Tall Ship Festival Coming To MD + Scary Movie Hike Planned

MARYLAND — Maryland has plenty of autumn events, from a tall ship festival to a scary movie hike. Residents can also explore a state park known for its fall foliage or attend a Halloween party with live music.

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:

"Downrigging!

Downrigging is a gathering of magnificent tall ships – there is nothing quite like seeing the Downrigging Fleet illuminated along the Chestertown waterfront. And for music lovers[,] the co-star of the festival is live bluegrass music. The festival also offers tall ship sails and tours, fireworks, lectures, exhibits, family activities, regional food and more. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s environmental education programs and the other nonprofits participating in the festival. October 28-30. Chestertown, MD. More information and tickets"

"Blair Witch Heritage Hike

In the late 1990s, two young filmmakers made cinema history. "The Blair Witch Project" was a worldwide sensation and is still one of the most profitable movies in Hollywood history. Join Ranger Ledbetter ... to learn how this horror classic came to be filmed at Seneca Creek State Park and visit actual shooting locations from the film. $2/person suggested donation to Friends of Seneca Creek State Park. Oct. 30, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Button Farm, Germantown, MD. More information"

"Fall Destination: Hiking, Biking, Trail Running, Camping

According to the Maryland DNR's October 20th fall foliage report, Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, Maryland is at "near peak" fall foliage. The centerpiece of the park is [the] beautiful, 243-acre Lake Habeeb, reflecting the autumn beauty of the surrounding mountains ... The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through a mile-long gorge, flanked by sheer cliffs and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. You can “rock hop” down into the canyon on the challenging [5-mile-long] Evitts Homesite Trail or enjoy the diverse, 5+ mile Lakeside Loop Trail. The Lakeside Loop Trail crosses over four foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands, making it ideal for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking (rated intermediate). The [quarter-mile-long] Touch of Nature Trail is level and paved for the less adventurous. Rocky Gap Campground offers 278 individual campsites, plus mini cabin and yurt options. More information about Rocky Gap State Park."

"Halloween Hootenany Party

Catch the last concert in Martinak [State] Park’s Free Summer Concert Series and show off your [Halloween] costume to receive a treat. Campers can enter the [Halloween] campsite decorating contest. Music will be provided by the Chris Sacks Band, a fusion of tropical and American rock. Oct. 29, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Martinak State Park, Denton, MD. More information"

Related:

• Spooky Events Near Anne Arundel: Bat Hike, Fall Fest, Scary Stories
• Oyster Festival In Shady Side + Ghost Paddle Trip In Lothian
• War Of 1812 Event In Pasadena + Hispanic Heritage Month In Annapolis
• Birders Unite For Full-Day Watch + Waterfront Event Hosted In Spanish
• Annapolis To Host Kunta Kinte Festival + Small Boat Fair Coming To MD
• Watermen's Festival, Charitable Swim To Protect Waterways Coming To MD
• Raft-Up Boat Concert To Feature Annapolis Band + Railroad Event Slated
• Fleet Week Returning To MD + Bark In The Park Will Teach Pet Safety
• Historic MD Ship To Be Commissioned + Tall Ship Festival Coming Soon
• Visit White Sand Beach On Eastern Shore + Enjoy Western MD Mountains
• Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market
• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• Latino Conservation Week Approaches + Native American Festival On Tap
• Sharkfest Coming To MD + London Town To Celebrate Independence Day
• Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks
• Fireworks Shows In MD, DC + Introduction To Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Seining Class At Sandy Point + Juneteenth Celebration In Annapolis
• Strawberry Festival In Linthicum + Snakehead Fishing In MD
• Antique Boat Show Coming To MD + Father's Day Cruise Offered
• All of the stories from year one of this partnership are posted here