Seneca Creek State Park…read more Location: 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Restrooms: several buildings restrooms around the park area. Accessibility: strollers and wheelchairs accessible in most part Information: dnr.maryland.gov Here is the season hours: * In Season: April 1st- October 31st (excluding holidays) * Monday-Friday 9 AM - 8 PM ET * Saturday & Sunday 9 AM - 3 PM ET * Off Season: November 1st- March 31st (excluding holidays) * Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM ET A beautiful park, with scenic views from everywhere you stand. We enjoyed the lake part, where you can see the measurements board across the lake and guess what is the board color? It's rainbow color. It's very zen experience when we're enjoying the view by the lake, it's like the time stops just for you to maximize the experience! We didn't check on the trails yet due to rain when we visited but will definitely check out the park again, especially for the fall color! #senecacreekstatepark #mocomd #preservefootprints

Absolutely beautiful park, well maintained trails around the lake, ample parking, friendly ranger…read morestaff, and just a great place to be. Some friends and I went for a hike on a Sunday morning and while the website says they might charge you a few dollars for parking, we didn't see anyone at the gate house and no one asked us. At the Ranger station, the bathrooms were very clean, quite warm actually, and there was a couple of interesting habitat exhibits. Just a really well run state park with lots of activities. They even had a station where you can get free firewood, and build a little fire.

I've been to Lake Needwood twice and both times I've had a wonderful outdoor experience. The first…read moretime, my wife and I did the trail and it was not challenging but very relaxing. You're on the outskirts of the lake so it's always nice to see the water through the trees. We also went kayaking and it was a wonderful experience and fairly priced - we were on the water for about two hours. The second time we went we went with a group of friends and we rented a row boat for the whole day ($50). It was definitely worth it since we were on the water from 10:30 am - 5:30 pm. The staff was very nice as well because we were able to dock the boat to go to our car and get some things we forgot. You're also allowed to fish - on a boat or kayak or on land - and I would recommend to come in early in the day or late in the day to actually catch some fish. If you're in the DMV area and need an escape from DC, or just want to admire nature, come here - by yourself or with your friends/family. There's something for everyone.

Enjoyed kayaking at Lake Needwood. Easy to launch when you bring your own kayak. Make sure to…read morebring a hat if your staying out for a long time trail is also very good.

Grading on the curve of "it's in Maryland", this is a fantastic trail!…read more If this were west of the rockies though, it would be A-OK. There is one tiny section where you actually have to scramble. The rest of it is pretty much a moderate hike with some lite route-finding. We saw multiple snakes on the way in, which were the highlight. Definitely worth doing if you're in the area, but probably not worth a dedicated trip if you're in DC proper.

Not a reflection of the trail as a whole, but when I stopped back on this occasion I was dismayed…read more It was one thing during the peak of the COVID era when there were signs up saying this trail was to be undertaken in one direction only. People were throwing around all sorts of silly rules out of desperation in those days. I doubt any lives were saved by this; maybe the theory was to reduce human contact but realistically, we're talking about hiking in open air. Public health aside, I return to find even now there are still signs saying to take the trail one way. And having done it both ways many times, it's the wrong way! Absurd. Supposedly there's some justification, but I think that grown adults can figure out how to hike in two directions without running into each other. As an overall natural resource, it remains a gem (though it must be noted that the Billy Goat B trail downstream is currently closed due to damage). But whoever is making these stupid rules shouldn't be in the business of making rules at all. Thankfully some rebels were taking the trail in the northernly direction, as well they should.

A delightful hidden gem - this conservation park is only 650 acres but it feels much more secluded…read moreand wild than you'd expect. There's mowed paths through a maintained wildlife friendly meadow with interpretive signage. Hiking trails through an extended area of older forest (tall poplars) with a healthy understory- so rare in Maryland, as well as younger/successional forest. A small river babbles its way through the bottomland forest, with easy bank access. Some decent large rocks to get your instagram selfies. There's a mysterious little pond tucked away in the middle. Trails are clean and well maintained. Easy parking with a good number of spaces. The kind of place you could bring somebody to help them appreciate nature & conservation, or go for a walk, or a hike, or a trail-run, or wander amongst the trees and riverbanks for your "forest bathing" rejuvenation. Delightful.

If you need a scenic hike that is not as strenuous, this is the place to go. What a hidden gem…read more I have one dog that is senior in a wheelchair and another dog that is probably a puppy and young, so this is the best place to take them both. The senior pug can navigate the less hilly trails and meadow path really well and the crackhead can run through streams and hunt squirrels. And also eat horse poop. And deer poop. And roll around in it. Win win. There are six miles of trails here. The Greenway trail of Fox Meadows Loop is the best since it winds along a river. Lots of photographers on this trail and they will let you know where to take the best shots. This is an awesome park for bird watching. And a great park for family outings. I even think it is a good spot for photo shoots. Also as an incentive, the Sunshine General Store is right by here so you can pick up a BLT or bacon cheeseburger pre or post hike. Keep in mind it is a conservation park so there are no bathrooms and amenities.

On our way to nearby Rocklands Farm Winery, we met another family at Riley's Lock for the kids to…read moreget more energy out. There's a parking lot near the historic lock and aqueduct. Along the C&O Trail, there's green space near the Potomac River to play (or camp).

Great place to walk or bike on the canal or boat on the river. Picnic area, plenty of parking, port…read morea potties, and boat ramp. Beautiful view across the river and cute lock house.

I'm definitely revisiting this trail! There's a lovely body of water and tons of rocks in the area…read moreto make it a moderate trail if you wish (blazing your own trail). It's a trail in the middle of the city, except you don't have that city environment when you're on this trail! We had parked in Parking Lot 6, and there was plenty of parking remaining on a Saturday afternoon. When we went on the trail, a part of the road was blocked off to cars, so it's a great place to cycle, walk, or skate. As we walked, we saw a few people on unicycles and roller blading. That part of the trail was an easy walk since it's normally meant for cars. Eventually, we crossed a bridge to head to the not-so-hidden ruins. Apparently, a few months ago, these ruins were open to the public to explore. I visited this today and they were gated/blocked off with a "no trespassing" sign. These ruins are apparently pieces of the US Capitol Building after it was renovated in 1958. From my understanding, they weren't sure what to do with the stones, so they dumped it in this park. Need these ruins is also a horse trail/horse barn area.

Not too much to say this time. This trail is a great relaxing getaway during your lunch break if…read moreyou work nearby or are working from home and need some fresh air. Put those shoes on and hit the trail. You won't regret it

Kyacking here over the summer was amazing. The water clear and clean. Never crowded and an…read moreenjoyable day with beautiful views!

This is the largest lake in Montgomery County. It is one of my favorite places to go out on my…read morekayak. Being as large as it is, there is quite a lot to see. There are two canoe trails (suitable for kayaks as well!). The shoreline is full of interesting birds. Down at the spot where Ten Mile Creek flows into the lake, I have floated right over the top of some enormous snapping turtles. During the summer, this is quite a popular place to be. There is a concession that rents boats for only $8 per hour. But the lake is big enough that it does not seem crowded. My boat is a bit tight for two people, so I often use this concession when I want to take a friend with me. Boaters should beware and make certain they have a permit attached to their boat. You can get a daily permit for $5 at either of the two boat launch sites. You can buy a seasonal pass at the visitor's center. Also beware if you own an inflatable boat (like I do). Your boat must have at least three separate air chambers or it is not allowed on the lake. This lake has probably become my favorite paddling spot. Unlike Clopper Lake, I have not yet found this lake's secret turtle hiding spot. But the sheer size of the lake makes it hard to get tired of Little Seneca Lake.

Great park with diverse scenery: creeks, trails, bridges, and forests. There's also a school…read morenearby with a running track. I really enjoyed daily walks here with the dog when I visited. Great for walkers, runners, cyclists, and nature lovers.

Have taken my daughters (10 and 12) on walks on this trail a few times. It's a nice flat path with…read morelots of tree cover. Great for walking, jogging and biking. There is a stream running through it that the girls like to stop and play in. The trail runs along Sligo Creek Parkway and there are a number of places to park to jump on the trail. Overall a great walking trail and would recommend.