List of parks in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area facts for kids

The 15 largest public parks and preserves near Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

This article lists some of the biggest public parks and nature areas located within about 30 miles (48 km) of either Baltimore, Maryland or Washington, D.C.. These amazing green spaces are perfect for exploring nature, hiking, and learning about wildlife. They are all part of the larger Baltimore metropolitan area or the Washington D.C. area.

Discovering Huge Nature Parks

These parks are some of the largest in the region, offering vast areas for outdoor fun and learning. Many of them protect important wildlife and natural habitats.

Giant Parks (Over 10,000 Acres)

These are the biggest of the big, offering incredible opportunities for adventure.

• Prince William Forest - Locust Shade, Virginia: This park is about 18,255 acres (73.88 km2). Imagine how much space that is! About one-third of it is kept private to protect nature.
• Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge - Fran Uhler (Patuxent River Park), Maryland: This refuge covers about 13,300 acres (53.8 km2). It's a special place where scientists study wildlife. Like Prince William Forest, about one-third is closed to the public to keep the animals safe.
• Seneca Creek - McKee-Beshers - C & O Canal - Germantown, Maryland / Algonkian, Virginia: This huge area combines several parks, totaling about 12,435 acres (50.32 km2). It's a great spot for boating, fishing, and enjoying the historic C & O Canal.

Large Parks (Over 5,000 Acres)

These parks are still very big and offer lots of space to explore.

• Upper Patapsco, Maryland: This area is about 9,575 acres (38.75 km2). The Patapsco River runs through it, making it a beautiful place for river activities.
• Patuxent River Park - Merkle - Jug Bay Wetlands - House Creek, Maryland: This group of parks is about 8,759 acres (35.45 km2). It includes important wetlands, which are home to many birds and other creatures.
• Mason Neck - Accotink Bay - Pohick - Meadowwood - Gunston, Virginia: This collection of natural areas covers about 7,690 acres (31.1 km2). It's known for protecting bald eagles and other wildlife.
• Patuxent River State Park, Maryland: This park is about 6,650 acres (26.9 km2) and follows the Patuxent River, offering many outdoor activities.
• Chapmans - Myrtle Grove - Mattawoman, Maryland: These areas together are about 6,278 acres (25.41 km2). They are important for wildlife and offer chances to see different habitats.
• Sugarloaf Mountain - Monocacy River - C & O Canal, Maryland: This unique area is about 5,790 acres (23.4 km2). Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known landmark, and the nearby river and canal add to its natural beauty.
• Lower Gunpowder Falls, Maryland: This park covers about 5,325 acres (21.55 km2) along the Gunpowder River, a popular spot for fishing and kayaking.

Medium-Sized Parks (Over 2,000 Acres)

These parks are still quite large and provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• Manassas Battlefield, Virginia: This historic park is about 4,355 acres (17.62 km2). Besides its natural beauty, it's a place where important history happened.
• Little Bennett, Maryland: This park is about 3,700 acres (14.97 km2) and offers many trails for hiking and biking.
• Great Falls, Virginia - C & O Canal - Riverbend - Scott's Run - Carderock, Maryland: This amazing area is about 3,440 acres (13.9 km2). It's famous for its powerful waterfalls and stunning views of the Potomac River.
• Lower Patapsco - Rockburn Branch, Maryland: This section of the Patapsco River park system is about 3,435 acres (13.9 km2).
• Cedarville, Maryland: This forest is about 2,848 acres (11.53 km2) and is a great place for camping and enjoying the woods.
• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Maryland: This center covers about 2,800 acres (11.3 km2). It's a research facility, so public access is limited, but it's important for studying the environment.
• Upper Gunpowder Falls (Hereford), Maryland: This part of the Gunpowder Falls area is about 2,755 acres (11.15 km2).
• Rock Creek Regional (Lake Needwood - North Branch): This park is about 2,670 acres (10.8 km2) and includes Lake Needwood, a popular spot for boating.
• Susquehanna State Park, Maryland: This park is about 2,645 acres (10.7 km2) and is located along the beautiful Susquehanna River.
• Fountainhead, Virginia: This park is about 2,450 acres (9.9 km2) and offers great mountain biking trails.
• Nanjemoy Creek, Maryland: This area is about 2,415 acres (9.77 km2). It is generally closed to the public to protect its natural resources.
• Mid-Gunpowder Falls (Baldwin-Fork), Maryland: This section of the Gunpowder Falls is about 2,300 acres (9.3 km2).
• Eastern Neck, Maryland: This refuge is about 2,285 acres (9.25 km2) and is a key stop for migrating birds.

Smaller Parks (Under 2,000 Acres)

These parks might be smaller, but they still offer wonderful natural experiences.

• Douglas Point - Mallows Bay - Purse State Park (Nanjemoy Wildlife Area), Maryland: This area is about 1,920 acres (7.8 km2) and includes Mallows Bay, which is famous for its historic "ghost fleet" of sunken ships.
• Soldiers Delight, Maryland: This unique natural area is about 1,920 acres (7.8 km2). It's known for its rare serpentine barrens habitat, which supports special plants and animals.
• Rock Creek Park, D.C.: Located right in Washington, D.C., this park is about 1,754 acres (7.10 km2). It's a fantastic urban oasis, offering trails, nature centers, and a chance to escape the city bustle.

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  The 15 largest contiguous public parks-preserves within 30 mi (48 km) of either Baltimore, Md. or Washington, D.C.