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Trail Work Day
October 3
9 a.m. - Noon (with lunch to follow) at the Poplar Lick Trailhead Parking Lot on New Germany Road (weather dependent)
Volunteers are invited to join Garrett Trails and the Friends of New Germany State Park for a trail work day on October 3. Please come prepared for physically-demanding work and bring your own drinking water and work gloves. The work day will conclude with food and drinks at noon, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany. Please note that the workday will begin at the Poplar Lick Trailhead Parking Lot (about 1 mile south of the entrance to New Germany State Park).
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Halloween Trivia
October 3
6 p.m. at the Nature Center Amphitheater (near the Lake House)
Put your Halloween knowledge to the test by joining Ranger Noah for an evening of haunted trivia. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams.
Complimentary s’mores will be provided. This program will be canceled if it rains.
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Fall Foliage Phenology: The Science of Changing Leaves
October 4
2 p.m. at the Nature Center Amphitheater (near the Lake House)
Join Ranger Beau for a hands on discussion about the science of trees and how leaves change color. This program will include an 8-page dendrology guide to take home, light walking, and tactile interaction with trees. All ages are welcome. Meet at the campfire. Photo credit: Wendy Todd Caldwell (Submitted to the 2013 DNR Photo Contest)
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Weed or Wildflower?
October 7
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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Take-a-Hike Tuesday
October 13
10 a.m. at the Lake House (weather-dependent)
Join Ranger Hannah 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!
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Trick or Treat Trail (Ages 12 and Under)
October 17
5-6:30 p.m. at the Lake House (weather-dependent)
Show off your Halloween costumes on this 1.5-mile self-guided hike, where kids ages 12 and under can Trick or Treat along the way. Participants must register by October 13 to ensure adequate candy supply. Email hannah.muir@maryland.gov to register. This event is sponsored by the Friends of New Germany. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Orchard Loop is not stroller-friendly.
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Self-Guided Haunted Hike
October 17
7-9 p.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
If you're up for a spooky adventure, don't miss this 1.5-mile self-guided haunted hike. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp to get to and from the trail safely. Be sure to drop by the Nature Center before or after your hike for hot cocoa, while supplies last. This event is sponsored by the Friends of New Germany. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. NOTICE: This activity will include frightening scenes, startling sounds, and walking on uneven terrain after dark. It may not be suitable for young children. Pets are not allowed. Photo credit: Dianne Maust
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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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