First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us December 31, 2022 - January 2, 2023, for a hike at a state or county park near you.1

Embrace Mother Nature as you explore beaches, estuaries, woodland trails, and creekside paths throughout Anne Arundel County. Follow along and discover a new park you can enjoy with family, friends, and the pup! 

 

State Park

 

Sandy Point State Park

Beach Hike - Self-Guided Hike

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: ~2 miles
  • Park Map/Trail
  • Address: 1100 E. College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409

Description:
Stop by Sandy Point State Park for a self-guided hike along the Chesapeake Bay. Start your journey at East Beach and enjoy the view of the Chesapeake Bay at your own pace.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome. No stroller/wheelchair access. Porta potties are available throughout the park, and the marina restrooms are available near the boat ramps. $3 per vehicle to enter the park; please use the auto-tolls at the entrance.

Additional Information:
Park Office: 410-974-2149 / Duty Ranger: 410-980-3113
Ranger Myia Tariq: myia.tariq@maryland.gov
Park Email: sandypoint.statepark@maryland.gov

 

An aerial shot of a beach with water in the background
Sandy Point State Park is open year-round; get out and explore!
 Photo by Mike Treeolow

 

County Parks

 

First Day Hike at Bacon Ridge Natural Area

Bacon Ridge Natural Area

214 Severn Chapel Road

Crownsville, MD 21032

 

First Day Hike at Downs Park

Downs Park;

8311 John Downs Loop

Pasadena, MD 21122

 

First Day Hike at Fort Smallwood Park

Fort Smallwood Park

9500 Fort Smallwood Rd,

Pasadena, MD 21122

 

a wooden path into a marsh during the fall
Explore the marshland and go birding at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.
 Image courtesy of Annapolis Aperture.

 

First Day Hike at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

1361 Wrighton Rd

Lothian, MD 20711

 

First Day Hike at Kinder Farm Park

Kinder Farm Park

1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd

Millersville, MD 21108

 

First Day Hike at Lake Waterford Park

Lake Waterford Park

830 Pasadena Rd

Pasadena, MD 21122

 

An aerial view of a farm with red barns in a field
Kinder Farm Park in Millersville offers fun for the whole family.

 

First Day Hike at Magothy Greenway Natural Area

Magothy Greenway Natural Area

20 N Shore Rd

Pasadena, MD 21122

 

First Day Hike at Quiet Waters Park

Quiet Waters Park

600 Quiet Waters Park Rd

Annapolis, MD 21403

 

First Day Hike at South River Farms Park

South River Farms Park

538 Loch Haven Dr

Edgewater, MD 21037

 

First Day Hike at Weinberg Park

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Park

1543 Fairview Beach Road

Pasadena, MD 21122

 

 

 

1 Maryland Department of Natural Resources webpage. December 20, 2022