Maryland's national parks offer
authentic treasures
Reveal state's heritage amid scenic surroundings
BALTIMORE (Aug. 2) — Looking for an August adventure in Maryland? Visit places where history intersects with environmental beauty, where outdoor pleasures merge with discovery. It's all there, says the Maryland Office of Tourism, among the state's collection of national parks, historic sites and trails.
“Maryland's National Park Service (NPS) resources reflect our rich history, diverse cultural landscape, and magnificent natural splendor in every corner of our state,” said Gov. Martin O'Malley. “They are also ideal family-friendly destinations with a wealth of options for outdoor recreation.”
“When you visit one of Maryland's national parks or travel along a national trail, you get an authentic experience that relates to our compelling heritage,” said Margot A. Amelia, executive director of the state's tourism office. “You can visit the birthplace of our National Anthem at Fort McHenry, bike along the C&O Canal towpath and see the herd of wild horses that roam Assateague Island. Any of these destinations can be the centerpiece of a Maryland vacation.”
Here is a regional listing of NPS resources in Maryland with tips on things to do at each location:
Western Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg (Washington County) — On Sept. 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam raged for 12 hours as 500 cannon fired over 50,000 rounds of ammunition. This Civil War conflict turned into the deadliest one-day battle in American history, with more than 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing. Join a park ranger for a “battlefield talk,” take a self-guided hike or auto tour, and visit Pry House Field Hospital Museum. Biking is permitted on the park's paved roads, and boating and tubing are allowed on Antietam Creek.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — Running along the Potomac River from Cumberland to Georgetown in Washington, D.C., the C&O Canal was a vital commercial link between 1850 and 1924. Today, hike or bike the 184.5-mile towpath and enjoy the scenery. You can also spend a night at a C&O Canal lockhouse. Along the canal, the second annual Brunswick Bicycle Festival is Aug. 27; Williamsport Days, Aug. 25-28.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park — The park — a key Civil War site where the Potomac River meets the Shenandoah River — straddles West Virginia and Maryland. A living-history program, Aug. 13 and 14, presents Giving Aid and Comfort: Medical and Relief Work During the Civil War. Hiking, biking and scenic views are plentiful. The Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal towpath meander through the area.
Capital Region
Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont (Frederick County) — In 1935, construction began in the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area — one of the National Park Service projects across the U.S. that developed land into parks while providing employment through the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corp. The northern part of the park transferred to the Park Service and the southern part became Cunningham Falls State Park. Catoctin has 25 miles of hiking trails.
Clara Barton National Historic Site, Glen Echo (Montgomery County) — This 9-acre site includes the 38-room residence that was Clara Barton's home for the last 15 years of her life. It was also the headquarters of the American Red Cross. The site is near Glen Echo Park — a former amusement park acquired by the Park Service — that offers cultural exhibitions and performances, and is home to resident artists. Glen Echo is also at the head of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Fort Washington Park, Fort Washington (Prince George's County) — This fort was first built in 1809, destroyed during the War of 1812, then rebuilt and completed in 1824. It's the only permanent fortification that was built to defend the river approach to Washington, D.C.
Greenbelt Park, Greenbelt (Prince George's County) — It's the closest campground to the nation's capital — 13 miles from the White House. The park has four trails, 174 camping sites ($16 a night) and three picnic areas. Mt. Velo practice bicycle races (Tour de France-style riding) take place on Wednesday evenings until Aug. 24.
Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick (Frederick County) — This was the site of the only Confederate victory on Union soil during the Civil War. In 1864, 15,000 Confederate troops were advancing toward the nation's capital when they encountered resistance from 6,500 Union troops at Monocacy Junction — a significant rail hub. The conflict, however, delayed the Confederate march and became known as “The Battle That Saved Washington, D.C.” Five walking trails are here; the visitor center offers a driving-tour map and guide.
Piscataway Park, Accokeek (Prince George's County) — The park preserves the view from Mount Vernon across the Potomac River. Bird-watching, fishing and boating are available here. Hiking trails wind through wetlands. National Colonial Farm is a living-history representation of an 18th-century family farm.
Central Maryland
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore — Known as the birthplace of the National Anthem, the star-shaped Fort McHenry famously withstood a British bombardment in Sept. 1814. A new, expanded visitor center has exhibits and an orientation film. The Fort McHenry Guard presents living-history depictions of life during the War of 1812, artillery demonstrations and other programs. Also, Wednesday evening bird-walks are Aug. 24, 31.
Hampton National Historic Site, Towson (Baltimore County) — The Georgian mansion here is the centerpiece of the 25,000-acre estate that existed during the early 1800s. When built, the mansion was the largest home in the country. Tours of the house, farm, slave quarters, stables, gardens and more run regularly. “The Complete Hampton” is a three-hour tour on Aug. 6. “The African-American Experience at Hampton” is Aug. 27.
Southern Maryland
Thomas Stone National Historic Site, Port Tobacco (Charles County) — Haberdeventure, the home of Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is here. The park also includes outbuildings and the family cemetery. The Southern Maryland Astronomical Society assists with Stargazing and Storytelling, Aug. 6, 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Eastern Shore
Assateague Island National Seashore (Worcester County) — Travel across a bicycle-pedestrian bridge to this 37-mile-long barrier island, then follow a paved bike path through four miles of island habitat. Canoeing and kayaking, shell-fishing, surf-fishing, swimming, hiking and camping are also available. Assateague is known for its herd of wild horses — descendants of domesticated animals brought to the island 300 years ago.
National trails in Maryland:
Maryland also has three national historic trails, two national scenic trails and this parkway running through the region.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail — Completed in 1937, the 2,175-mile trail meanders through Frederick and Washington counties as it follows the crest of South Mountain, then merges with the C&O Canal.
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — Explore the bay region that prompted Smith to write in 1612: “… heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation … .” The route — America's first national water trail — is still in development. It includes 3,000 miles of water trails in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail — This 830-mile network of trails between the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands offers numerous options for hiking and biking through a region that George Washington viewed as a corridor for commerce.
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail — Currently in the planning phase, the trail traces the War of 1812's Chesapeake Campaign when British forces invaded the region.
Washington—Rochambeau Revolutionary Route — Running from Newport, R.I., to Yorktown, Va., the 680-mile route traces the encampments and roads used by George Washington's Continental Army and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau's French troops in 1781. Though it became a national historic trail in 2009, it is still being developed. The Maryland portion includes water-based routes out of Havre de Grace, Baltimore and Annapolis.
George Washington Memorial Parkway — Called the “Road to Adventure,” the parkway links historic homes, wildlife preserves and park sites along a “grand gateway and greenway to the nation's capital.” As a tribute to George Washington, the parkway connects Mt. Vernon, Washington, D.C., and the Great Falls of the Potomac — where Washington worked as an engineer. It was completed in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of Washington's birth.
Previous themes
In July, the state's tourism office highlighted local ice cream in Maryland. Previous monthly themes have focused on: local river outfitters; biking in Maryland; quirky and unique destinations; notable women in the state's history; Maryland's chocolatiers; the state's colonial heritage; outdoor adventure; lighthouses; buying local; girls' getaways; prominent gardens; bed and breakfasts; and Chesapeake Bay art.
To receive free Maryland travel information — Destination Maryland, Maryland Calendar of Events and a state highway map — by mail, call 800-719-5900. More information is available on the tourism office's web site, VisitMaryland.org.
About Maryland tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Recently reported visitor data shows that the state welcomed more than 32 million visitors in 2010. In 2009, visitors spent nearly $13.7 billion on travel-related expenses — generating close to $1.6 billion in state and local taxes and providing 134,000 jobs to Maryland residents.
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