[Coronavirus review] Maryland is a diverse state, and…read morefrankly this is the least interesting region of it, lacking the grace and and beauty of shale infused mountains to the west, the richness and peace of the waterside, or the dynamism and diversity of the more urban areas, Central Maryland is mostly known for farms and horses, which are nice enough but not something I drive to. This park does have some things to offer, and it is a viable destination during corona time. Parking in the "rapids" (I discerned nothing approaching white water on the lazy stream running by) is free, but yields a significant uphill climb up stairs that look like they might lead up to Shelob's lair. The park lives up to its name. If you're looking to shed some corona pounds, the trails are not long, but the changes in elevation make for a workout. The most picturesque rock outcropping challenged my fear of heights and I got the best shots I could. A wetland on the other side was a nice change of pace. I'm not a huge fan of parks that have different sites under one name, but in this case, the satellite Rocks Park sites, including Hidden Valley and a waterfall both to the north, provide a combined experience which makes the drive more worthwhile. I got a couple of hours of hiking out of the main location, but a solid half day including the other two sites, so if you're going to drive up here, you might as well check everything out.

This review is specifically for the King and Queen Seat Loop (white trail). Came at 10am on a Sat…read moreAM in Feb (30 deg, windy). Had no trouble parking at what I assume is the Rapids Parking Area prob 0.1 miles down from the Park HQ. The spot I parked at had about 5-6 spots, did not cost $, and there were not many people there that day at all. The tree blazes are well marked and visible with the different colors and there are plenty of signs on the trail for guidance (some of them were a bit convoluted). Well kept trails, with plenty of mossy rocks (true to name) and running next to a river/creek. I'm sure there would be much more greenery and plant life in the spring and summer. For the King and Queen Seat Loop (white trail) specifically: - at the trailhead, turn left to get the whole 3 mile loop experience (turning right leads you straight to the rock/view which isn't very rewarding). At some point you run into the blue loop which you can take for a small detour before coming back to the white trail. - as someone who works out and runs regularly, the loop is easy to mild moderate. Not too much incline. Great for a nature walk with some terrain and nice views. - the view at the King and Queen Seat is great! Hawks also perch and fly around there so you can see them pretty closely! Overall, a very nice park! I would come back again another season when more plants are back to life and also to check out Kilgore Falls close by.

Good walk on a cool day in early March. A little mud but mostly an easy walk along the riverside…read moretrail and the former railroad. Some leftover snow from the 26 January storm and residual ice on the canal. No leaves but a good view through the woods. Liked the fast-flowing river and the textures of the dormant woods. Colorful lichen and fungi

A quiet path along the river, providing beautiful ambiance-strolling through the elegant woods…read morewhile also offering scenic water views, I really enjoyed the old train tracks throughout- the trail was flat path, very walkable, no nearby traffic noises or heavy crowds- The only woe keeping from 5stars was the lack of signage to pinpoint the trails throughout- overall the park offers 3-4 varying looping & out/back trails, we attempted to stay on the blue trail, but missed an unmarked turn somewhere- while the view of our water edge walk was delightful, we wish we found the intended path- would return again; easy to walk if we brought the kids- lots of fun down to the water drop offs- easy enough parking

Flying Point Park is another great spot in Harford County, Maryland for families and anyone who…read moreenjoys the outdoors. The park is clean, well maintained, and offers beautiful water views with plenty of space for walking, kayaking, and relaxing. A solid recreational park and a great example of what Harford County has to offer.

Favorite low key park. It features 2 playgrounds, a baseball field, 2 pavilions, a ton of…read morePicnic tables, and a wooded trail. The trail could use some maintenance but it's a nice getaway from the city. The trail features large rocks (obviously) and a small stream. There are a few shallow bodies of water that along the trail that is perfect for little ones to play in the stream (at your own risk). It's very relaxing for relaxing in nature, deep breathing or reading a book. The park does have a restroom and 1 pavilion appears to have a grill. There is plenty of parking for a intimate event or family gathering. Overall, this is a cute little park that offers nature close to the city. Fyi: the rocks can be slippery when wet so wear sturdy shoes or hiking sandals.

This is a great little park with a lot of trail options right in the middle of a residential…read moreneighborhood. For this reason, it feels very safe since there are houses and people around not too far from the middle of this park. Very good parking lot and clear map when you enter. Playgrounds and covered pavilion/picnic areas too! Even though it is small, there are a lot of trail options, you can mix and match them and make it as short or long as you want. Last time I was there I did a mixture of the inner and outer trails and it was just under 2 miles. The trails are not marked well, they are a little confusing and I get turned around every time I go there, and I am pretty good with directions! Make sure to take a picture of the map before you enter! Overall it is a very easy hike though, not a lot of steep inclines. The best part about it though is the water. It is known for the rocks obviously and small waterfalls. It is very peaceful and pretty. Someone made chairs out of tree branches at one point in the trail, that was kind of cool!

Stunningly beautiful trails, water views, well maintained. Love coming here. Only major negative…read moreissue is increasing numbers of dogs off leash. I saw 3 in my last visit. Only 2 owners leashed their dogs when I requested upon encounter. On site ranger was sympathetic, they try their best by offering leashes at the entrance. But enforcement is the only way to address issue imo. Otherwise this place becomes too attractive to people who don't want to comply, ruining it for the rest of us.... I am frustrated to pay for admission or a seasonal pass (which IS very much enforced in this season) if I have to wonder about strange dogs approaching me off leash.... Another park ranger told me carrying pepper spray is legal in Md state parks to protect yourself and he recommends this for his fiance and sister

This is such a peaceful area located at Patapsco Valley State Park. The park itself is gorgeous…read morewith a basketball court, picnic tables, and a few hiking trails. This particular area has a small parking lot right next to the trail. It has about 25-30 steps to walk down the steps to get to this gorgeous area! Please note: you are not able to swim in the water but it's so peaceful just being surrounded by it.

A lovely area for a nice walk. There is a playground, a area for food, ample parking, and a great…read morewater view. It's a one stop shop to be able to spend a couple of hours outside of the house.

I walked along the Havre de Grace Promenade with some friends yesterday. The views were nice, and…read morewe saw the cutest goose family (two geese and 12 goslings). There are also some attractions along the Promenade (a lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper's house, a fish sculpture, a maritime museum, a decoy museum, and a waterfront restaurant). Walking along the Promenade and back was the highlight of our visit to Havre de Grace. It's not long, but it's a great little place to take a stop and stretch your legs if you're in the area (we were driving from Baltimore to Philadelphia and stopped for a visit to Havre de Grace on the way).

Hidden gem in Monkton, MD with 22 acres of more than 100 larger than life topiaries. It has 15…read morethemed gardens like the yellow garden, iris garden and yellow garden. It has a manor house filled with memorabilia. Nature walk with a mile long path throughout the property. Butterfly house can also be found in this property. Ladew topiary garden is a non profit, seasonal property with amazing staffs. They're friendly and very helpful as well as being polite. It has gift shop, cafe and picnic tables. Special mention to Shirley, cafe staff for loving , warmly, hospitable service provided to us specially to my mom who turned 93 years old and a garden lover. Place is well kept and properly maintained. Restroom at the cafe is clean and tidy.

I visited Ladew Topiary Gardens for the first time this past weekend, and I can't believe it took…read moreme so long to check it out. Located in Monkton, Ladew is only a half hour from Baltimore, and it's well worth the drive. Ladew's gardens were establish by Harvey Ladew in the 1930s. The grounds contain 15 garden "rooms," arranged around two cross axes with vistas. The garden is noted for its topiaries, and I was blown away by the gardens' beauty. I took tons of photos! It was a beautiful, slighly chilly early May morning, and we wandered into every corner of the gardens before reading our books on the hill over looking the meadow behind the Manor House. We accidentally visited on the day of their 18th Annual Garden Festival, so they weren't offering tours of the manor house, so I'll definitely return for that. But the gardens were beautiful, and we made visits to the Studio (where you can see some of Ladew's paintings), and the Barn Gallery, and the Cafe (which sells sandwiches, snacks, pastries, coffees, etc.). Ladew is lovely. It might be the most beautiful garden in Maryland! I am certain I will return for another visit. On a beautiful day, there's no where else in Maryland I'd rather be!

Love love love this park! There are endless sceneries to enjoy--creekside, meadows, woods. We love…read morehiking the trails and they are very well-planned and marked. The pine tree alleyway is my favorite! The waterfall from the dam is a cool feature, and during the warmer months they allow people to kayak with multiple launches. They have a large pavilion, several parking lots, and bathrooms on site. Get your camera ready for some great shots of nature!

Eden Mill is one of our golden retriever's favorite places, the moment we turn onto Fawn Grove Rd…read morehe starts pacing and crying/barking, vocalizing his excitement, eagerly anticipating the swimming that's about to go down. We usually park at the small parking area at the end of the road where the bridge is being reconstructed then walk down the path to the water. Our golden loves leaping off the concrete stair at the bottom of the path then we take a short hike down the trail so he can dry off. There are several different trails you can hike and a lot of weekends they have "ranger encounters" where a ranger teaches you about the local wildlife, flora & fauna. The nature center has different animals and displays inside and there's also a working beehive and beautiful garden where you can observe the birds & butterflies and they have a pavilion with picnic tables. If you enjoy kayaking, this is the place for you, they have a couple of areas where you can launch and cruise Deer Creek at your own pace.