Maryland Parks and Recreation Areas with Horseback Riding

Bands of wild horses freely roam amongst plants and native animals that have adapted to a life of sand, salt and wind. Special thickened leaves and odd shapes reveal the plant worlds successful struggle here. Ghost crabs buried in the cool beach sand and tree swallows plucking bayberries on their southward migration offer glimpses of the animal worlds connection to Assateague.

Phone: 410-641-1441   Price Range: $3 - $10   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Berlin   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting and Shooting, Kayaking, Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Assateague Island

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the port of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era.

Phone: 301-739-4200   Price Range: $3 - $5   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Hagerstown   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Backpacking, Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Chesepeake and Ohio Canal

In the 1930's, after years of making charcoal to fuel the iron furnace, mountain farming, and harvesting of trees for timber, land was purchased to be transformed into a productive recreation area; helping to put people back to work during the great depression. Beginning in 1935, the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area was under construction by both the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Phone: 301-663-9388   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Thurmont   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: State Park   Activities: Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, Wildlife Watching, Interpretive Programs, Snowshoeing   Details Provided By: Catoctin Mountain

Greenbelt Park is a retreat from the pressures of city life and a refuge for native plants and animals just twelve miles from Washington, D.C.

Phone: 301-344-3948   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Greenbelt   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: State Park   Activities: Backpacking, Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Greenbelt Park