We’re pleased to introduce the new Maryland Outdoor Recreation Newsletter! Every quarter we’ll share news about outdoor activities, upcoming events, highlights, and celebrate local outdoor recreation partners across the state.
Summer 2025 Newsletter
This spring, I had the privilege of attending the International Trails Summit - an inspiring experience that deepened my appreciation for the incredible network of trails we’re fortunate to have here in Maryland. From iconic routes like the Appalachian Trail to our winding mountain biking corridors and scenic water trails, Maryland offers countless ways to explore the outdoors and connect across landscapes and communities.
In my role, I’ve been lucky to work alongside dedicated state partners, planners, and advocates on trail initiatives that consider not only where trails lead, but how they function and whom they serve. Every element - grade, width, surfacing, signage, and the surrounding environment - affects how people experience and access these spaces. But trails are more than just engineered pathways; they are living threads that connect us socially, culturally, and ecologically. They invite movement, reflection, and a sense of belonging.
Trails are where we meet neighbors and reconnect with ourselves. Whether winding through a quiet forest, tracing a historic waterway, or linking a neighborhood to a town center, trails offer places for renewal and clarity. They give us a chance to hear birdsong, challenge ourselves on a bike ride, bond with a horse, or share a walk-and-talk with a friend. Trails are not just recreational assets - they’re essential to public health, placemaking, and community connection.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless work of volunteers and local champions. Trail Captains at Patapsco Valley State Park, stewards of the Delmarva Water Trails, and so many others are the backbone of our trail system. They help clear debris after storms, remove invasive species, maintain safe and welcoming routes, and keep us informed about what’s happening on the ground.
Trails also deliver economic benefits that ripple through local communities. They support small businesses, attract visitors, and improve quality of life. I’ve been reminded of that during some recent outings -whether it was enjoying a well-earned açaí bowl after a sunrise ride into Assateague, sipping a cold beer post-hike on the adaptive Tall Poplar Trail at Patapsco, or grabbing pizza after climbing to the King and Queen Seat at Rock State Park. Trails build memories - and appetites!
This summer, I’m looking forward to exploring new trails, joining a meet-up or two, maybe trying a trail on horseback, and continuing my personal quest to hike the Maryland Ice Cream Trail. Wherever your path leads this season, I encourage you to get outside and discover trails near you.
Here’s to a summer of fresh air, open trails, and unforgettable outdoor experiences!
Sandi Olek
Director, Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation
Join us October 28-30, 2025, for the second annual
Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit at the Royal Sonesta in Baltimore City!
This three-day event will bring together recreation enthusiasts, community leaders, advocates, and business owners from across the state to network, collaborate, and learn.
Together, we’ll celebrate Maryland’s growing outdoor economy, discuss opportunities for collaboration, engage in a variety of recreational activities, and explore Baltimore City’s outdoor gems!
Whether you’re shaping policy, building community, or simply passionate about the outdoors, your voice is valued. Help shape the future of outdoor recreation in Maryland - registration opens soon!
Now Accepting Session Proposals - submissions due Monday, June 30th.
Outdoor Equity Grant Applications Due June 30
This summer, the Office of Outdoor Recreation will launch the second round of
Outdoor Equity Grants. The Maryland Outdoor Equity Mini-Grant Program is designed to support equitable access to outdoor recreation for communities that have been historically excluded.
These grants fund community-based projects that help Marylanders overcome social, geographic, cultural, physical, and economic barriers to the outdoors. By providing funding for community partners - including nonprofits, tribal entities, schools, government agencies, or mission-aligned for-profits - to expand outdoor access, these grants help foster a deep connection to nature and enhance stewardship of natural resources.
Don't miss out - learn more and
submit your application by June 30th to be part of this exciting initiative!
Spring Happenings we are looking forward to:
Park Reservation System Helps Visitors Plan Ahead
Planning a park visit this summer? You may be able to reserve ahead to save your spot!
Starting in May, several popular Maryland state parks are using a Day-Use Reservation system, requiring visitors to reserve day-use passes in advance on weekends and state holidays.
This new reservation system is designed to enhance the overall visitor experience by reducing overcrowding, minimizing park closures due to capacity limits, and ensuring sufficient parking for all guests. It also helps improve traffic flow by eliminating backups at park entrances.
The system is active at the following parks through Labor Day:
- Greenbrier in Washington County
- Sandy Point in Anne Arundel County
- North Point in Baltimore County
- Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County
- Newtowne Neck in St. Mary’s County
Before you go, check if your destination requires a reservation, and enjoy a more stress-free park visit!
Hike the Maryland Ice Cream Trail
Get ready for a sweet summer adventure - the 2025
Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail kicked off May 22 and runs through September 1!
Now in its 13th year, the state’s official Ice Cream Trail features 14 dairies that produce and serve farm-fresh ice cream. To encourage visitors to extend their trip and get outside, our office has identified recommended trails near each creamery.
Visitors can win prizes by checking in at the various locations, with the chance to win a grand prize if they hit all of them.
This year’s Ice Cream Trail features new creameries, a fresh lineup of trails (including a biking route and adventure course!), exciting prizes, and, of course, lots of farm-fresh ice cream!
Also new this year, download the
Let’s Rallie app for free to “check in” at trails and creameries, and qualify for prizes along the way.
Check out the
Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail list on AllTrails to navigate your hikes. The full list of participating creameries and trails, plus instructions on how to get started, can be found on our
Hike the Ice Cream Trail webpage.
Deep Creek Lake Centennial Celebration
Deep Creek Lake, created in 1925 following the construction of a hydroelectric dam, has become a cherished landmark in Mountain Maryland. In 2025,
Garrett County will celebrate Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary with events and projects honoring its rich heritage.
The DCL100 Committee, made up of representatives from a dozen local organizations, is leading this effort to commemorate the lake’s past while working to preserve what makes it special for future generations. Deep Creek State Park will be celebrating by offering free admission on July 29th.
Take a drive to Mountain Maryland and explore some of their events as we honor a century of Deep Creek Lake!
Find Big Tree, Win Big Money: Big Tree Program Celebrates 100 Years
This summer, the Maryland Big Tree Program is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a
statewide Big Tree Contest - and you’re invited to join the hunt! From Memorial Day weekend (May 24th) through Labor Day (September 1st), head out to any Maryland State Forest and keep an eye out for towering trees with thick trunks.
If you find one with a circumference over 15 feet, you could win up to $500!
Entering is easy: bring a string marked at 15 feet, measure your tree and mark its length on the string, snap a few photos, and send in your entry. The top five biggest trees will be verified by the Big Tree Program, and prizes will be awarded at the end of summer.
What a great excuse to get outside, explore Maryland’s forests, and maybe even make tree history! Full details and instructions can be found at the Maryland Forest Service’s
Big Tree Centennial Contest webpage.
eBike Regulations Coming Soon
The Office of Outdoor Recreation is coordinating the drafting of regulations for eBikes on state lands! They will define what eBikes are allowed on state lands and explain where bicycles and eBikes can be ridden.
Additionally, the regulations will outline criteria for restricting bike access in certain areas - including environmental concerns, safety precautions, or user conflicts. These regulations will also include helpful tips for cyclists to enjoy the trails responsibly.
Stay tuned for when they open for public review and check the
Office of Outdoor Recreation website for updates.
Bass Fishing Tournaments and the White Marlin Open
Come out and enjoy the fishing tournaments over the summer! Check out our database of bass fishing tournaments and participate or just come watch the weigh-ins. Close out the summer by experiencing the thrill of the
White Marlin Open, the world’s largest billfishing tournament, held each summer in Ocean City, Maryland.
Now in its 52nd year, the event draws hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers competing for millions in prize money. In 2024 alone, more than $8.5 million was awarded! Whether you're a fishing enthusiast or just love high-energy waterfront events, this is a must-see spectacle. You can check out the catch of the day during the weigh-ins from 4 p.m. to 9:15pm on August 8 at Harbor Island Marina - they are completely open to the public. Don’t miss this exciting Ocean City tradition!
FishMaryland Master Anglers
Discover the fun of fishing with
FishMaryland, the state’s year-round recreational fishing award program!
Whether you’re casting in saltwater or freshwater, you can earn recognition for catching any of 60-plus eligible species across five categories.
It’s a great way for families and friends to connect and enjoy Maryland’s natural beauty. Aim for the prestigious Master Angler Award, the program’s highest honor!
Submit your catch today and start your journey toward becoming a FishMaryland Master Angler.
Business Spotlight: Anglers in Anne Arundel County
Outdoor recreation is more than just a hobby - it’s a vital part of local economies. As we connect with partners across the state, we will be highlighting individual businesses that contribute to this vibrant sector in Maryland. Please let us know of any outdoor recreation business that we should consider for this section; note that the Office of Outdoor Recreation does not endorse any specific businesses nor accept any kind of payment or in-kind donation to be featured.
For more than 60 years, Anglers Sport Center in Annapolis has played a role in Maryland’s outdoor culture. Family-owned and operated since 1961, Anglers is a familiar name to many.
With a broad inventory that includes fishing and hunting equipment, crabbing supplies, live and frozen bait, outdoor apparel, and even a selection of beer, wine, and spirits, Anglers meets a wide range of practical needs for outdoor excursions.
What truly distinguishes them is their commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement.
Each week, Anglers publishes a Fishing Report that’s become a trusted go-to for anglers across the region, offering timely insights into fishing conditions on the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways.
The store also hosts free public seminars throughout the year that cover seasonal techniques, species-specific strategies, and gear recommendations. Topics range from trolling for rockfish to casting for speckled trout, and feature experienced guides, charter captains, and Anglers’ in-house experts.
One of their standout events is their Anglers Ladies Night, an annual gathering that combines outdoor education with community-building. Open to women of all ages and skill levels, the event includes hands-on clinics, raffles, and one-on-one time with knowledgeable staff and guest speakers. It’s part of a broader effort to foster inclusion and confidence among women in the traditionally male-dominated fishing and hunting worlds.
The shop stands out from larger stores by offering a friendly, congenial environment, Chief Business Officer EJ Harman said.
“It’s almost like the show ‘Cheers,’ ” Harman said. “Each customer receives personalized service. You are welcomed when you come in and wished well on the way out.”
Anglers is active in the broader community, supporting a variety of local conservation efforts, youth programs, and environmental clean-ups. It’s all part of their broader commitment to protect Maryland’s natural resources for future generations.
To learn more, visit
anglerssportcenter.com or check out their store located right off Route 50 Eastbound on Whitehall Road in Annapolis.
Proteus and Patuxent Adventure Center
in Prince George’s and Calvert Counties
If you’ve ever paddled through the quiet creeks of the Patuxent or pedaled a backroad in Southern Maryland, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths, directly or indirectly, with the folks at Patuxent Adventure Center (PAC).
Located in the waterfront town of Solomons, PAC has been part of the local landscape since 2003, not just selling gear, but encouraging locals and visitors to get outside and enjoy what the region has to offer.
Now, that mission extends a bit further up the road - in 2021, PAC became part of the Proteus Bicycles family. Based in College Park, Proteus has been a beloved local bike shop since the 1970s known not just for their wrenching skills and solid gear, but for a community-minded spirit.
The team behind Proteus is truly a family affair - family, friends, and longtime riding partners who care just as much about the people as they do the pedals. Check out their
staff bios to see that these are people who live and breathe bikes and community.
Bicycling and paddling is an empowering experience for Chief Executive Officer Laurie Lemieux.
“I feel more alive when I'm outside. You can go places and you can see things you couldn’t see from your car,” she said.
She also values the benefits to her customers’ emotional and physical health, and seeing their skills grow as they stretch their limits.
“You want to go faster? I can help you with that,” she said.
This family-run energy now flows both ways between Proteus and PAC. It’s not about corporate expansion, it’s about shared values–honest service, passion for the outdoors, and building inclusive, supportive spaces where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re riding clipless or paddling for the first time.
At PAC, that means running a full-service bike shop in Solomons and offering kayak and SUP rentals from two beautiful launch points - Solomons Island and Leonardtown Wharf. You can go out for a couple of hours or take a boat for the week, whether you're chasing sunrise on the river or just trying something new with the kids.
They also host rides, paddles, and community events throughout the year that welcome all experience levels. Just like Proteus, it’s less about competition and more about connection.
In short: if you're looking for a crew that genuinely loves bikes, boats, and the people who ride and paddle them, you’ll find that at both PAC and Proteus. They’re not just outfitting adventures - they’re living them, together.
Makers Ultimate Challenge: Woodworkers Engineer Benches with Solar-Powered Charging Ports
Outdoor recreation, creativity, and community spirit came together earlier this month in Western Maryland, where the Office of Outdoor Recreation supported the second annual Makers Ultimate Challenge (MUC) - a high-energy woodworking competition held at Allegany College of Maryland’s Western Maryland Works Maker Space.
The 2025 MUC paired nationally-known makers and influencers with emerging local talent, dividing them into teams to showcase their craftsmanship, learn from one another, and have fun while working under pressure to bring bold ideas to life.
Two of the four teams featured Maryland Park Service staff, who made the Department of Natural Resources proud by demonstrating the hands-on skills, creative problem-solving, and teamwork they use daily to deliver outstanding visitor experiences on Maryland’s public lands.
This year’s challenge: design and construct public seating with functional solar panels.
Participants earned “MUC bucks”, featuring the resident mascot, a black lab named Miter, to purchase materials by posting updates on social media, adding a fun twist to promote storytelling and outreach throughout the event.
Each finished design was both functional and unique. The Judge’s Choice went to a sturdy Adirondack-style bench praised for its quality construction, while the People’s Choice featured a mountain-shaped chair back and striking metallic red-tailed hawk decoration.
Despite the fast pace, participants and organizers also made time to give back to the community, building shelves for the nearby Allegany Habitat Store, which suffered major losses during recent flooding in Allegany County.
MUC is more than a showcase of woodworking skill - it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the powerful connections between skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and outdoor recreation in Western Maryland.
All four seating structures will be installed for public use, including at least one on state park lands in Western Maryland.
The third annual MUC is set for June 14-17, 2026. Stay tuned to the
MUC website for updates.
Spring 2025 Social Media Highlights:
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