Monkton is a family-friendly favorite tubing spot with long, luxurious stretches of easy floating mixed with a few swift spots to spice up your day. There’s more great tubing on the Patapsco River through Patapsco Valley State Park. The Avalon, Glen Artney and Orange Grove Areas all offer prime spots to put in, and seeing the parks famous “Swinging Bridge” from underneath is always a hoot. Closer to D.C. and a stone’s throw from Harpers Ferry, you’ll find the spectacular Maryland Heights on the Potomac River. Consider a guide here, as the long stretches of swift but smooth water are checkered with the occasional Class II and III rapids. Turn your water-fueled outing into an overnight getaway. State parks, like Herrington Manor, offer water activities and cabin rentals for a fun family stay. EXPLORE BLACKWATER, “THE EVERGLADES OF THE NORTH” Rent a canoe or kayak from nearby Blackwater Adventures and explore the meandering waterways of the massive Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Known as “The Everglades of the North,” this massive, 28,000-acre refuge is at the heart of the Great Atlantic Flyway and is home to some of the most amazing birding in the world. Witness massive flocks of ducks and geese with more than 50,000 calling the Blackwater home. Seriously, just try and count the eagles. You’ll run out of fingers, toes and anything else you care to count on. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains three marked water trails and even has interactive paddling maps for your phone. HAVE YOU CONSIDERED PIRACY? Pictured Left to Right: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge; Urban Pirates, Baltimore Maybe you’ve always thought about becoming a real live pirate, but were afraid to commit. No problem, take a day trip on a pirate ship and see if you’ve got any swash in your buckle. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake in Annapolis, Urban Pirates in Baltimore and the National Harbor, and The Duckaneer Pirate Ship in Ocean City guarantee they won’t make you walk the plank. Spend the day blasting bad guys with water cannons or the evening on an adults-only booze cruise. If the pirate’s life isn’t the life for you, you can always go back to your day job. ✥ PHOTO: @REDCIRCLEPHOTOS DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 45
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 45
