Hike In Greenbelt, Paddle Board In Lothian On National Trails Day

MARYLAND — National Trails Day is this Saturday, and Maryland has plenty of places to enjoy the outdoor holiday. Plus, summer concerts are returning to a classic Annapolis venue.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"National Trails Day: Tuckahoe State Park

Each year, on the first Saturday of June, the American Hiking Society and the trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to find their own adventure and discover their unique story at one of the thousands of events hosted throughout the country. One place to celebrate the importance of trails on June 5 is Martinak and Tuckahoe State Park on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. A guided two-mile hike begins at the Cherry Lane Pavilion. June 5, 10:00 am to 11:00 am; Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne, MD. More details.

National Trails Day: Greenbelt Park

The park does not have an entrance fee so you can enjoy a hike on the trails throughout the day. Greenbelt has four trails ranging from 0.8 miles to 5.2 miles. You are invited to walk a trail, discover nature, and use the park to get some great exercise and fresh air. The best trails to access are the Azalea (1.2 miles) and the Perimeter Trail (5.2 miles). You can also join in for a trail volunteer project. Meet in the Sweetgum Picnic Area at 8:45 a.m. Trail projects begin at 9:00 a.m. and last until 12 Noon. June 5, Greenbelt Park, Greenbelt, MD. Registration is required for the volunteer projects. More information and registration.

National Trails Day: Elk Neck State Park

Celebrate National Trails Day by joining a park ranger for a two-mile hike to explore the forested areas of the White Banks and Beaver Marsh Loop Trails. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Reservations required. Fee of $3 per Maryland resident and $5 per out-of-state resident for day-use. June 5, 10:00 am to 11:00 am; Elk Neck State Park, North East, MD. More information and required registration.

Free Paddle Play Day

Families are welcome to join Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for a fun day on the water at Wooton’s Landing Wetland Park. You will have the opportunity to try kayaks, paddle boards, do some fishing, go for a hike, or play games. Water and snacks will be provided. Closed toe shoes are required to paddle. For kayaks and paddle boards, children must be 13 years or older. For canoes, children under 12 years old must have two paddling adults. Children 13 and older can paddle with one adult. This is a free event but registration is required. June 12, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration.

Tides & Tunes

The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series kicks off June 17th, offering 10 weeks of popular music – from rock to folk to blues – with the incomparable backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay. Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted. Food and spirits are available for purchase. Beverage sales support the Museum’s education program. Bring a chair or blanket. Concerts start at 7:00 pm at the Museum’s waterfront McNasby campus. More information and schedule.

Explore the Current, Weather and Captain John Smith's Historic Voyage with CBIBS!

Head out on the water and learn firsthand the experiences of Captain John Smith's Voyage on NOAA's Chesapeake Bay interpretive Buoy System. CBIBS provides real time weather and environmental information, as well as a glimpse into living Chesapeake Bay History. You can also download the app for your Android or iPhone from the website. Note: some buoys may be offline with no data currently available.

Chesapeake Trail Riverview

Take a virtual tour of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail from your computer or mobile device! To help you plan your trip before you go, the Chesapeake Conservancy partnered with Terrain360 to bring you virtual tours of the trail’s great rivers. Sit back and virtually explore the Elk, James (sponsored by the James River Association), Nanticoke, Northeast, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Sassafras, Susquehanna, and York rivers. Check out some of the Chesapeake’s special places like Werowocomoco, Fones Cliffs, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Mallows Bay. We hope to eventually bring you a virtual tour of the entire Chesapeake Trail! Explore the Chesapeake's great rivers on our website."

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