Getting Back to Nature in Maryland

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Maryland has a bunch of fantastic towns and cities to visit, but one thing that’s not always celebrated about this state is its nature! Even the fully paid-up members of the city slicker club will struggle to resist the charms of Maryland’s natural beauty. There’s birdwatching, hiking, boating, exploring, and a little bit of eating thrown in for good measure. So, if you’re in the mood to get some of that fresh air in your lungs then look no further.

Explore Chesapeake Bay

Of all of the fun things to do in Annapolis, visiting Chesapeake Bay is at the top of my list! This spectacular bay is beautiful from land, sure, but truthfully, it’s best viewed from a boat. Luckily for you, it’s super easy to enjoy a boat ride from several tours operating in the area.

Any canine aficionados will probably know this area as the birthplace of the Chesapeake Bay retriever, but trust me, there’s a whole lot more to it than just beautiful bronze gundogs! This bay is the largest estuary in the United States.

This makes it a uniquely perfect environment for all kinds of birds, including eagles, ospreys, and herons. These giants of the sky make for a breathtaking afternoon of bird watching. They’re big too, so you should be able to spot and identify them pretty easily!

And don’t forget to try the Maryland Blue Crab with Old Bay Seasoning. You can get to some area restaurants right from you boat!

Visit Old Wye Mill

Old Wye Mill isn’t necessarily the most talked about destination in Maryland, but it’s arguably one of the most historic. We’ve published a piece about Old Wye Mill before, mostly because of its interesting past, but also because of its stunningly beautiful surroundings.

The mill is what’s known as a grist mill, which grinds grain. Operating since 1682, it is the oldest, continuously operating gristmill in the USA! A true, living piece of history. Peer over and watch as water flows through the old wooden sluice gates. This powers the traditional machinery, still grinding up cornmeal to this day.

You can even buy some at the incredibly sweet gift shop. History is not your forte? Not into watching grits get ground? Take a walk outside. In the spring this is an absolute paradise with hundreds of wild spring bulbs leaping out of the grass with their candy colors.

Assateague Island National Seashore

You want some actual wilderness? Visit Assateague Island. Forming the barrier between Maryland and Virginia, this place is best known for the wild horses that roam its rugged landscape. Yep, you heard me right…actual wild horses! The seclusion and the unique landscape are the perfect habitat for these herds, roaming around munching on bits here and there.

There are plenty of birds to keep the pesky flies away too, in fact, without hopefully sounding like too much of a bird nerd, this is another great spot for getting the binoculars out. Warblers are a common sight here, especially noticeable because of their warbling song. Egrets are common too, stalking blue crabs in the sandy marshes. It’s a beautiful setting, sandy shores, scrubby plants, birds above, fish flitting in the shallow water and the sound of a pony’s breath. What could be more perfect?

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Switching right back over to the west of Maryland, stop in Deep Creek Lake State Park. A state park is always a safe bet, but this one is something special. There are just shy of four thousand acres of this bad boy, with 69 miles of pure shoreline. So, what is there to do? With no playgrounds nor ziplines, just pure unspoiled nature, Deep Creek Lake leaves it largely up to you.

The trails are stunning and well-marked too. For more detailed information, you can always rely on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. They’ve got the trails locked and loaded. Oh, and they also offer a kayak rental system, so technically there is a miniscule amount of human interference, but it’s worth it for the views!

Honestly, being in a kayak and being surrounded by towering trees and clear waters is such a tonic. Visiting is beautiful at any time of year but a favorite time is Autumn. This park is all about the trees and watching them turn from the lake is breathtaking.

Catoctin Mountain Park

You’ve made it to the final recommendation on the list, but that’s certainly not all the nature there is in Maryland! I’d strongly advise you to turn off the beaten path and do your own exploring, as this state has so much to offer. But, I digress.

At Catoctin Mountain Park, you’ll find sweeping views and rugged mountain trails. Why? Because it is part of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. As such, you’ll want a fairly good fitness level for some of the hikes here. The payoffs are spectacular panoramic views that stretch pretty much as far as the eye can see.

Cunningham Falls is a great, in fact essential, site to check out on your visit. It’s the largest cascading waterfall in the state, and it is a beauty. Take a picnic and emjoy some time creekside. You’ll be feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to explore even more of this great state by the time you’re done!

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