National Trails Day® Events in Maryland State Parks on June 1st

In celebration of a national movement to promote the importance of trails in the United States, Maryland State Parks have planned a series of outdoor activities on National Trails Day®, Saturday, June 1st. These family-friendly events include an array of activities, including guided hikes, trail maintenance projects, invasive plant removal, birding, “TRAILgating” party, geocaching, bicycling, and paddling trips.

Sponsored by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day® occurs on the first Saturday of every June and encourages people of all ages to discover and enjoy America’s vast network of trails. Trails give you the opportunity to get your heart pumping, lungs expanding, and muscles working at various levels of difficulty, thereby improving your physical and mental well-being.

"Click here" for a list of National Trails Day® hikes in Maryland State Parks.

Spring and Summer Family Activities At Tuckahoe & Martinak State Parks

Families looking for an Eastern Shore adventure this spring and summer should check out the many outdoor activities, day camps and events planned at Tuckahoe and Martinak State Parks. Pre-registration is required for these activities and details can be found on the attached Family Activities Calendar of Events.

Family Fun Days
Bring your family and friends to Tuckahoe’s Challenge Course on May 11 for a day of adventure. You’ll learn skills on the rock wall, tube net, zip line and giant swing. Other dates are planned for the Fall as well.

Adventure Day Camps
Kids ages 7 to 14 can go exploring this summer and join park staff as they promote safety and enjoyment of the outdoors. Campers receive a t-shirt, snacks, drinks and all necessary equipment and supplies are provided. Two and four day adventure camps range from archery and high ropes, to canoeing, fishing and wildlife encounters.

Guided Canoe Trips
Grab your paddles and join park staff for guided canoe trips at both Tuckahoe and Martinak State Parks. Trips are offered in May, July, August and September.

Adult Only Adventure
Why should kids have all the fun? Adults can join park staff on July 27th for an evening of adventure on the challenge course’s high elements. Push your limits, leap for a trapeze and feel the adrenaline.

Maryland State Parks Team Up With The North Face Explore Your Parks Program To Help Families Get Outdoors in 2013

For the fourth year in a row, the Maryland Park Service (MPS) is partnering with The North Face company for its annual Explore Your Parks program that encourages families to get outdoors and enjoy State Parks across the country.

"We're proud to have The North Face as a partner as we encourage everyone to have a more active, healthy lifestyle, all the while creating stronger connections between people and the outdoors," said MPS Superintendent Nita Settina. "Maryland's State Parks provide endless opportunities for kids and their families to be active and connect with nature – hiking, climbing, running, biking, volunteering, camping, playing sports, paddling and everything else their imagination allows."

As part of the program, Marylanders can receive a free day-pass to one of nine participating Maryland State Parks with the purchase of The North Face products at local retailers. The stores will also carry free activity guides that provide information on things to do at the parks. Participating in Maryland are Calvert Cliffs, Gambrill, Greenbrier, Gunpowder Falls, Patapsco Valley, Seneca Creek and Smallwood State Parks in addition to the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Cedarville State Forest.

The Maryland Park Service is proud to partner with The North Face: Explore Your Parks, to offer an opportunity to camp at selected state parks.

With the new OPERATION: CAMPOUT! Program, we can lend you gear free of charge (includes a tent, chairs, stove, lantern and more). This program is designed for military individuals and military families new to camping or experienced campers stationed or recovering in this area. OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is an opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and the great outdoors in a comfortable, safe and relaxing setting. Choose from five Maryland State Parks including Patapsco Valley State Park, Pocomoke River State Park, Rocky Gap State Park, New Germany State Park or Swallow Falls State Park. Campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings. Bathrooms and hot showers are within walking distance. It’s never too late to discover the joys of sitting around a roaring campfire, roasting marshmallows or sleeping under the stars!

For more information, contact Christina Holden at (410) 260-8155 or by email at cholden@dnr.state.md.us. We are reaching out to wounded warriors stationed at nearby bases and hospitals and veterans with this program. We are committed to provide a means of reconnecting with family, friends and the outdoors.