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Take-a-Hike Tuesday
October 13
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!
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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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Jack O' Lantern Carving
October 25
Join Rangers Noah and Hannah for an afternoon of pumpkin carving, just in time for Halloween! All supplies and pumpkins will be provided, as well as complimentary
s’mores for afterwards, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany. To ensure we have enough supplies, registration is required. You can register by emailing hannah.muir@maryland.gov by October 24. All participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
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Full Moon Hike
October 26
7:30 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 Hannah. This "Hunter's Moon" will be the second full moon of autumn. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Luke Mongrain.
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Take-a-Hike Tuesday
October 27
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!
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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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