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    Gunpowder Falls State Park

    4.0 (44 reviews)

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    Whitley D.

    Came here for a get together, and it was so beautiful! You can reserve portions of the park. We had area to play soccer, corn hole and football. The picnic area had plenty of benches to sit and eat. There was catered food and there was even enough room to have the food laid out. There was a restroom near by as well that were clean! When we were walking we noticed there is also a beach in this area! That was so nice to find out! The water isn't clear but it's still a beach with sand lol. Apparently Haney allow you to rent kayaks as well here. The entrance was $5 I believe and make sure to have cash as I don't believe they took card. This is a dog friendly and hike friendly location. My dogs had a great time exploring with me. All in all I will be back and enjoy doing some hiking soon!

    History of the Park
    Faith Maya O.

    Huge park! $3 to enter but you do have to pay $3 to re-enter if you leave. Very reasonably priced. There are 3 playgrounds and plenty of pavilions. It has a beach but also is a park so be mindful to bring bug spray because there are lots of bugs (due to trees, grass etc). Also keep in mind there aren't a ton of eating options nearby, mainly a Royal Farms, a Chinese Food place & a restaurant with limited hours so to avoid the re-entry fee I would say pack or bring your own food. Nice play to swim, with picnic tables located near the beach. Great place for a walk, an event, to BBQ or to just see the beach. The water isn't clear or anything but there's plenty of sand. I would recommend taking a visit.

    Waterfalls in the creek
    Justin W.

    Love the Torrey C Brown Trail. Some of the highlights are the Monkton Station, a former train station from the Northern Central Railway. On the weekends in the summer it's a free museum open to the public. There's also a nearby cafe. Further north near Parkton there's waterfalls in the creek and the gnome house, a small mountain someone put on their property and covered with gnomes. The Sparks Bank Nature Center is rarely open. Much of the rest of the trail is deep wooded broken up by small communities.

    LaToya E.

    Really great trails for a nice hiking workout. It can get a little muddy after rainy weather but the waterfall views are worth it. Just be sure you wear shoes you dont mind ruining and pay attention to the mile markers so you wont get turned around.

    Sonna T.

    Squeezed in another adventure while the kid's in school. I visited Gunpowder State Park for hiking and lounging by hammerman beach. *$3 entry fee for the park via the honor system envelope box. Bring exact cash* Dogwood Nature Trail : - This was a short and sweet 1 mile hike in the woods. Great for beginners who would like to transition from flat/paved surfaces to flat-ish wooded/natural surfaces. It was a super quiet and isolated trail but beware of bees! I'm new to hiking and completed this in about 25min with hiking sandals and a large backpack. I did see 1-2 small benches along the trail for anyone who needs a sit down break. They also have these cool QR code's throughout the trail. Scan it with your phone camera and it'll take you a a website that provides education about that specific area of the trail such as wetlands, marshes, frogs etc. Neat! The trail is well marked but it did get confusing at the end near the bathrooms. Luckily it leads you right to the parking lot. Hammerman Beach : - After my hike, I drove over to the beach to cool off and relax by the water before the school day ended. This small beach was mostly empty except a few families with small children and 1 cute elderly couple. I saw a boat pass , kayakers , and a huge duck squad . There were plenty of picnic tables available and grassy areas to lay down a blanket. Parking was readily available, however, this could be attributed to the fact that it was a cloudy school day (probably more people during the weekends/sunny days). Swimming is at your own risk though the swimming area is roped off. Eastern Watersport is also located next to the beach. They offer kayak, paddle board, and jet ski rentals. The water clarity was ok for a Maryland beach. I've seen better water quality but I've definitely seen worst.

    Raft down the river
    Gerard S.

    Spent sometime in an area called Hillbilly beach. Beautiful area on a beautiful day. Hiking on some trails. Walking trails. Spotty parting depending on where you start.

    My view from the picnic area.
    Angel H.

    I went to Gunpowder Falls with my mom and son and I was pleasantly surprised! I haven't been to this beach since I was a kid! It has definitely changed for the better. We went during the week so the parking was great and it wasn't too crowded. Also it's $3 per person to enter which isn't too bad. The grounds and beach were well kept, I didn't see any trash on the beach or the picnic area. I like that were tables, benches, and grills in the picnic area. This beach is very low key and relaxing which is what I needed! There were vigilant lifeguards everywhere which was really great. I really can't say anything negative about the place! I will definitely be back with my family, it will just be more of us! So yes, check out this hidden jewel in Baltimore.

    Alexis B.

    I spent a great morning at Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area) yesterday. It was less than a thirty minute drive from Towson/North Baltimore, and it had enough to keep me busy for hours! There's a small fee to enter the park ($3 for MD residents and $5 for out of state visitors), but the park has a lot to offer. I tried to do a hike in the morning when I arrived; I was looking for the White Trail, which I never found. I did find a VERY short walk/hike - the Muskrat Trail - which wasn't much, but it did allow me to stretch my legs after the short drive. (I think to get to the longer hikes you have to take an immediate right when you enter the park, but the signage wasn't clear or very helpful - if you're looking for the trails, I'd ask the person who takes your fee for entrance at the park where to go!) After the short hike, I wandered over to the Hammerman Area's real draw - Hammerman Beach. It's a short stretch of beach - and there were lots of people with umbrellas, tents, blankets... People were swimming, grilling, building sand castles,...just enjoying the beach! There are lots of picnic tables along the beach - I sat for a while in the shade and enjoyed my book. After that, I wandered down the beach to the Eastern Watersports rental tent! They offer kayaks (single and tandem), paddleboards, and more. For $25, I rented a single kayak for an hour and enjoyed exploring some more of the Hammerman beach shoreline and the bay. Some of the bathrooms are closed due to COVID, but there were bathrooms available near the beach (with showers, too). This park has a lot to offer, and I'd be happy to explore it further or explore some of the other areas of the park (Central Area, Hereford Area, Sweet Air Area, Dundee Creek Marina)!

    Pond Nature Trail
    Joe M.

    Very nice, well maintained park. I needed to get out for some hiking after been locked in for 2 months and Gunpowder was nearby. I hiked several of their wooded trails and al were well manicured and very nice. Some spots were mushy but it had rained the day before so that was expected. The beach area was packed but the rest of the park was quiet with few people. Loved it. Will be back.

    they have tons of frogs everywhere
    Sahar R.

    Gunpowder Falls State Park has six park areas which explains why it has multiple listings on Yelp. Despite the multiple Yelp listings I am surprised more people haven't review this natural gem. As some background, Gunpowder Falls is the largest state park in Maryland with 15,000-acre state park with endless great hiking trails.Just to explain the lay out of the six park areas, some areas are for swimming, some for kayaking and fishing and some for hiking. These areas are all outlined here: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/gunpowder.aspx. It is so expansive, you can't really walk from one area to another and have to park in the area you intend to go to. I am specifically reviewing the Central Area and Hereford area (because Waze took me here), which is ideal for a day hike, if you're running short on time, but craving lots of natural beauty and shade this is the hike to do. Especially the wildlands area that has a swimming hole at the end of a 4.5-5 mile hike. The paths are are loops that follow the river to the falls and then go up into the forest. The paths are heavily wood and the hike is not strenuous in the least, although there are a few stream crossings, but it provides a ton of access to water and wildlife. On a short hike here, I spotted a ton of frogs (they are on the path and will jump as you approach), of course where frogs are there are snakes (just a baby brown northern water snake), a wild turkey (a little aggro) and the ultimate sight was a bald eagle that kept following me from tree to tree and I almost thought it was after my dog or me. You can end the hike with a dip in a watering hole (more than five feet deep), apparently this section is popular among locals and it's called "Hillbilly/Hobo Beach". It's definitely appropriately named. There was one romantico couple practicing the lift scene from Dirty Dancing here. Not gonna lie, was kinda hoping a water snake would creep up on them and he'd drop her, just for the video opportunity. How to get there: Either type in Gunpowder Falls State Park in Waze end up at a horse center and then turn around and go right down Belair and find a small lot on your right or take I-695 to Exit 32, MD-1 North (Belair Road) Go 5.5 miles look for parking lot straight ahead after crossing Gunpowder River. This hike is also conveniently located close to my favorite bbq restaurants, Andy Nelsons and Big Bad Wolf, just sayin'.

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    2 years ago

    Very peaceful and beautiful and nice place to spend your time with your family and friends, l go there every time I get a chance awesome

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    7 years ago

    Love the paths for my dog! The water is clean and perfect for a lab who is obsessed with water. Lovely area for a nature walk.

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    Looking for a place to cool off during the summer - come on down, there's swimming, hiking and other fun stuff!!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Gunpowder Falls State Park

    Is it open to swim right now?

    I believe you can swim any time but there are no lifeguards until Memorial Day

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    Review Highlights - Gunpowder Falls State Park

    The Hammerman area at Gunpowder Falls State Park offers a beach area, a place to rent kayaks and catamarans and covered pavillions for rent.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Eastern Regional Park - There I am, on the playground... it's been a while since I could do that

    Eastern Regional Park

    4.2(5 reviews)
    6.2 mi

    I lived in Chase before this park existed. Yet, somehow, before Tuesday, I had only ever visited it…read moretwice - once for an indoor flea market (which sucked), and once for a friend's softball game. I have no real excuse other than depression and an overall lack of adventurous spirit. It's a very nice park, heavy on the sportsball fields. My boyfriend and I went to see if there was anywhere in the park where we could sit near the water and have lunch - unfortunately there is not, which is a bummer because the park DOES sidle up against a small river, but there's no way to see it with all the marsh grasses and such. There are some "viewing platforms" along the Nature Trail, and I suppose at one point they extended further into the water, but drought conditions have put a stop to that. The Nature Trail is pretty great. The path is hard packed, which meant that my chair didn't get stuck - no mud, no sand, hardly any tree roots. We explored the entire length. Didn't see much wildlife (a toad, a crane, and a squirrel), but discovered three different types of mushrooms. Lots of Pokestops, if that's your thing (TeamJerky!). The playground is my favorite thing at the park. It's wheelchair accessible!!! Sure I can't do any climbing, but the fact that I could even access the thing is so wonderful - so I did. Yes, I am a 46-year-old woman and I played on the playground. Didn't have a lot of chances to do that while I was growing up. I'll take the chances now, as they are presented. There's also a small free library house, where you can pick out a new (to you) book. It would be nice if you added one in return. We enjoyed ourselves. Would recommend.

    Great place to enjoy the outdoors! Location includes:…read more- 1 Mile walking path (marked every 1/10 of a mile) - Small walking trail through the woods (3/4 mile) - Lots of sports fields (Baseball, Soccer & Football) - Several pavilions - Pet friendly (pet waste stations available) - Large playground - Plenty of parking

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    There's a fungus among us

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    Miami Beach Park

    Miami Beach Park

    4.0(1 review)
    9.1 mi

    Visited here last week, during the off-season so the bathrooms weren't open and there wasn't any…read morestaff available, but had a great time (until I got my motorized chair stuck in the sand, but that's my fault and I can't hold my carelessness against this place). My mom, boyfriend and I brought some take-away to the park for lunch. There are several picnic tables available, on a concrete patio, overlooking the water. It was a perfect shaded spot, listening to the lapping of the water against the shore, watching a flock of geese feed in the distance on the water. During the popular season it seems that you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and jetskis. There's usually a lifeguard and some other stuff, but we visited in mid-September and on a Wednesday, so it was quiet. My favorite thing ever though was that they have one of those mats that make it possible for wheelchair users to travel across the sand, and to the packed sand near the water. I have seen these in actual Miami, and Myrtle Beach but neither of those places actually took them seriously. The one in Coney Island was very close to the one I experienced in Middle River, the mat ends only feet from the water. If you're an able-bodied person, bless you, but you cannot understand the utmost delight in finding a place that remembers that people in wheelchairs exist, and also love to be near the water. It's absolutely wonderful to be remembered and accommodated. Loved my afternoon here. Would recommend.

    Double Rock Park

    Double Rock Park

    4.3(12 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    Favorite low key park. It features 2 playgrounds, a baseball field, 2 pavilions, a ton of…read morePicnic tables, and a wooded trail. The trail could use some maintenance but it's a nice getaway from the city. The trail features large rocks (obviously) and a small stream. There are a few shallow bodies of water that along the trail that is perfect for little ones to play in the stream (at your own risk). It's very relaxing for relaxing in nature, deep breathing or reading a book. The park does have a restroom and 1 pavilion appears to have a grill. There is plenty of parking for a intimate event or family gathering. Overall, this is a cute little park that offers nature close to the city. Fyi: the rocks can be slippery when wet so wear sturdy shoes or hiking sandals.

    This is a great little park with a lot of trail options right in the middle of a residential…read moreneighborhood. For this reason, it feels very safe since there are houses and people around not too far from the middle of this park. Very good parking lot and clear map when you enter. Playgrounds and covered pavilion/picnic areas too! Even though it is small, there are a lot of trail options, you can mix and match them and make it as short or long as you want. Last time I was there I did a mixture of the inner and outer trails and it was just under 2 miles. The trails are not marked well, they are a little confusing and I get turned around every time I go there, and I am pretty good with directions! Make sure to take a picture of the map before you enter! Overall it is a very easy hike though, not a lot of steep inclines. The best part about it though is the water. It is known for the rocks obviously and small waterfalls. It is very peaceful and pretty. Someone made chairs out of tree branches at one point in the trail, that was kind of cool!

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    Double Rock Park - Rich Pavilion in the Picnic Area

    Rich Pavilion in the Picnic Area

    Double Rock Park - Beautiful and scenic trails

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    Burdick Park - Burdick Dog Park Application page 4

    Burdick Park

    2.7(7 reviews)
    7.4 miRosemont East

    The Baltimore City fenced in "dog park" is not worth the hassle of parking…read more Uneven paving, forget any sidewalks, tree stumps, and tree roots contribute to the uneven and hilly location. Locked toilet area. Overflowing large barrels for trash. So, WHAT EXACTLY was all the hoopla about getting this "dog park" installed? Just go to any dog park areas downtown and you will love the difference. Ground is taken care of, waste bags and receptacles in place. Like care and forethought were given. Definitely a community area.

    Burdick Dog Park is apparently free, but really hard to join. I've emailed the city, but no…read moreresponse. The facebook page is mostly inactive and won't let you post anything. I didn't see any info there on how to join. I suspect it's a neighbor running it who may not want people to join. Hard to say. Otherwise it's very odd that the only place with information on the park won't share it with the public. I almost gave up trying to join (and I literally live down the street), but then one day I saw this application at the library. It says to mail it in. I haven't tried yet. I hope that works. If not, then I have no idea how to get the gate code. It's almost like no one wants you to join. What a weird concept for a public dog park. Anyway attached is the application if it's helpful. FYI you need a city dog license and updated rabies cert to join (if you can figure out how to join!).

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    Burdick Park - Burdick Dog Park Application page 3

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    Gunpowder Falls State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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