6 Maryland State Park Projects Bring New Trails, Camping And Bay Access

Looking for somewhere new to hike, camp or simply enjoy the scenery? Maryland is adding more places to explore, including mountain retreats, Chesapeake Bay waterfront and historic properties.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources highlighted six public lands projects Thursday, including new state parks, expanded access to existing properties and the preservation of historically significant sites.

The additions stretch from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, with projects also underway in Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties.

Some locations are already welcoming visitors, while others are still being prepared for public access.

6 Maryland Public Lands Projects

Freedman's State Park — Montgomery County

One of Maryland's newest state parks preserves the history of Enoch George Howard and his family, who purchased their freedom from slavery and established a thriving Black community.

The park features historic buildings and farmland that help tell the family's story and preserve an important chapter of Maryland's African American history.

Holly Beach Farm — Anne Arundel County

Located near Annapolis, Holly Beach Farm Natural Resources Management Area offers sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge.

The state is developing plans to expand opportunities for recreation, education and research while protecting the property's sensitive coastal environment.

Public access improvements are still being planned, so visitors should not assume the entire property is open.

Wetipquin Creek State Park — Wicomico County

Maryland's first state park in Wicomico County will preserve a scenic landscape along Wetipquin Creek on the lower Eastern Shore.

The property includes natural areas and historic resources, and state officials are working to expand public access.

Savage Highlands State Park — Garrett County

Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a mountain getaway have a new option in Western Maryland.

The former private luxury retreat has been converted into a state park featuring yurts, cabins and camping opportunities.

Surrounded by the roughly 50,000-acre Savage River State Forest, the park provides access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities.

Wills Mountain State Park — Allegany County

Maryland is working to open up a mountain overlook near Cumberland that has been largely inaccessible to the public for about four decades.

The state acquired the former Artmor property to help establish a new access road and trails leading to sweeping views of Cumberland and the Narrows.

The project remains in development.

Cunningham Falls State Park — Frederick County

An important piece of African American history is now protected within Cunningham Falls State Park.

The state added a historic cemetery associated with enslaved skilled workers at Catoctin Furnace, where ironworkers produced cannonballs during the Revolutionary War.

The addition preserves the workers' burial ground and helps tell the story of their contributions to early American history.

How Is Maryland Paying For The Expansion?

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said the expansion marks one of the state's most significant periods of public-lands development in decades.

The projects are being supported largely through existing conservation and park funding rather than significant new general taxpayer appropriations, according to DNR.

One major source is Program Open Space, which uses a portion of Maryland's real estate transfer tax to purchase land for public use.

The state is also using funding provided through the Great Maryland Outdoors Act of 2022 to hire staff, improve facilities, and prepare properties for visitors.

More openings and access improvements are expected in 2027 as planning and construction continue.

Additional details about the six projects are available through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.