OUTDOORS Put One Foot in Front of the Other In Maryland, you’ll find a vast variety of scenery while hiking beautiful state parks and local paths. C PHOTOS: ALLTRAILS.COM USER ASHLEY MULL BY HENRY HONG Calvert Cliffs State Park Red Trail This easy 3.6-mile walk through forested wetland is perfect for all ages, and pays off handsomely with access to a strip of beach on the Chesapeake Bay that offers views of the park’s namesake cliffs, as well as an abundance of ancient sharks’ teeth and other marine fossils that will make a collector out of anyone. with multiple vistas, including Civil War battle sites and a stunning panoramic overlook of the Potomac River. Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail Built in 1833, this historic lighthouse is an easy two miles out and back from the 100-foot-tall bluff on which it stands, overlooking the confluence of the Susquehanna and Elk rivers at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse is open to visitors on weekends from late spring to early fall. Swallow Falls State Park Loop Although enjoyable year-round, this short 1.5-mile hike is especially popular with visitors looking to cool off in hot summer months, as the river and pools surrounding the beautiful falls—Maryland’s highest—are ideal for wading and swimming. Pemberton State Park Osprey Trail With miles of trails crisscrossing this 262-acre park along the Wicomico River in Salisbury, hikers can explore marshes, ponds and historical landmarks. The Osprey Trail offers stunning wildlife views too, including osprey nesting sites. ✥ Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry on the Appalachian Trail An ancient stream once flowed along this stretch of the Appalachian Trail, which extends for nearly 40 miles through Maryland along the South Mountain ridge. At almost 10 miles long, this is a fairly challenging ascent that will reward hikers Rocks State Park-White Trail A highlight of this trail is The King and Queen Seat, a 190-foot rock outcropping, once revered by local Native Americans, that affords hikers a challenging trek, in addition to a sprawling view of forested countryside. MAJESTIC HIKES Left to Right: Turkey Point Lighthouse; Swallow Falls State Park Loop DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 35
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