Maryland Parks and Recreation Areas with Rock Climbing

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