Did you know that Montgomery County boasts a network of over 400 managed parks? There is more than 34,000 acres of parkland in our corner of Maryland, and 94% of the county’s population lives within a half mile of a park. There are parks for all interests and ages, and here are a few favorites:
Black Hill Regional Park, 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds MD
Black Hill Regional is located on Little Seneca Lake, and offers rentals for canoes, kayaks and rowboats. There are picnic shelters, volleyball courts, playgrounds and many trails. The Discovery Center highlights the nature programs and offers interpretive tours focused on the natural and historical resources of this area.
There are 20 miles of hard and natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding as well. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda
One of the area’s most popular parks, Cabin John Regional offers a 2 mile miniature train ride through the park. A favorite with families, the train runs weekends from 9:30 – 4:30. Additional attractions at Cabin John include sheltered picnic areas, some great playgrounds and, if you are tired of the steamy DC-area summer weather, head to the fully enclosed Ice Rink and cool off!
Seneca Creek Regional Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
There’s no better place to cool off than by water, and you don’t have to go all the way to Annapolis to find some! Seneca Creek Regional has trails for hiking, mountain biking, AND access to beautiful Clopper Lake, with canoes and kayaks available for rent. The park is comprised of 6300 acres, extending along Seneca Creek as it winds its way to the Potomac River. Entrance fee is $3.00 per person/$5.00 for out-of-state visitors. The park opens from 8 a.m. to sunset, through October.
Over 50 miles of trails offer hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. Created from giant oak tree trunks and logs, the Nature Play Space offers a challenge to balance, build, climb and connect at Oriole Picnic Grove.
We hope you’ll take the opportunity to check out as many of the Mo Co parks as your schedule allows. It is wonderful to know that we live surrounded by all these natural amenities….and are also moments from all the events and entertainment in the nation’s capital!