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    Watkins Park

    4.0 (1 review)

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    13 years ago

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    Magruder Branch Trails

    Magruder Branch Trails

    4.7(3 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    Had a great hike. Long trail with slight ups and downs, relatively easy. Good for kids, dogs and…read moreelderly people. We happened to went during woodfrogs season, recorded the sounds, frogs jumping and saw countless tadpoles , it was a treat for the kids. Our puppy Neo had a great time meeting new friends along the trail and playing with the leaves

    Nice easy trail that is great for walking, walking your dog, or taking a stroll in nature. Not a…read morelot of scenery, but it gets you out in nature and that really helps if you have been cooped up at home during the Covid Pandemic. There are some very minor bridges here or there and a lot of people come here to run. Please remember to wear your mask as you are passing people constantly. There are several points of entry. I entered from the Damascus side where there are a bunch of townhomes and there is not a lot of parking, but a decent amount. I can see it being really difficult on a Saturday for parking though. Also, when you are exiting, it can get dangerous. Cars are coming from both sides and it is difficult to see if there are any incoming cars when the cars next to you are blocking your view. Just exit VERY slowly to be safe. There are some streams and water/ponds on the trail. Nothing spectacular, but there so its not just dirt and trees. You may run into some deer here or there because its Maryland. I just like the fact that this is an option for a good 20-30 minute walk and another 20-30 minute walk back.

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    Magruder Branch Trails
    Magruder Branch Trails
    Magruder Branch Trails

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    Damascus Recreational Park - Parking

    Damascus Recreational Park

    3.8(5 reviews)
    9.8 mi

    Mixed Experience with Several Issues - did a graduation party…read more Location & Accessibility: Damascus National Park Shelter A is located three entrances down from the main park entrance. Don't get lost and sits down a hill, requiring you to take the sidewalk route rather than going directly to the shelter. This makes it a longer walk when carrying supplies for events. The park has three other shelters, but they were all booked for our date, so we had to settle for this available option. Facilities: The shelter accommodates approximately 60 people seated comfortably, with room for additional standing guests. However, there are significant noise issues - the restroom facilities (separate men's and women's stalls on the left side) create disruptive flushing sounds that carry over to the main seating area. Be aware that they charge extra for electricity at this shelter. *Major Concerns:* Parking nightmare: Located next to a baseball field, parking becomes extremely limited during games. We weren't notified of this conflict when booking. The situation was so bad that police arrived due to people parking on the grass. Double booking confusion or ?? Despite having a confirmed reservation from 9 AM to 9 PM, other people were using the shelter when we arrived, claiming they had it until 1 PM. While they were accommodating and left after we showed our confirmation email, this booking system error was frustrating and shouldn't happen. Privacy issues: The restrooms are used by the general public, not just shelter renters, despite there being a portable facility by the baseball field. Bring extra toilet paper!!! Positives: There are some playground swings for children near the tennis courts, which is a nice touch for families. Bottom Line: Between the parking disasters, booking confusion, noise issues, additional electricity charges, and lack of private facilities, I won't be booking Damascus National Park Shelter A again. I'd recommend booking one of the other three shelters at this park well in advance, or looking at alternative venues that offer more reliable coordination and adequate parking.

    All the basic essentials you'd want from a recreational park. Plentiful parking at a couple…read morelocations, tennis and basketball courts, lush sporting fields, semi-covered picnic areas, and an easy mix of natural and paved trails. Playground includes swings and park bench. Joggers and dog-walkers make for light pedestrian traffic. I regret not checking out the less-credited relic of the MoCo Art in the Parks initiative on a breezier day. Despite looking a bit weathered by the elements, the Wind Harps sculpture off of Kings Valley Road was still briefly interesting to look at.

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    Damascus Recreational Park - Parking

    Parking

    Damascus Recreational Park - Shelter A - bathrooms to the left

    Shelter A - bathrooms to the left

    Damascus Recreational Park - Shelter A

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    Shelter A

    Watkins Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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