Gunpowder Falls Park is worth a visit for a ton of Maryland family fun including hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming off the beaten path, fishing, and even more outdoor fun!
About Gunpowder Falls
This State Park covers close to 18,000 acres with over 100 miles of trails. Located in Harford and Baltimore Counties, Gunpowder Falls offers youth group camping opportunities that take full advantage of the 1,500 feet of beach and swimming area along the Gunpowder River.
What to do there
It has plenty of hidden trails that make for opportune horseback riding and mountain biking. The South Trail Hike follows the Gunpowder River for about 1.5 miles. You walk up and back on the same path, but won’t regret that fact that you are retracing your steps. The river flows over rocks and through overhanging trees. You probably won’t see many other hikers, but perhaps will meet a fisherman or an artist enjoying the beauty of the river. Leashed dogs are allowed.
The Hammerman Area of the park, with a 1,500-foot beach is perfect for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Try your hand at windsurfing, paddle boarding and sailing. @ultimatewatersports has rentals at the Hammerman Area.
Plan a family barbecue and use the grills and picnic tables, which are available on a first-come first-serve basis, or rent out one of the four pavilions.
Info you need to know
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and admission is $3 per person on weekdays and $5 per person on weekends.
Photos courtesy of Gunpowder Falls State park facebook page.
Other Baltimore County places to visit
Here are a few more spots to check out in Baltimore County currently open to the public, we will feature a few more of them this month and on our instagram:
🚗 Loch Raven Fishing Center
🚗 Double Rock Park
🚗 Jerusalem Mill
🚗 The Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park
🚗 Irvine Nature Center
🚗 Angel Park
🚗 Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
🚗 Cromwell Valley Park
🚗 Marshy Point Nature Center
🚗 Oregon Ridge Nature Center & Park
🚗 GreenMount Farm
🚗 Rocky Point Beach and Park
🚗 Rawlings Conservatory
🚗 Sparrows Point Park
🚗 by Nicole Martin
🚗 Comment if you know any cool places to visit in Baltimore County <3
Click here to see some additional places to swim off the beaten path. Looking for more Maryland hikes to take with kids? Check this article out.
—Jenny Cardoza
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