 Happy April!
Spring is in the air, with flowers blooming, trees budding and schools on spring break. It is the perfect time to explore the outdoors, and collect your "Miles for Maryland."
Throughout April, Maryland's State Parks are honoring Earth Day and Arbor Day. To celebrate, our featured monthly hikes are all Trails with Trees (in their names):
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Tall Poplar Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park (McKeldin Area), Carroll County (1.4 miles) - Explore the diverse landscapes of McKeldin by hiking this trail, accessible from Shelter 576 or the basketball courts. Named for its impressive Tulip Poplar trees, the path connects open fields and hardwood forests to riverside habitats while winding across moderately steep terrain. Check out the map on All Trails or the Patapsco McKeldin Trail Map While hiking at McKeldin, be sure to also stop by the short Medicine Tree Trail (0.3 mile) to learn about seven tree species with traditional medicinal uses, following this guide on Medicine Tree Trail Tree ID. This trail begins at the youth group camping field parking lot.
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Hornbeam Trail at Palmer State Park, Harford County (0.7 miles long) - This trail starts at the parking area, taking hikers through a mix of open meadows and forest. Within the woods, you can observe impressive second-growth forest. The trail is named after the Hornbeam, a fascinating understory tree also known as "musclewood" due to its unique trunk shape that resembles tensed muscles. Relax, and take a hike on the Hornbeam trail and enjoy the nature around you! Find it at the AllTrails Hornbeam, Iron Works and Flint Mill Loop map or the Palmer Hiking Trail Map.
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Bald Cypress Trail at Pocomoke River State Park (Milburn Landing Area), Worcester County (1 mile) - This short, family-friendly trail winds through a Bald
Cypress swamp. Be sure to look for the cypress "knees". Trying visiting at either sunrise or close to sunset to see of hear Barred Owls in their natural habitat. Look for other wildlife along the water. Find your route on the Pocomoke River Trail Map or AllTrails bald Cypress Nature Trail map.
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Hemlock Trail at New Germany State Park, Garrett County (1-mile) - Showcasing the park's impressive Eastern Hemlocks, this moderate hike is accessible via the pull-off near the New Germany State Park entrance. The trail ends at a beautiful stream called Poplar Lick Run, but easily connects to additional trails to extend your adventure. Find your route on the New Germany Trail Map or AllTrails New Germany Turnpike and Hemlock Trails map.
Looking for a Ranger Recommended Hike?
Our Ranger Recommended Hike for April comes from Ranger Sam:
Poplar Springs Trail at Merkle Natural Resources Management Area, Prince Georges County (2.7 miles)
Keeping with the tree theme, Ranger Sam from the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex recommends the Poplar Springs Trail for your next "Miles for Maryland" hike. The trail is named after a champion Tulip Poplar tree. This tree measures 116 feet tall and 17 feet in circumference and can be found just 0.1 miles north of the park entrance road along the Poplar Springs Trail. Ranger Sam also notes that this trail traverses a mature hardwood forest providing birder an excellent opportunity to find Forest Interior Dwelling Species (FIDS). Check out the map Merkle NRMA Trail Map or follow this route AllTrails Merkle Poplar Springs Trail.
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Totally Trees - Myles Tree Bingo Activity
Myles is getting a little "nutty" this month...
This month’s challenge is to bring Myles along to see how many kinds of trees you can find on your "Miles for Maryland" hikes to complete TREE BINGO! You can play five-in-a-row, four corners or fill-the-card, depending on how much of a challenge you'd like. Print off your own Myles TREE BINGO card.
Did You Know? Squirrels (like Myles) sometimes forget where they hide their acorns- and are actually helping to plant trees. Be like Myles and plant a tree for Arbor Day or Earth Day!
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Thanks to everyone who has submitted photos while tracking their miles. Don't forget to submit your best photos with Myles- you may be in the next newsletter!
Speaking of trees (and that sweet goodness that goes on top of pancakes), Myles enjoyed his visits to the Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park last month. In addition to learning how real maple syrup is made, he also hiked to the falls.
 Did you know? Cunningham Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in Maryland, coming in at approximately 78 feet.
Good News from Myles!
Myles is very happy to announce that the "Miles for Maryland" commemorative keepsake items will be mailed out throughout the month of April. Please be patient, as all orders will be packed and shipped in the order they were received and are delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Everyone who registered will receive a zipper pull and 3-inch sticker. A 4-inch magnet will also be included for each individual, with one magnet per team.
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Upcoming Park Events:
EGGstreme Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4 at New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park will host the 10th annual EGGstreme Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is designed for families to experience the outdoors together and will feature more than 5,000 eggs hidden along ten miles of trails within the park.
Families must register at the Lake House prior to beginning their hunt. Registration will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Families should dress appropriately for hiking and bring their own necessities, such as drinking water and baskets. Trail maps will be provided. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
BONUS! This is a great way to add some miles to your Miles for Maryland Challenge!
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Sandy Point State Park- Earth Day Tree Planting
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10 a.m. - noon and 1-3 p.m.
Join Sandy Point State Park for our annual tree planting event. Meet at the East Beach pavilion area.
Pre-register: https://forms.gle/zhh4HdtjHuj6F6kM6
While at Sandy Point, be sure to check out the new 1-mile South Beach Plaza Loop, an easy walking trail with a great view of the Chesapeake Bay! You may also want to explore the Blue Trail or Symbi Trail at Sandy Point.
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Fort Frederick State Park 18th Century Market Fair
April 23 – 26, 2026
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday
Step into the 1700s at Fort Frederick State Park’s annual Market Fair! This event, sponsored by the Friends of Fort Frederick State Park, features artisans, craftspeople, and sutlers from across the country. Guests may explore the 18th century encampment in modern clothes or in period-specific attire. Admission Rates: $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6 to 12, and children 5 and under are free.
While at Fort Frederick State Park be sure to check out the Beaver Pond Trail. The Beaver Pond Trail is an easy trail, 0.3 miles in length, that passes along wetlands near the campground. Hikers can see several species of turtles, waterfowl, birds, as well as signs of beaver- as the trail name suggests! Fort Frederick Trail Map
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April 24 - 27: City Nature Challenge
8 a.m. - sunset throughout Maryland State Parks (Self-Guided Adventure)
While working on your "Miles for Maryland", you can also join the nationwide City Nature Challenge (April 24–27) by exploring a State Park and documenting the wildlife you find!
Use the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone to photograph and identify as many different species as possible.
This event encourages citizen science while building observation skills and awareness of local biodiversity.
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Please bring a smartphone and download the free iNaturalist app in advance:
 Download the iNaturalist app for Android.
 Download the iNaturalist app for iPhone.
For more information, visit citynaturechallenge.org
Image courtesy City Nature Challenge.
Parks After Dark:
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week - April 13-20
International Dark Sky Week (IDSW), a worldwide event hosted by the nonprofit DarkSky International, helps draw attention to the impacts of light pollution and celebrates the irreplaceable beauty of a natural night sky!
With the help of DarkSky MD, a variety of Maryland State Parks will be offering "Parks After Dark" Activities during Dark Sky Week. Check out the following programs:
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New Moon Night Hike Hike at Sang Run State Park, Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m, Join us for a 1-mile guided night hike at Sang Run. Contact Ranger Cricket Smith at ChristineN.Smith@maryland.gov
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Stargazing at Tuckahoe State Park, Friday, April 17th at 8 p.m., This free, family-friendly event is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the night sky. Meet at the ball field in the Tuckahoe State Park campground. Contact mark.herring@maryland.gov for more information.
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Following the North Star: Exploring the Night Sky and Underground Railroad History with DarkSky Maryland, Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park Visitor Center. Rain date May 2. Registration is required - RSVP through this Google Form link!
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Stargazing Night, Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m., Janes Island State Park, back of marina parking lot. Free event. Telescopes provided. Contact the park with questions.
April Guided Hike Opportunities:
April 11: “Try a New Trail” Hike Meet at 1 p.m. at Patuxent River State Park Mullinex Mill Rd Trailhead Find the meeting location
Join a Volunteer Ranger for a guided hike exploring the Central Region of Patuxent River State Park. Our hike will follow the 2.3-mile Scott Branch Loop, with the option to extend the adventure along the Bootjack Trail. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Perfect opportunity to add to your Miles for Maryland tally! Rain cancels. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at this location.
Find all of the programs offered at Patuxent River State Park online.
April 12: Mining History Hike from 2-4:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Join Volunteer Ranger and mining historian Johnny Johnsson on a two-mile Mining History Hike to the historic Choate chromium mine. The history of mining in Soldiers Delight will be supplemented by demonstration of mining artifacts. Participants will have the opportunity to pan and buddle chrome sands (kind of like panning for gold). This program is a great family program for the ages of 10 and up. Signup required, limited to 20 participants.
April 14: Take-a-Hike Tuesday at New Germany State Park, Meet 10 a.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Join Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise. This is a great way to rack up miles for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge!
Find additional programs at New Germany State Park online.
April 19: Miles for Maryland Challenge Hike - Spring Wetlands Walk at Seneca
Meet at 2 p.m. at Seneca Creek State Park Quail Ridge Picnic Area
Join our monthly guided hike series and work toward your 2026 Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge goals! This month, we’ll explore the wetlands observation area, listening for frogs and bird calls while discovering the signs of spring in a swampy habitat. Hikes are 2–5 miles at a relaxed pace, suitable for all ages and abilities. Please bring water and dress for the weather.
Find all of the programs offered at Seneca Creek State Park online.
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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