was a courageous free Black woman born around 1813 in nearby Denton. Douglass played a pivotal role in her husband Frederick Douglass’s self-emancipation and in building a home that became a refuge for freedom-seekers and abolitionists alike. Her legacy of quiet strength, resilience, and love helped shape one of the most influential figures in American history.
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Hike to the Light: Elk Neck State Park
Did you Know? Women Lighthouse Keepers at Turkey Point Light were responsible for 86 of its 114 years in service.
Come visit Elk Neck State Park's Turkey Point Lighthouse Station located at the end of the peninsula. From the parking lot, the hike to visit the lighthouse is 0.8 miles, round-trip, on a packed gravel trail.
Elk Neck Trail Map
The lighthouse was built on a 100-foot bluff in 1833 to serve as a guide along the Elk River. The Turkey Point Lighthouse gained significance as a host to several women keepers from the first, Elizabeth Lusby (1844) to the last Fannie May Salter- who was originally told by the Civil Service that she could not succeed her husband after his death. She appealed to her senator who took it to the White House, which then overruled the Civil Service. She was the last civilian woman lighthouse keeper in the nation and served at Turkey Point for 22 years.
You can find out more about Fannie May Salter and other ladies of the light in this article: Ladies of the Light: Chesapeake Lighthouses and the Women Who Kept Them
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Upcoming Events Welcome Spring:
55th Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park
March 14-15 and March 21-22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day
While at Cunningham Falls State Park to enjoy the "sweetest" time of the year, you can also add a few miles to your 250-mile commitment with the modest, but classic loop, visiting the highest cascading waterfall in Maryland.
The adventure starts from the upper Falls parking lot for Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls' Houck Area. The 1.2-mile loop warms you up on the wider smoother Lower Trail to the falls, with a return via the narrower rockier Cliff Trail.
Feeling good and want to check off a few additional miles? Consider adding on the Lady Slipper Trail loop when coming back down the Cliff Trail.
Cunningham Falls State Park Trail Map AllTrails Cunningham Falls Loop
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"March on the Mattawoman"
Birding and Fishing Event Returns to Smallwood State Park on March 28
Join us for guided birding walks, fishing, hands-on activities, talks from guest speakers, food trucks, and more! Register today!
While visiting Smallwood you can get some "Miles for Maryland" by taking a hike on the General's Trail, a 1.9-mile loop. Step back in time to explore and learn about the historic grounds once connected to General William Smallwood. The trail passes through hardwood forests and along quiet creeks, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. While some portions of this trail are easy, the entire hike should be considered moderate due to several inclines/declines.
Smallwood State Park Trail Map
AllTrails Generals Walk Foot Trail
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Upcoming Guided Hikes:
Women's History Hike at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area,
March 7. Meet at 10 a.m. at North Appleton Lot (2941 Appleton Road, Elkton)
Join us as we discuss women who have made a difference in conservation history! Approximately 1.5 miles. Cost of hike is free, but day use fees are in effect.
Signs of Spring Hike at Patuxent River State Park on March 7.
Meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Nature Center
It’s not too early to look for signs of spring! Join a volunteer ranger for a short hike to discover the first signs of the season as the forest begins to awaken from winter. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring water. Perfect opportunity to add to your Miles for Maryland tally! Rain/snow cancels.
Find all of the programs offered at Patuxent River State Park online.
Leprechaun Light Hike at New Germany State Park on March 14. Meet at 7 p.m. at the Lake House
Enjoy a self-led, one-mile night hike guided by luminaries! The Orchard Trail will be illuminated from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Make sure to stop by the Lake House for s’mores and hot cocoa, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany!
Find additional programs at New Germany State Park online.
First Day of Spring Hike at Seneca Creek State Park on March 20.
Meet at 5 p.m. at Chickadee Picnic Area
Celebrate the vernal equinox on a nature walk with a volunteer naturalist. Look for early spring wildflowers, migrating birds, and creepy crawlies under logs. Start your weekend with a relaxing hike to clear your head and stimulate your mind. Perfect opportunity to add to your Miles for Maryland tally!
Find all of the programs offered at Seneca Creek State Park online.
Community Walk at Chapman State Park on Saturday, March 28.
Meet at 1 p.m. 3452 Ferry Place, Indian Head
Come ready to connect, walk and learn with Walk Charles County and the Friends of Chapman State Park. Ms. Story's Living History will honor women who lived at Mt. Aventine. Food and beverage served.
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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