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Camping and Hiking in Maryland
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Smallwood State Park
Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a
Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland.
His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is
open to visitors. Sixteen family campsites with electric
hook-ups are available under a hardwood forest. There is a
trailer dump station. There are two youth group camping sites
available, reservations are required. Youth group passes are
honored. The trails at Smallwood meander through the hardwood
forest (a guided booklet is available), passing many natural and
historical points of interest. You will be able to exit at
several marked points if the walk becomes to strenuous. For a
trail map contact the number below; they are also available at
the park office. For information call: (301)743-7613
Elk Neck State Park
Sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the
peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the
Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. Several trails
meander through the diversified topography, revealing the great
variety of plant and animal life. An easy walking trail to
Turkey Point Lighthouse provides a view of the Elk River and the
Chesapeake Bay. Campgrounds can accommodate 291 camping units:
tents, trailers, or motorhomes, with conveniently located
washhouses. For information call: (410)287-5333
Cunningham Falls State Park
Within the 5,000-acre park area is Maryland's highest waterfall.
The falls may be reached from four trails, including one which
is wheelchair-accessible. Cunningham Falls, in the scenic
Catoctin Mountains, features shaded glens, mountain streams, and
winding trails. The Houck Area has 149 sites, including four
camper cabins. The Manor Area has 31 camp sites. For information
call: (301)271-7574
Swallow Falls State Park
This mountain park contains some of Maryland's most breathtaking
scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders,
passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling
rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 63-foot waterfall -- a
spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The
meandering trails through Swallow Falls guide hikers to some of
the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland. (257 acres).
The park features 65 campsites, near a modern washhouse with
running water, laundry tubs, showers and sanitary facilities.
For information call: (301)387-6938
Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap Run winds its way through an impressive mile long
gorge displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks, and a hemlock forest
dense with rhododendron. Rugged mountains surround the park
which features 243-acre Lake Habeeb, available year round for
recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming and
boating. There are an extensive set of trails that wind through
the area, pick up a map of the park as you enter Rocky Gap. The
campground has 278 sites and bathhouses with electricity and
showers. Some electric hookups are available. Some "pets
allowed" sites. Youth group camping. For information call:
(301)777-2138 (camping reservations) (301)777-2139
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