Tony and I stopped by Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, MD. We got there at 4pm and the…read morevisitors center was already closing. It cost $5 for our vehicle for park entrance fees. We couldn't watch the 10 minute video because they were closing due to no activity. We drove over to the parking lot for the actual fort. The Fort was still open but unmanned so the interior buildings were locked. The Fort was built in 1756 for the Indian wars against the white settlement. It was later used in Revolutionary war and Civil War. It's almost 300 yrs old It's a stone fort with very thick high walls. Definitely a nice park. There is a store but it was closed too. There is a campground down along the Potomac River. Definitely recommend you visit when in the area. I would go back again! A great price!!!

I visited the fort in July, and although it was extremely hot, our reenactor and tour guide Bob -…read morewho also serves as the assistant park superintendent - did an outstanding job. Despite the heat, not only did he carried on with the demonstration of the live firing of a flintlock musket, but also took the time to answer all of our questions. He went above and beyond by showing us additional areas of the fort and sharing fascinating information. Bob's dedication and knowledge truly made the drive and visit memorable.

Love this State Park it has lots to do for a family to do for a day trip or even for a weekend or…read moreweek.

We rented a cottage for like $150 a night and got a huge place for ourselves. It was 3 bedroom…read morewith bunk beds in two of the rooms. Large sun room, living room and a big kitchen. We went hiking during the day time and covered a couple of trails, played board games in the evening and campfire at night. The trails were well marked. Appalachian Trail(AT marked in white) goes right through the park. There was a shelter. It was the cleanest and best shelter I have seen in a state park. Well maintained. The side trails are marked in blue. You can book the cottages for daily or weekly rental on the website of The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ( or search for pennsylvaniastateparks) General information: 717-787-2869 We stayed at Caledonia House #2 Located along US 30, Caledonia Lodge is a two-story frame house available for rent year round. The lodge has: Modern kitchen Closed-in porch One and one half baths Dining room Living room Central heat Three bedrooms that sleep ten people

This is actually the headquarters of the very long C&O Canal park. A large building is…read moreadministrative only. A repurposed warehouse offers a small selection of exhibits. There isn't much to do indoors. No park fee is charged in this area. The point of coming is of course to spend time outdoors. This is one of the areas where the canal is actually carried over a creek by an aqueduct, which is interesting to look at. As this section of the canal actually has water, a pedestrian bridge is necessary to traverse it (or you can drive over a one-lane bridge and park on the scenic side). This section of the canal is quiet, but as with the entire length of the trail, makes for excellent walking.

While in Maryland, Tony and I went to this lovely C&O Canal Park in Hancock Maryland. The park is…read morelovely. The stroll along the Potomac River was extremely beautiful. We had the very best weather during our trip. The Historical Bowles House is the actual C&O Visitors Center but it was closed. Definitely recommend and definitely going back again. It was all free to check out, explore and enjoy!!! Private parking lot.

Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center -- A Quiet Gateway to the Mountains…read more Tucked into the scenic hills of Frederick County near Thurmont, the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center is a great starting point for exploring one of Maryland's more serene outdoor escapes. It's part of Catoctin Mountain Park, a federally managed park offering about 25 miles of hiking trails, plus camping and trout fishing. Worth noting: it's separate from nearby Cunningham Falls State Park, so plan accordingly if you're trying to hit both. We stopped by on a brisk, sunny weekday and were rewarded with light crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. There was some noticeable truck traffic passing through the area--turns out much needed road improvements are underway--but it didn't take away from the overall experience. The visitor center itself is on the smaller side but well maintained and thoughtfully curated. Informational displays, posters, and plaques highlight the region's history--from its Native inhabitants to the communities that later shaped life in these mountains. It's a nice touch that adds depth before you hit the trails. Inside, you can find maps, books, and a modest gift shop selection. The park rangers were approachable and knowledgeable, offering helpful updates on trail conditions and access points. Bonus points for clean restrooms and a convenient place to refill your water bottle before heading out. For the youngsters in your group. Don't forget to join the Junior Ranger program and get your booklet stamped! Fun way to get kids excited to visit and appreciate the many beautiful National Parks in our country throughout their lifetime! Whether you're gearing up for a hike or just passing through, this is a solid place to get oriented, learn a bit of history, and soak in the surrounding natural beauty.

I've been here twice and have hiked the same loop, but both times it has been enjoyable!…read more On this occasion I brought a friend. We parked at the visitors center and went inside to use the facilities prior to our hike. It's a cute visitors center with historical information about the area, the wildlife, and trees. They also sell trinkets, magnets, bug spray, etc. The rangers are always cordial and will answer any questions you may have. They have a charging station!!!! This was clutch as I drove my EV this time. It's free and had me charged and ready to go by the end of my hike. We hiked up to Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, and back. The trails are rated (if you have the All Trails app and/or based on the map). I'd say this hike was moderate. It's mostly shaded which is nice. There weren't too many insects, but you should apply insect repellent nontheless. They have several other trails. This one was a bit over 3 miles, but the full loop connects all the trails. I would like to make it to Cunningham Falls. This is a great option for me as I live in Maryland. The trails are clean, litter free so take your trash with you. Come check it out!

The best annual pass value for a little kid! We have a two year old that we bring here weekly, and…read moreit is just small enough for a little one to learn their way around and have some independence but big enough where we can slightly change it up every visit. My toddler loves that there are three separate feeding areas - two goats and one tortoise area. We have not gone on the safari ride, so we haven't seen those animals yet, but the rest of the zoo seems well kept. The staff is always very friendly! Maybe my only complaint is I wish they had an actual bathroom at the back end of the preserve and a little bit better food options.

Came today as we have driven past this sanctuary 100+ times. Finally had a chance to bring my two…read moregirls. For an adult ticket it was $30. My 6 yo was like $23 and 2 and under are free. For what we paid I'm not sure it was worth it but hopefully it goes towards the sanctuary. The space felt old and outdated. There was one indoor bathroom right by the exit and gift shop that was small and again outdated. The rest of the park was portapottys which were clean but in a hot day like today... it's still a portapotty. It was a large space and we spent about 3 hours inside. A variety of birds, snakes, tortoise, As well as sloth, zebra, lion, bison, goat, geese, swan, and fish. The highlight for the kids was the koi feeding experience. Those fish were jumping like crazy and got my kids wet which they enjoyed. There were several places to sit and eat. We brought lunch in. They had free water and snacks to purchase. There was also a safari which we did not do. Overall my kids liked it but I think it needs some TLC.

Great spot to picnic in the mountains. There a round green tin carousel pavilion that protects the…read moretables. Small play area and a stream nearby are nice to play in with the kids. While not much to look at, this is the oldest state park in Pennsylvania, having neen under the Commonwealths ownership for 113 years. Originally a furnace, then a picnicing spot and now a state park. Small parking lot sits just across route 233. Restrooms are available.

Funkhouser Park is home to the Hagerstown Pony League and as such includes a large lighted baseball…read morefield with bleachers, dugouts and concession stand with restrooms. The park also has some playground equipment and a basketball court. Some picnic tables too. Large parking area. [Review 15582 overall - 630 in Maryland - 1086 of 2021.]

Great city park for picnics and taking in the views. They have tennis courts, basketball courts,…read moreand little league baseball field. They also have pavilions to rent for occasions such as family reunions. I stumbled upon this park when I was looking for a picnic place on my Civil War battlefield day tour. Check it out if you're ever in the area. Remember, no alcohol on premises.