Several neighbors have sent in travelogues of their trips to sites in and around Maryland. Here are a few.
Silver Spring[]
Metro DC[]
Within a 1-Hour Drive[]
A Little Farther Afield[]
Cunningham Falls State Park []
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont MD 21788
301-271-7574
Directions: Take I-495W to I-270N; go about 18 miles past Frederick; follow signs to US 15 (it is really just an extension of 270N, I think); take the exit for Route 77 west; turn left on Catoctin Hollow Road to reach the Houck Area; this is where the lake, beach, and trailhead are located.
+++++Cunningham Falls is a state park that includes: a man-made lake & beach area, snack bar, picnic area, trails to the falls, camping, fishing, etc. Many of these things were closed today since it is after Labor Day, but it was a very nice trip for people of all ages. We drove up (a little over an hour), parked, had a picnic lunch, then hiked to the Falls. One group took the easy footpath (half a mile on a gravel trail); the other group took the high road (little longer hike through hills on a footpath marked with yellow markers). There are also some more difficult hikes in the area. We then climbed the rocks to the top of the falls, a not-too-difficult climb for people over age 7 and under age 67. You could also bring your picnic lunch up to the top of the falls and eat there.
There are also orchards and farm stands nearby. And a nice buffet restaurant, the Cosy, in Thurmont, where people from Camp David eat.
Recreation[]
Fishing[]
Lake Frank, which is next to Lake Needwood, is actually better for fishing, IMHO. I've caught bass there.
Lake Needwood is still a decent fishing spot. We also like Centennial Lake, the Rocky Gorge Reservoir, and Little Seneca Lake. The Potomac River has some great spots, particularly if you have access to a canoe or kayak.