MARYLAND, USA
Image captured early November
OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5
LOCATION: Martinsburg, MD
DIRECTIONS: Sneaky turn off of Martinsburg Rd, about 5 min from MD-28, Darnestown Rd (follow signs). Park is located ~0.25mi down a winding wooded road.
PARKING: Free and plentiful – uncovered open lot
DETAILS: Trails great for walking, jogging, biking and horseback-riding following along the Potomac River going North and South. Numerous off-shoot trails that lead down to the “beach” area by the water where you can kayak, canoe, fish, etc. Boat ramp available.
WARNINGS: N/a
BEST TIME: Sunset ± 1 hour
Image captured mid-November
OVERALL RATING: 4.2/5
LOCATION: Potomac, MD
DIRECTIONS: Pennyfield Lock Rd. off of River Rd, across from Esworthy Rd. Park sits ~0.25mi down the road into the woods – don’t mind the NO OUTLET signs
PARKING: Free, but slightly limited open lot
DETAILS: Part of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal scenic route with trails great for walking, jogging, and biking stretching East and West along the Potomac River. Boat ramp available (right turn off Pennyfield Rd.)
WARNINGS: N/a
BEST TIME: Sunset ± 2 hours
Image captured late October
OVERALL RATING: 3.5/5
LOCATION: Potomac, MD
DIRECTIONS: Both sides of MD-190 (River Rd.) between MD-112 and Travilah Rd. Signs for park along River Rd.
PARKING: Free, but very limited – there are a few different lots, none have very many spots, but the best lot is on the top of the hill – you’ll likely see other cars parked at what looks like a random alcove offshoot from River Rd.
DETAILS: Trails great for hiking extending in multiple directions with numerous stunning views including a quaint little (private) farm Lots of tree cover in the summer and spring and beautiful foliage in autumn.
WARNINGS: Careful pulling in and backing out of parking area – traffic going 50+ mph both directions
BEST TIME: Sunset ± 1.5 hours
Image captured early-November
OVERALL RATING: 3.1/5
LOCATION: Germantown, MD
DIRECTIONS: Small park called Camp Seneca on the West side of Clopper Rd. (MD-117). Walk south towards the wooded area in the field and there is a small trail extending into the woods. The creek and opening are about 0.1mi down the trail.
PARKING: Medium-sized lot belonging to the Lodge at Little Seneca Creek – free to park when there are no events at the Lodge
DETAILS: Short, wooded trails good for walking and hiking and lots of tree cover and walking space along the creek.
WARNINGS: Trails are not super well maintained so wear appropriate footwear
BEST TIME: Sunset ± 2 hours
Image captured early December
OVERALL RATING: 3.5/5
LOCATION: Columbia, MD
DIRECTIONS: On North side of Clarksville Pike (MD-108). Follow signs for Centennial Park to find the parking lot.
PARKING: Free and plentiful
DETAILS: Multiple paved paths to walk along the lake and pavilions with seating and covered amphitheatre. Boat ramps available for lake access.
WARNINGS: Can get crowded on nice days so plan accordingly. Also hosts events periodically, so check the park schedule for details. Park closed from dusk to dawn.
BEST TIME: Sunrise -0.5 hour, +2 hours
Sunset -2 hours, +0.5 hour
Image captured early December
OVERALL RATING: 4.2/5
LOCATION: Marriotsville, MD
DIRECTIONS: Liberty Dam Rd on the west side of Wards Chapel Rd. Follow Liberty Dam Rd. through the entrance gates and ~0.75 mi to Liberty Dam.
PARKING: Free and plentiful
DETAILS: Scenic overlook of Liberty Dam with limited walking paths and picnic seating.
WARNINGS: Site closed dusk to dawn. Gun range nearby, so depending on the season, can be a little noisy.
BEST TIME: Sunrise -0.5 hour, +2 hours
Sunset -2 hours, +0.5 hour
Image captured mid-September
OVERALL RATING: 4.0/5
LOCATION: Gaithersburg, MD
DIRECTIONS: Can be accessed by going East on Main St. off of Darnestown Rd (MD-28) OR West on Lakelands Rd off of Great Seneca Highway (MD-119). Look for the soccer and baseball fields to park.
PARKING: Free and plentiful on the street and lot.
DETAILS: Paved walking paths around small lakes and playing fields great for long walks or runs. There are views from numerous locations along the path including some overlooking the lakes.
WARNINGS: Lakelands Park is directly next to a Middle School leading to occasional events and large groups of children.
BEST TIME: Sunrise or sunset ± 2 hours.
Image captured late November
OVERALL RATING: 3.8/5
LOCATION: Glenelg, MD
DIRECTIONS: On the east side of the Triadelphia Reservoir – follow Green Bridge Rd straight down the winding path ~0.2 mi to the parking lot.
PARKING: Free, limited
DETAILS: Similar to other sites around Triadelphia Reservoir, trails follow along the water with various stopping locations for waterfront and foliage views. Includes a boat ramp for recreational water activities.
WARNINGS: N/a
BEST TIME: Sunset ± 1 hour
Image captured early November
OVERALL RATING: 3.9/5
LOCATION: Laytonsville, MD
DIRECTIONS: On the North side of Sundown Rd, easily noticeable from the road – follow signs for Sundown Park.
PARKING: Free and plentiful
DETAILS: a quaint little park on the outskirts of Laytonsville, including a playground, skate park, playing fields and courts. Also includes a large covered seating area and plenty of open space for lounging and wandering.
WARNINGS: Park hosts games and events so be aware of possibility of large crowds
BEST TIME: Sunset ± 2 hours
