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.

This is a serene little park along a river. While it was cold and a bit windy while I was there, I…read morestill enjoyed waking around. There is an interesting kayak launch ramp where you might need macGyver to launch safely.

Nice river to go canoeing looks of parking spaces. Family friendly atmosphere great to place to…read morehave a picnic or cook out,

Hard to find but when you get to the water you are rewarded with a serene and beautiful part of the…read morePotomac. The water is shallow and our dogs love splashing and swimming. Its great on a nice day. However, there are some drawbacks. Notably, if there are other people there, you basically have nowhere to go as the beach is maybe 10 feet across. There are often people fishing, which is ok, but what is not ok is the complete lack of trash cans. This has the unfortunate result of the beach being littered with soda and beer cans and sometimes food containers. I wish people would not so freely litter in such a nice area, but the lack of trash bins means people are unlikely to get the hint or change their ways.

This looked so gorgeous in the snow. I've never been here and thought I would check out the area…read morewhile I knew there would be no one else there so I can explore. There's a small ramp to help lower a canoe or kayak down and some awkward steps. They remind me of baby steps but maybe it is like that so no one falls. There is a nice walkway/ramp built to walk down to the water, but remember that the water line is Maryland so if you have anything that might be questionable in the state, don't bring it with you. I'll have to come back when it is warmer and explore some more. It was absolutely gorgeous covered in snow

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.

The towpath is the dirt and stone path that runs 184.5 miles along the C&O Canal. Great for walks…read moreor on a bike. In this case we dropped in at the Point of Rocks Community Commons Park. We parked there and walked across the train tracks to get on the path. There's a boat launch there too. Nice walk for a nice sunny day. Also recommend checking out the Point of Rocks Bridge itself. Gives a great view of the Potomac River.

This canal goes through multiple states and territories covering 100+ miles so you may not hit all…read moreof it in one day unless you're Usain Bolt going on a nonstop sprint. It's perfect for walks or biking and there's side paths that lead you closer to the water. Parking is before the Marc train tracks. Or you can cross the tracks over the one lane bridge and park where the canal entrance is. There's a dock there to unload your boat/kayak into the water. Someday I hope to do that. I need to bring my bike here and check this trail out but for now, I've got my feet to do my walks/hikes here!

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.

Kyacking here over the summer was amazing. The water clear and clean. Never crowded and an…read moreenjoyable day with beautiful views!

This is the largest lake in Montgomery County. It is one of my favorite places to go out on my…read morekayak. Being as large as it is, there is quite a lot to see. There are two canoe trails (suitable for kayaks as well!). The shoreline is full of interesting birds. Down at the spot where Ten Mile Creek flows into the lake, I have floated right over the top of some enormous snapping turtles. During the summer, this is quite a popular place to be. There is a concession that rents boats for only $8 per hour. But the lake is big enough that it does not seem crowded. My boat is a bit tight for two people, so I often use this concession when I want to take a friend with me. Boaters should beware and make certain they have a permit attached to their boat. You can get a daily permit for $5 at either of the two boat launch sites. You can buy a seasonal pass at the visitor's center. Also beware if you own an inflatable boat (like I do). Your boat must have at least three separate air chambers or it is not allowed on the lake. This lake has probably become my favorite paddling spot. Unlike Clopper Lake, I have not yet found this lake's secret turtle hiding spot. But the sheer size of the lake makes it hard to get tired of Little Seneca Lake.

Had a great hike. Long trail with slight ups and downs, relatively easy. Good for kids, dogs and…read moreelderly people. We happened to went during woodfrogs season, recorded the sounds, frogs jumping and saw countless tadpoles , it was a treat for the kids. Our puppy Neo had a great time meeting new friends along the trail and playing with the leaves

Nice easy trail that is great for walking, walking your dog, or taking a stroll in nature. Not a…read morelot of scenery, but it gets you out in nature and that really helps if you have been cooped up at home during the Covid Pandemic. There are some very minor bridges here or there and a lot of people come here to run. Please remember to wear your mask as you are passing people constantly. There are several points of entry. I entered from the Damascus side where there are a bunch of townhomes and there is not a lot of parking, but a decent amount. I can see it being really difficult on a Saturday for parking though. Also, when you are exiting, it can get dangerous. Cars are coming from both sides and it is difficult to see if there are any incoming cars when the cars next to you are blocking your view. Just exit VERY slowly to be safe. There are some streams and water/ponds on the trail. Nothing spectacular, but there so its not just dirt and trees. You may run into some deer here or there because its Maryland. I just like the fact that this is an option for a good 20-30 minute walk and another 20-30 minute walk back.