The beautiful autumn weather makes for great hiking. Whether you’re looking for some fresh air, a bit of exercise, or a little adventure, there are plenty of outdoor spaces to explore in Southern Maryland. Here are three state parks I’d recommend checking out year-round:

Smallwood State Park

Location: Charles County, 2750 Sweden Point Rd., Marbury, MD

Hours: Apr – Oct: 5AM – sunset | Nov – Mar: 7AM – sunset

Admission: Apr – Oct: $5 per person Sat. and Sun. | $5 per vehicle rest of year

 

This park in Charles County is a great opportunity to get some fresh air while also exploring some interesting history. Smallwood State Park rests along a tributary of the Potomac River and consists of 628 acres of hardwood forest area, including some wonderful hiking trails. It was named after Revolutionary War officer and fourth governor of Maryland, General William Smallwood. His plantation house, Smallwood’s Retreat, has been restored to give visitors a sense of its 18th-century roots. It’s open for tours on the first and third Sundays of the month from May through September, but make sure to make your appointment ahead. While you’re there, also check out their restored tidewater plantation and tobacco barn. They even have a camping area to take advantage of in warmer months. There’s a boat launch at the marina on Mattawoman Creek, giving you access to fishing on the Potomac River. Whether you’re interested in the history, or you’re just looking to plan a fun day outside, this state park in Marbury is a great option.

Point Lookout State Park

Location: 11175 Point Lookout Rd., Scotland, MD

Hours: 6AM – sunset

Admission: per vehicle: $5, summer per person: $7

 

Point Lookout State Park is another beautiful Southern Maryland state park to visit. Located in St. Mary’s County on the peninsula formed by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, this tranquil park is the perfect spot to spend a day outside. With preserved pine woods, marshes, and lagoons, this park offers plenty for visitors to explore. In the summer, their beach picnic area is quite popular, as well as their campground with 143 wooded sites. Visitors can go fishing in their various fishing areas including the Fishing Pier. There are boating options here as well. Hiking on their Periwinkle Point Trail is an easy option for those looking to get a little exercise. They also have a Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center to check out if you’re interested in the area’s history. Though it seems quite peaceful today, the site was once home to 52,264 imprisoned Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Make sure to visit in the warmer months if you’d like to check out the museum and nature center, as it’s closed in winter. The park is great for families and pets, with a playground for your little ones and several areas where you can bring your dog along for the walk.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Location: 9500 HG Trueman Rd., Lusby, MD

Hours: Sunrise – sunset

Admission: $7 per vehicle

 

At the Calvert Cliffs State Park, visitors can enjoy a good hike and spend some time on the sandy beach. This Calvert-County park’s most prominent feature is its sprawling cliffside, and one of the most popular activities here is fossil hunting. The cliffs themselves date back to 10 to 20 million years ago when they were submerged by the sea. When the sea receded, it left behind fossils from sharks, whales, and rays. Today, families will visit to hunt for fossils on the beach, hoping to go home with a shark tooth. The hike from the parking lot to the beach is about 1.8 miles, so plan for a bit of a walk. When you’re not combing the beach, you can explore the 13 miles of hiking trails that venture through the estuarine marshes and forests.

 

In Southern Maryland, you don’t have to travel far to find some amazing state parks. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike, a great fishing spot, or a dive into the local history, there’s a park to suit your interests.