9 minute read
TOP OUTDOOR
SIX TOP PICKS FOR SUMMER EXCURSIONS By Dylan Roche
Ah, summer—a season of warm weather, long days, sunny skies, green trees and endless opportunities to explore. It’s the perfect time for your family to leave the house and enjoy some exercise together outside. After all, the ongoing pandemic means there are still a lot of restrictions on this year’s social activities, so there’s no better time for your family to undertake an outdoor adventure, whether that’s hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking or maybe even nature watching. The best part is that you don’t have to travel too far when there are plenty of spots within a 30-minute drive of Annapolis to explore. What’s more, they all have plenty of space to roam so you can safely keep your social distance. While some of the amenities, such as visitor centers, may be closed (Check websites before you go), the parks themselves are still open. On that note, it’s probably worth going over a few reminders for health and safety: • Yes, you want to keep your social distance, but being outdoors is one of the healthiest activities you can do. In fact, the Rails to Trails
Advertisement
Conservancy, a national organization dedicated to creating community around use of trails, reports that many people have turned to the outdoors during the pandemic for physical activity and mental respite.
In March 2020, the use of trails was up by nearly 200 percent compared with the same time in 2019. • Keep your groups small. Ideally, it’s going to be just the people within your household, but if you choose to include a friend or two, make sure your group doesn’t exceed five or six people. When you’re in large groups, it becomes harder for you to keep your distance in public places, especially on trails where others might be trying to pass you. If you are passing someone on a trail, announce yourself by saying, “On your left.” Then pass them on their left-hand side. If you hear someone announce that they’re passing, keep as far to the right as you can. If you are walking or cycling as a large group, it’s best to go single file or two at a time so that there’s plenty of room for someone to pass you. Carry hand sanitizer and moist wipes with you in case you need to touch a potentially germy surface. It’s also important to observe other health and safety practices you should observe even when you aren’t in the middle of a pandemic: wear your helmet when cycling, wear sunscreen and insect repellant, and carry cold water to stay hydrated (especially on hot days). If you’re observing wildlife, remember that you can take photos, but don’t interact with or feed the wild animals.
Quiet Waters Park
This 340-acre park along the South River boasts a forested 5.1-mile trail that’s wider than most you’ll see, making it a perfect place for social distancing. You can also switch from the paved path to trails through the woods with ease, and there are plenty of opportunities in the park to find a quiet little beach for the kids to play on. Quiet Waters has has a dog park and a dog beach, and.access to kayaks, paddleboards and canoes through Paddle or Pedal rentals.
Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge
Located on the Chester River in Kent County, not far from Rock Hall, this 2,000-acre island provides habitat for all kinds of wildlife: 240 species of birds, plus a variety of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. As you walk or bike along the 4 miles of paved roads or walk the 3 miles of natural trails, you might see bald eagles, diamondback turtles, herons, egrets, deer, beaver, foxes or woodchucks. If you’d rather take in the sights by water, there’s a kayak/canoe launch you can take advantage of. Leashed dogs are welcome at all times. Don’t forget your bug spray!
Downs Park
With a breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay, this 236-acre treasure has several piers where you can cast a line. You can also take advantage of other water access points for kayaks and canoes. Although there are no beaches for human swimmers, there are dog beaches were Fido can make a splash. And if hiking or biking is more your speed, there’s a 3.5-mile paved trail around the park’s perimeter, as well as more than a mile of natural trails through the surrounding forested areas.
Patapsco Valley State Park
With more than 16,000 acres, including 32 miles of shoreline along the Patapsco River, this Maryland icon offers a place for hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing. The park boasts 200 miles of trails, including hiker-only trails and multi-use trails, which can be hilly in places (the park ranges from 52 to 534 feet above sea level). You can also hike over a historic swinging bridge and swim in the river, though be very careful where you swim, the current is very strong in some places. Go early, as the park often reaches capacity and will close for the remainder of the day.
Waterworks Park
Waterworks Park is a hidden gem in Annapolis, featuring miles and miles of trails for hiking and biking through the woods, picnic spots, and three fishing ponds. The easiest spot to enter is on Bestgate Road, across from the parking lot nearest to Pet Smart. Housley loop, a one-mile trail loop up mildly sleep slopes through the woods. About halfway through that loop, you’ll make your way to the reservoir pond. You can hop on other trails to get around the
lake or head back from there.
Terrapin Beach Park
This 276-acre park is a great place to observe waterfowl and plant life, whether you want to do it while you’re biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking or canoeing. The park boasts 4,000 feet of shoreline and 73 acres of wetlands, and the 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail weaves its way through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands and sandy beaches. The park also connects to the Cross Island Trail, a 6.5-mile paved and boardwalk path that traverses Kent Island. This trail is flat and wide, great for a family bike ride.
GET WET REFRESHING WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER WHILE STAYING CLEAR OF THE CROWDS. by Ann Levelle
From backyard water experiments and competitions, to adventures to waterfalls and tucked away beaches, here’s a refreshing bunch of ways to stay cool this summer while staying clear of the crowds.
WATERFALL HIKES
Hike to one of Maryland’s awesome waterfalls this summer. Check websites or call before you go to make sure parks are not at capacity. Most parks are fully reopened, but have specific restrictions in place. Find more about each waterfall at ChesapeakeFamily.com/waterfalls.
Cascade Falls, Patapsco State Park
8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City 410-461-5005 https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/central/patapsco.aspx A short hike from the parking lot at the Orange Grove area takes you up the Cascade Trail to the first in a series of waterfalls where the kids could spend the whole day splashing. The trail continues for 2.1 miles along a trickling stream that will lead you to the following falls.
Cunningham Falls State Park
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/western/cunningham.aspx
Cunningham Falls State Park offers everything from breathtaking waterfalls to a natural lake and miles of trails. Little ones are sure to be awestruck at the 78-foot Cunningham Falls, the largest cascading waterfall in the state. Swimming is not permitted in Cunningham Falls, but you can cool off after a satisfying hike with a dip in Hunting Creek Lake, just a short walk from the falls, where lifeguards are on duty daily during summer hours.
Kilgore Falls, Rocks State Park
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/central/Rocks/Falling-Branch.aspx
This short, family-friendly hike on the Falling Branch Trail (1.2 miles) of Rocks State Park leads to Maryland’s secondhighest vertical drop waterfall of 19 feet. Reservations are required for weekend visits.
Great Falls, C&O Canal National Historic Park
11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac https://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
This spectacular natural landmark is located along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. Watch the Potomac cascade over rocks to form 20- foot waterfalls, creating the steepest fall line rapids on the Eastern Seaboard.
BEACHES OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Nothing like a day at the beach. These Bay beaches are less crowded and closer to home than the ocean resort beaches. Plus there’s usually a hike to get there, or other fun ways to explore while you’re there. Call ahead to make sure parks aren’t at capacity, and keep your group to under 10 people. Find more at ChesapeakeFamily.com/beaches.
Point Lookout State Park
Located on a peninsula formed by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, the beach area has grills, picnic tables, and a playground. No lifeguards currently on duty.
Rocky Point Beach
Essex https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/ Agencies/recreation/countyparks/ mostpopular/rockypoint/index.html
Located at the mouth of Back and Middle Rivers, Rocky Point boasts an expansive view of the Chesapeake Bay, Hart-Miller Island and Craighill Light.
Elk Neck State Park
A sandy beach at the North East Beach Area offers swimming access on the Chesapeake Bay with shallow waters perfect for young children. There’s also a canoe and kayak hand-launch area nearby. No lifeguard. Swim at your own risk.
AT HOME WATER FUN
It’s hot, your neighborhood pool may or may not be open this summer. Here are some ideas on getting creative and staying cool in the backyard. More at ChesapeakeFamily.com/ backyardwaterfun. • Build a Sprayground • DIY Slip-n-slide • Pool Noodle Sprinklers • Water Balloon Pinatas • Mini Water Blobs All Our Dentists are Board Certified:
Hakan O. Koymen, DDS, MS Luz M. Tennassee DDS Marta Jolesz, DDS Hyejin Esther Cho, DMD Sylvia Yen, MPH, DMD
Jennifer Mai, DDS You Can Find the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child!
chesapeakepediatricdental.com NOW WITH THREE LOCATIONS!
Find us on Facebook
ARUNDEL MILLS 7556 Teague Road Suite 110 Hanover, MD 21076 410.799.0780 WHITE MARSH 5009 Honeygo Center Dr. Suite 228 Perry Hall, MD 21128 410.248.3384 ABINGDON/BEL AIR 3400 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive, Suite 120 Abingdon, MD 21009 410.569.4300
