Absolutely beautiful park, well maintained trails around the lake, ample parking, friendly ranger…read morestaff, and just a great place to be. Some friends and I went for a hike on a Sunday morning and while the website says they might charge you a few dollars for parking, we didn't see anyone at the gate house and no one asked us. At the Ranger station, the bathrooms were very clean, quite warm actually, and there was a couple of interesting habitat exhibits. Just a really well run state park with lots of activities. They even had a station where you can get free firewood, and build a little fire.

Maryland has so many parks and trails! This one is definitely a hidden gem! The views are scenic…read moreand it's very peaceful. I went during the day and it was quiet. Perfect for walking or biking! They have the Christmas lights up so I'll need to come back in the evening to enjoy the holiday season. Add this one to your list!

Loved this hike! Beautiful foliage and you can take the lake view hike…read more It's beautiful and not too strenuous. It's about 5 miles round trip. I was staying at Rio in Gaithersburg and it was only a 15 minute drive. Highly recommend. Great to be in nature and gorgeous this time of year.

This park is such a lovely place for all ages. Plenty of trails and along the water, it's very…read moretherapeutic and relaxing. I did 5 miles and I didn't even scratch the surface. Great for dogs too. As a dog owner, if you know that your dog does not understand your commands and you don't know how they will react with others, please do not approach other dogs. Please spread awareness about pets, some dogs do not like other dogs and you cannot force them to like them. Protect their boundaries because you are their only advocate.

Enjoyed kayaking at Lake Needwood. Easy to launch when you bring your own kayak. Make sure to…read morebring a hat if your staying out for a long time trail is also very good.

I've been to Lake Needwood twice and both times I've had a wonderful outdoor experience. The first…read moretime, my wife and I did the trail and it was not challenging but very relaxing. You're on the outskirts of the lake so it's always nice to see the water through the trees. We also went kayaking and it was a wonderful experience and fairly priced - we were on the water for about two hours. The second time we went we went with a group of friends and we rented a row boat for the whole day ($50). It was definitely worth it since we were on the water from 10:30 am - 5:30 pm. The staff was very nice as well because we were able to dock the boat to go to our car and get some things we forgot. You're also allowed to fish - on a boat or kayak or on land - and I would recommend to come in early in the day or late in the day to actually catch some fish. If you're in the DMV area and need an escape from DC, or just want to admire nature, come here - by yourself or with your friends/family. There's something for everyone.

A delightful hidden gem - this conservation park is only 650 acres but it feels much more secluded…read moreand wild than you'd expect. There's mowed paths through a maintained wildlife friendly meadow with interpretive signage. Hiking trails through an extended area of older forest (tall poplars) with a healthy understory- so rare in Maryland, as well as younger/successional forest. A small river babbles its way through the bottomland forest, with easy bank access. Some decent large rocks to get your instagram selfies. There's a mysterious little pond tucked away in the middle. Trails are clean and well maintained. Easy parking with a good number of spaces. The kind of place you could bring somebody to help them appreciate nature & conservation, or go for a walk, or a hike, or a trail-run, or wander amongst the trees and riverbanks for your "forest bathing" rejuvenation. Delightful.

If you need a scenic hike that is not as strenuous, this is the place to go. What a hidden gem…read more I have one dog that is senior in a wheelchair and another dog that is probably a puppy and young, so this is the best place to take them both. The senior pug can navigate the less hilly trails and meadow path really well and the crackhead can run through streams and hunt squirrels. And also eat horse poop. And deer poop. And roll around in it. Win win. There are six miles of trails here. The Greenway trail of Fox Meadows Loop is the best since it winds along a river. Lots of photographers on this trail and they will let you know where to take the best shots. This is an awesome park for bird watching. And a great park for family outings. I even think it is a good spot for photo shoots. Also as an incentive, the Sunshine General Store is right by here so you can pick up a BLT or bacon cheeseburger pre or post hike. Keep in mind it is a conservation park so there are no bathrooms and amenities.

On our way to nearby Rocklands Farm Winery, we met another family at Riley's Lock for the kids to…read moreget more energy out. There's a parking lot near the historic lock and aqueduct. Along the C&O Trail, there's green space near the Potomac River to play (or camp).

Great place to walk or bike on the canal or boat on the river. Picnic area, plenty of parking, port…read morea potties, and boat ramp. Beautiful view across the river and cute lock house.

It located off the Democracy Blvd, and shared the same parking lots with the tennis center. Walked…read morepassed the main entrance and a bridge. The visitor center located on the left hand side, which offers the guide map. There were some outdoor seatings behind the building. There were a few bird feeders as well. The habitat hike was a relaxing walk.

Super cool place hiding out. Lived here for many years and I did not know it existed. Highly…read morerecommend you come here with your family. If you guys love the outdoors, there's even a cool river with a mini swimming area if you don't mind swimming in the river, it's pretty clean it's not downstream from anything I wouldn't wanna swim in. Get outside and get some fresh air!! Take a hike!

Mixed Experience with Several Issues - did a graduation party…read more Location & Accessibility: Damascus National Park Shelter A is located three entrances down from the main park entrance. Don't get lost and sits down a hill, requiring you to take the sidewalk route rather than going directly to the shelter. This makes it a longer walk when carrying supplies for events. The park has three other shelters, but they were all booked for our date, so we had to settle for this available option. Facilities: The shelter accommodates approximately 60 people seated comfortably, with room for additional standing guests. However, there are significant noise issues - the restroom facilities (separate men's and women's stalls on the left side) create disruptive flushing sounds that carry over to the main seating area. Be aware that they charge extra for electricity at this shelter. *Major Concerns:* Parking nightmare: Located next to a baseball field, parking becomes extremely limited during games. We weren't notified of this conflict when booking. The situation was so bad that police arrived due to people parking on the grass. Double booking confusion or ?? Despite having a confirmed reservation from 9 AM to 9 PM, other people were using the shelter when we arrived, claiming they had it until 1 PM. While they were accommodating and left after we showed our confirmation email, this booking system error was frustrating and shouldn't happen. Privacy issues: The restrooms are used by the general public, not just shelter renters, despite there being a portable facility by the baseball field. Bring extra toilet paper!!! Positives: There are some playground swings for children near the tennis courts, which is a nice touch for families. Bottom Line: Between the parking disasters, booking confusion, noise issues, additional electricity charges, and lack of private facilities, I won't be booking Damascus National Park Shelter A again. I'd recommend booking one of the other three shelters at this park well in advance, or looking at alternative venues that offer more reliable coordination and adequate parking.

All the basic essentials you'd want from a recreational park. Plentiful parking at a couple…read morelocations, tennis and basketball courts, lush sporting fields, semi-covered picnic areas, and an easy mix of natural and paved trails. Playground includes swings and park bench. Joggers and dog-walkers make for light pedestrian traffic. I regret not checking out the less-credited relic of the MoCo Art in the Parks initiative on a breezier day. Despite looking a bit weathered by the elements, the Wind Harps sculpture off of Kings Valley Road was still briefly interesting to look at.

I have wonderful memories of this place. What not to love?!…read more Countless of BBQ with my family and friends. My littles would love coming here and love going on the trains or carousel or the picnics we would have when I was a sahm. So many nice comminuty events held here etc. The parks been through a lot of renovations. One section has really clean bathrooms and there's an exercise stations which is geared for most ages. There's a part here that will connect you to Brookside Gardens. The park is very well maintained.

This park was so much fun. Great play equipment, lot of pavilions, and plenty of places for adults…read moreto hang out in the shade. There was not a lot of shade on the actual park and my kids got hot, but Kona ice was in the parking lot so they were happy about it. We also rode the carousel which was fun. $4 a rider and adults have to pay to assist their little under the 42 inch height requirement. The train was the same, but it was closed for repair the day I was there. The biggest downfall was I could only find portapotties. However, this park was a lot of fun to visit for a day.