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Pedals and Pines
August 12
6 p.m. at the Trailhead by the Beach Volleyball Court
Join our Ranger intern and mountain bike enthusiast, Tomas, on a beginner mountain bike ride through the scenic trails at New Germany State Park. Basic instruction will be provided. Participants must bring their own bikes and helmets. Email julia.musselwhite@maryland.gov to register.
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Historic Schoolhouse Open House
August 15
1-3 p.m. at the Schoolhouse
Come experience what it was like to be a student in the 1930s in this newly-restored one-room schoolhouse. Teacher docents will share interesting stories and demonstrate instructional methods and period games. The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and New Germany State Park will be explored with hands-on activities in the school yard. The program is free. Handicap-only parking at the schoolhouse. Regular parking at Lot No. 5 by the lake.
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Nature Trivia Night
August 15
7 p.m. at the Nature Center Amphitheater, next to the Lake House
Put your wildlife knowledge to the test by joining Rangers Noah and Hannah for an evening of wildlife trivia. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams. Free s’mores will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany. This program will be held in the Lake House if it rains.
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Junior Ranger Park Pals - Week 5
August 20
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Lake House
New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday through August 20.
Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for salamanders, visiting our historic one-room schoolhouse, making old-time fishing poles, nature crafts, and other activities. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
The programs are free (supported by the Friends of New Germany State Park), but donations are welcome. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov.
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Old Time Jam
August 21
6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lake House
Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional “old-timey” music.
Snacks and gifts will be available for purchase.
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Weed or Wildflower?
August 26
9-10:30 a.m. at the Native Plant Garden (weather dependent)
Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the garden.
As you work, you’ll learn how to identify common weeds and understand why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the native plant garden near the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
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Full Moon Kayaking
August 27
8:30-9:30 p.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Experience the beauty of New Germany Lake under a full moon on this one-hour kayak adventure.
Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov. Photo credit: Hannah Muir
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Full Moon Hike
August 28
9 p.m. at the Lake House (weather-dependent)
Embrace the beauty of the forest under a full moon on this 1-mile hike with Ranger Noah. This "Sturgeon Moon" will be the last full moon of summer. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Rob Bogart.
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Black Bear Q&A
August 29
2 p.m. at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House
Stop by the black bear booth at the Nature Center with all your bear country questions. Ranger Hannah and Ranger Beau will provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to avoid bear encounters while visiting the park, as well as providing you with an opportunity to see and feel a real bear fur and skull. Photo credit: Mitch Adolph
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Nighttime Salamander Hunt
August 29
Bring your headlamp and your sense of adventure for this easy 1-mile trek on the Turnpike Trail. Ranger Noah will provide some tips on how to find salamanders at night and why it's best to leave them in their natural habitat.
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Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Please call 301-895-5453 for additional information.
New Germany staff also manages Big Run, Casselman River Bridge, and Dans Mountain state parks.
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Celebrate America's 250th: Join the Miles for Maryland Challenge Today!
The Maryland Park Service is challenging visitors to walk one mile for each year since the founding of our country – 250 miles for America’s 250th. The “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge encourages everyone to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and be active in 2026. Visit your nearest park, or explore the state to discover new-to-you Maryland parks.
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Teams and hikers who register for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge and pay a $25 fee will receive a keepsake item. Those who hike 250 miles in Maryland State Parks in 2026 are eligible for a prize drawing. Those who submit photos with their mileage reports will be entered for additional monthly prize drawings. Registration does not cover park entry – fees may apply.
Miles for Maryland continues through Dec. 31, 2026.
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Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Parks and Trails 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.
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