National Parks in Maryland

The Maryland National Parks Map defines the locations in which the popular national parks of the state are situated. Also, the Maryland state map efficiently marks the well-known national parks of the place.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Clara Barton National Historic Site, Glen Echo Park, Antietam National Battlefield, Assateague Island National Seashore, and several others are pointed out in the map of the national park of Maryland. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park bears the imprint of the canal transportation system from 1828 to 1850.

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is yet another interesting spot of the state which offers exciting tourism opportunities along with bicycling and hiking. Covering a total of 341 acres the Fort Washington Park of Maryland spans over Potomac and was once built to offer protection to Washington. Thomas Stone National Historic Site and Hampton National Historic Site are among the several other national parks of Maryland.

How many National Parks in Maryland?

The National Park Service controls 24 units in the state of Maryland. They range from sites of ecological interest to portions of the parkway system around Washington, D.C. There are eight units administered by the National Park System in Maryland as a part of National Capital Parks. The most recent unit created in Maryland is the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which was authorized by Congress in 2006.

Best National Parks in Maryland

• Catoctin Mountain Park:

  Catoctin’s diverse cultural resources provide several descriptions of the Nation’s history in one small location. The totality of resources found in Catoctin Mountain Park reflects much of the early fabric of our country. Nature lovers and adventure seekers have many opportunities at Catoctin Mountain. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails, along with fishing, horse trails, and rock climbing. You can even take an Orienteering class with a Park Ranger to learn how to navigate with a map and compass around the park. There are also options of camping sites and lodging in the park.

• Assateague Island National Seashore :

  The site is known as a barrier island and boasts of migratory waterfowl, golden beaches, and wild horses. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. One can explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays. One can go fishing and crabbing. Horseback Riding is allowed seasonally along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:

  The Park is between the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and allows you to step back into the past. There are live historic events that take place throughout the year allowing you to look into American History. There are museums and exhibits to check out, along with hiking trails and National battlefields.

• Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park:

  This park bears the imprint of the canal transportation system from 1828 to 1850. The canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Providing canal travel options between Cumberland and Washington DC, the park today showcases aqueducts and locks that were used in the ancient period. One can Hike the Billy Goat Trail, Ride a boat, or Visit Great Falls Tavern.

Best Time to Visit National Parks in Maryland

The National Parks in Maryland are popular for their strenuous activities in both summer and winter, including cross-country skiing and rock climbing. The ocean temperatures at Assateague Island are similar to Ocean City, Maryland with the best time of the year to swim is from the end of June to early September.