July Featured Hikes:
Exploring Mountain Maryland at Deep Creek Lake State Park
Beat the heat this summer and head out to Deep Creek Lake State Park to add to your “Miles for Maryland." Deep Creek Lake State Park offers trails for everyone with varying lengths and difficulties. Plan ahead and prepare by taking a look at the trail map before heading out on your hike.
Deep Creek Lake State Park TRAIL MAP
Please note: The letters on the map represent intersections pertinent to navigation. If you ever feel uncomfortable continuing on the trail, please call the duty ranger at 240-405-9827 and give the ranger on duty your referenced letter.
For an easy, quarter-mile loop check out the Snakeroot Nature Trail (green blazes). Use the Meadow Mountain Trail to access the Snakeroot Nature Trail. Download, print out, or pick up a self-guided brochure in the Ranger Station before embarking on this interpretive nature trail. Use the guide and panels to learn about the flora and fauna of Western Maryland.
Read the Snakeroot Trail Guide.
Beckmans Trail (red blazes) is the park’s most popular trail. It is an easy-to-moderate 2-mile hike that ventures along the ridgeline with only a slight elevation gain. Beckman’s Trail is great for stretching your legs and learning some local history at the Brant Coal Mine, which you’ll find by following the posted signs. Trail users are recommended to begin at the day-use overflow parking lot and to follow the Meadow Mountain Trail back to the point of origin once Beckman’s Trail ends.
Read more at AllTrails: Beckmans Trail.
Ranger Recommended Hike of the Month: Cherry Creek Loop Trail
Ranger Andy says, "It's bittersweet to beat the heat on the Cherry Creek Loop Trail!"
The Cherry Creek Loop (3 miles- yellow blazes) is a moderate hike that passes through multiple ecosystems from lake-level to near the top of Meadow Mountain. Travel through rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets and hop rock-to-rock. Convenient parking is located at the Cherry Creek parking lot. A waterless toilet facility is available in the parking lot. Park staff recommend this trail because it is a bit further away from the hustle and bustle of the campground side of the park. Read more at AllTrails Cherry Creek Loop.
Ranger Andy shares his favorite trail at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Camping is also available if you wish to extend your visit to Deep Creek Lake State Park. With more than 100 campsites from which to choose, there's something for everyone! Choose either a basic or electric campsite, camper cabins, family campsites, or a yurt for your stay. There are many other places to stay (and hike) nearby in Garrett County, as well. Full-service cabins are available in both New Germany and Herrington Manor State Parks. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to one year in advance of your visit. Make your reservation at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
Red, White & Blue...
Summer Scavenger Hunt
This month, Myles challenges you to create a list of each red, white, or blue item you can spot on your hikes this month. What will you find? Good luck!
Download and print off a copy of the activity sheet here: Myles July Activity Sheet
Myles is also decked out and ready to celebrate America's 250th birthday -- be sure to take him with you on a 4th of July holiday hike and send us a photo!
|
Myles' Bark Ranger Buddies
Myles has noticed so many of his Bark Ranger Buddies out on the trails recently. We love seeing them following the four principles for B.A.R.K. Rangers!
-
B- Bag your pet’s waste.
-
A- Always leash your pet.
-
R- Respect wildlife.
-
K- Know where you can go.
Thanks to everyone who has submitted photos while tracking their miles. Don't forget to submit your best photos with Myles - look for them on social media or in the next newsletter!
BARK Ranger Photos submitted by Kweilin (above) and Jocelyn (below)
Upcoming Park Events:
July Guided Hike Opportunities:
Miles for Maryland Challenge Hike:
July 6 at 10 a.m. at Seneca Creek State Park Boat Center
Join our monthly guided hike series and work toward your 2026 Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge goals! This month, enjoy the sights, smells, and even tastes of summer through a ranger-led hike – and even enjoy foraging for ripe wineberries along the trails. Hikes are 2–5 miles at a relaxed pace, suitable for all ages. Please bring water and dress for the weather.
Every Thursday - After-Work Walks:
6:30 p.m. at Chickadee Picnic Area at Seneca Creek State Park
Join a volunteer ranger for a relaxing loop hike at a “botanical pace” on natural surface trails. Lots of stops to roll logs, admire plants, and listen for birds. Please dress for the weather, bring water and bug spray. Perfect opportunity to add to your Miles for Maryland tally!
Find all of the programs offered at Seneca Creek State Park online.
Take-a-Hike Tuesday:
July 7 at 10 a.m., meet at the Lake House at New Germany State Park (weather dependent)
Join Ranger Hanna 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 all of the programs offered at New Germany State Park.
Miles for Maryland Hikes at Patapsco Valley State Park:
July 1 and 8 from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. at Avalon Area, 5120 South Street, Halethorpe
Looking for a way to get your mileage in for Miles for Maryland? Join us after work or while your little one is in Junior Rangers for this one hour hike. Expect a curated route using multiple trails around 2 miles long with variable terrain. Signup encouraged, limited to 20 participants. Weather dependent. bit.ly/3wusZ23
Wellness Walk Wednesday:
July 15 at 5 p.m. at Deep Creek Lake State Park
During this outing, we will be taking time to practice mindfulness in nature. We will be teaching techniques to reframe life’s everyday stress by observing our natural world. We will be meeting at the Overflow Parking Lot/Trailhead inside the main park entrance.
Healthy Parks Healthy People Monday Hikes at Rocky Gap State Park
Join Healthy Parks Healthy People volunteer, Missy Martz, for a hike around the Lakeside Loop trail (approximately 5.2 miles). Hikes start at 5 p.m. at the amphitheater every Monday evening. For additional information, please email Ranger Emily: emily.hendershot@maryland.gov
AMERICA IN MINIATURE:
The perfect addition to your "Miles for Maryland"
Our 2026 State Park Adventure Challenge is now underway!
To commemorate America’s semi-quincentennial, Maryland State Parks are challenging you to the “America in Miniature: 2026 State Park Adventure Challenge.”
Maryland is often referred to as "America in Miniature" because so much varied geography is packed into its 10,460 square miles of land and waters. Within just a few hours' drive, one can travel from ocean beaches to mountain forests. The "America In Miniature" title also applies to Maryland’s role in our nation's history. Maryland's story is America's story.
Click here for all of the details and to register: America in Miniature Adventure Challenge
|
Plan Ahead... Make a Day-Use Reservation
Day-use reservations are required on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day at:
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION
Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Reservations are required at these parkson weekends and holidays—no same-day drive-ups.
- Make your reservation online up to 7 days in advance.
- Pay the regular day-use fee at checkout using a credit card or online payment method.
- Check in with a QR code when you arrive (and park pass, if applicable)
- Annual Park Pass holders, Golden Age Pass holders, veterans, and individuals with disabilities still receive discounts! The passholder must present pass at check-in.
- You can modify or cancel your reservation until 8 a.m. the day before your visit.
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.
|
|
