This is one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in Maryland. I had a marvelous hike there on my…read morelast trip by Cascade Falls. It was beautiful! The waterfall isn't that big but it was still enjoyable to see. There are some rough spots to navigate if you're expecting an easy hike. But overall, it is definitely worth the trip!

My friend and I really enjoyed coming here for a good afternoon hike. The signs were clear and the…read morehike with the waterfall was really nice. There were restrooms by the parking lot and the park wasn't too crowded. We had a great time exploring this part of Patapsco!

One of the nicest parks that I have been to since living in Maryland. Great for a bike ride a walk…read moreor even a run. This park runs along the Chesapeake Bay which is pretty cool and the views are pretty nice. I also like that there are various points of exiting and entering the park in case you want to do a long run and or bike ride. This place also looks wonderful for a nice picnic with the family or a loved one would definitely recommend.

The dog beach is closed and is being redone. The bathrooms were closed the day I went. I've been…read moreonce before and got ticks on one of the walking paths. The flies and mosquitos can get pretty nasty while walking as well, so I wish they would spray with non-toxic sprays to help reduce them.

This is a beautiful well kept park. Great for walking, kayaking or just a picnic . Play equipment…read morefor kids and quiet little beach areas.

Best park in the area! Mainly we go for walking and the playground. Walk the full loop for the…read morebeauty of the park. Can be a little busy on weekends but has never stopped us!

Very scenic and relaxing trail! This was my first time. I can't believe I had never been here. It…read morecertainly won't be my last. I met up with a group this morning for a walk! I parked nearby on the street and we began our walk. I loved that it's shaded so the walk wasn't bad. There were a few walking with dogs and children. I definitely recommend coming here! There's nearby food and shopping options.

I absolutely love this trail. My dogs and I enjoy hiking here. They enjoy the water break at the…read moreend of the lake. They jump into the river all of the time. My son saw his first deer here (he's a Florida native).

So cute! A darling little beach with good nature trails just an hour from DC. Make sure that you…read morereserve your day pass in advance as you can't get in without one on busy weekends. It's free right now but the gate attendant said eventually it will be $6. They are currently building bathrooms and a rinse-off station, but they have porta potties for now. Nicely paved roads to get there, a Safeway en route (coming from DC), and an easy walk to the beach from the parking lot. Entering the park via the gatehouse, the beach is to the right. Follow the trail and signs past the small playground on the right and past the pond on the left. I recommend going to the right once you get to the beach itself as it was less crowded the day I was there. A couple rules important to know before you go. You can drive up closer to the beach to unload, but no parking there unless you have a handicapped sticker/plate. Also, no dogs on the beach unless it's a service dog. There is a ranger walking around so don't try it as you'll be disappointed (as I saw two families have to leave). And no climbing on the break wall rocks. Seems fun, so why not? The ranger said that very aggressive (but non-poisonous) water snakes live there, eek! Also, since I went in August, beware of the jellyfish--they were everywhere. But I also saw huge schools of tiny fish and lots of birds (seagulls, pelican, etc). The beach does not have any natural shade. I had read on the website no umbrellas or tents but I saw tons of families with them and they didn't get in trouble. Bring your snacks and drinks and beach comforts as there are no concessions, just the beach! And the water itself was clear to start but then got more cloudy and had seaweed as the day went on. It's nice and shallow, so I think we will come back when the jellyfish aren't so numerous.

45-minutes from Washington, D.C. Beverly Triton Nature Park is one of the closest beaches to the…read morecity. On top of that, it's a protected park with trails and views. Here's why you should visit: 1) Parking: There's a small lot that fills up fast during the summer. My daughter and I went on an August Friday morning and had to wait a few minutes for someone to leave. There is a lot across the street, but it also fills up too. Parking is free. 2) Trails: There are several short hikes perfect for toddlers. My four-year-old daughter was able to hike the Triton Trail on her own without a stroller or asking to be carried. 3) Beach: The fastest way to the beach is down the paved trail by the main parking lot. It takes 1-2 minutes to walk to the long, but narrow public beach. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. There's no shade at all. 4) Outhouses: There are two outhouses at the main parking lot AND another one at the beach entrance. Unless you want to change in a dirty outhouse, put on your swimsuit before you arrive.

A county-managed natural preserve right in the middle of the county. It's over 1000 acres and has…read moreseveral miles of trails. The official parking location right off Trotter Road looks more like a national park facility than one of our humble county ones- lots of spaces, landscaping, informational signage, and bathrooms. There's an educational nature trail (grab the brochure on your way onto the trail), a good place to bring a family you're teaching to love the natural world. Lots of lovely old poplar trees. The north end of the park has "deep woods" vibes since unlike other local parks, there's no mountain bikers, no horses, no picnicers, and the river is a good walk away. Plus a large buffer zone extended north from there. Until a jet on final approach to BWI roars overhead to break the spell. There's riverfront access along the Connector trail. Respect the signage regarding closed areas. Most of the trails seemed suitable for runners. Note the trails around the Meadow on the map is mowed into the fields, which makes for a different experience underfoot (not my favorite personally). The parking lot is gated with signage saying it closes at sunset. However, the gate is powered and gave the impression it's the kind that won't lock you in- but best to check with the county to verify that. The trails here weren't my favorite (PVSP trails are more interesting to hike), but having such a substantial greenspace and nature preserve right in the middle of the county is great, and having it quiet and natural is even better. We in central Maryland are lucky to have so many of these kinds of spots.

My bf and I LOVE hiking here. The trails are mostly fairly easy/moderate and there are several…read morepaths you can take. As with most hiking places, be careful after it rains since it can get very muddy in some places. I also really appreciate that right next to the parking lot are clean bathrooms with running water and water fountains. The trails are fairly well marked and there are also maps available. There were also pamphlets of a list of all the different species of birds that live in area which was a pleasant surprise! My favorite part is the meadow area with really tall grass. But there were a couple of bird houses and once we saw many swallows (I think?) flying in the area and perching on the bird houses. Parts of the trail also go alongside the stream (I think the middle Patuxent river) and it's a very serene area and walk. We have already came here to hike a handful of times and plan to come back in the near future for more relaxing hikes!

An okay park. Pros:…read more -There is a playground as a part of the park. Close to Chido's along with a nice large field great for playing frisbee or kicking a soccer ball around. -1.25 mile of trails surrounding the lake. -Fairly clean besides all the duck poop. I was here on a Sunday morning and saw a crew of volunteers going around cleaning up trash. -Community events held year-round here. Cons: -No real parking anywhere. It seems many people either park in the housing complexes parking or in the Chido's parking lot. -Half of the walk around the pond is not very peaceful since you are right next to such a busy intersection.

Yes, this park isn't called "Laurel Park." Am I only one who thought that it was? I've been to this…read morepark many times and just never paid attention to the official name. I chose this park for my walk/jog last Saturday and I liked that it wasn't too packed at the time. There were groups of people exercising and there were others solo like me! It's not a big park, but still plenty of room for everyone! I couldn't quite remember the entrance for parking so I ended up parking by the Chidos restaurant. I saw others parked there and heading toward the park so I figured it was fine. Also it wasn't during business hours either so I wasn't worried.

This little suburban oasis is squeezed between several roadways, but it's a remarkably versatile…read morebit of open space. There's an athletic complex, several ball fields, two picnic pavilions, a large soccer field, basketball and tennis courts. Howard County parks & rec didn't fall into the trap of an overpaved "activities-only" park. Because there's also an extensive area of small ponds & wetlands with a restored streambed, some nature signage, and a surprising amount of native wildlife for such a modest park (including a few beavers!). My favorite is that you can get in a decent 2+ mile walk around the outside perimeter (all well-paved). It's also easy to walk into the park from the surrounding neighborhoods, or the adjacent park-and-ride lot. It's not the kind of park that's gonna have me coming from a distance, but for my neighborhood park, it's a gem.