Gunpowder Falls State Park
Visit Gunpowder Falls State Park
Are you looking for a place to enjoy nature in Baltimore County with easy access to hiking trails, wildlife, birds, wildflowers and world class trout streams? Accessible from Interstate 83 North in Maryland and close to the Maryland and Pennsylvania State line, the Hereford area of Gunpowder Falls State Park has much to offer the nature lover. From fly fishing, nature walks, easy wildflower viewing, bird watching, horse back riding, kayaking and even summer tubing there is something for everyone at Gunpowder State Park. Please join me at one of my favorite places to enjoy wild and scenic nature in the greater Baltimore area.
The Hereford area - All images copyright © 2009 Chris Scroggins
FROM THE WEBSITE:
The Hereford Area, located in northern Baltimore County, is one of five designated recreation areas in Gunpowder Falls State Park. The area's 3,620 acres feature a scenic wilderness setting preserved under State Wildland status for nature appreciation and outdoor adventures. Anglers enjoy a nationally renowned special trout management area located downstream from Prettyboy Reservoir and hikers and horseback riders explore more than 20 miles of wooded trails. The Big Gunpowder Falls, which flows through the Hereford Area valley, also attracts canoeing, kayaking and tubing enthusiasts throughout the year.
Fly Fishing
NOTE: Fishing in this area is catch and release only. © Chris Scroggins
Kayakers always look happy on the Gunpowder river! © Chris Scroggins
For detailed information on put in and take out locations, call the state park office at 410-592-2897
Kayaking and Tubing
- TUBE RENTALS
Tubes can be rented at Monkton Bike Inc.
Cold Water
Even in midsummer, the Gunpowder river can be as cold as 50 or 60 degrees!
Hiking Trails
There are 4 EASY trails accessible from the Masemore parking area. © Chris Scroggins
Wooded trails offer some welcome protection from the sun. © Chris Scroggins
Look for these wildflowers:
trout lily
blue violets
yellow violets
white violets
dutchman's breeches
mayapple
bluets
nodding trillium
spiderwort
skunk cabbage
star of bethlehem
jack in the pulpit
honeysuckle
mountain laurel
Wildflowers and Sunshine
Most wildflowers only open up on SUNNY Days. Photographers and wildflower lovers should plan accordingly.
Buttercups
© Chris Scroggins
Jack in the Pulpit
© Chris Scroggins
Star of Bethlehem
© Chris Scroggins
Wild Geranium
© Chris Scroggins
Mayapples
© Chris Scroggins
Fiddleheads
© Chris Scroggins
Spiderwort
© Chris Scroggins
Bluets
© Chris Scroggins
Wildlife Sightings
Cute frogs are a common site along the river trails. © Chris Scroggins
Beavers are active in spring 2009 across from the Masemore Parking lot area. © Chris Scroggins
Chris Scroggins Photography
- LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS
Browse landscape photography by Chris Scroggins. Includes prints of Gunpowder Falls State Park.
Gunpowder Falls State Park Links
Because Gunpowder State Park is a large park with sections spread over a wide area It can be very confusing to choose which area to explore. The following links will provide more information:
- Gunpowder Falls State Park Overview
An overview of the Gunpowder State Park system. - Hereford Area Trail Guide
If you are serious about hiking this park I highly recommend getting a copy of the trail map! Get information on how to order the Hereford area trail guide here. - Backwater Angler Outfitters
Backwater Angler, located in Monkton, Maryland offers guided six to eight hour flyfishing trips, as well as hands-on fly fishing classes for novice to advanced anglers. Learn casting techniques, stream etiquette, wading safety, entomology, and other - Official Gunpowder Falls State Park Website
Browse the official website of Gunpowder State Park. - Millpond Cottage
Read about how to rent Millpond Cottage.
Baltimore Walks and Wildflower Guidebooks - Find out about more great walks in the Baltimore area and get guidebooks to Eastern Wildflowers:
The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy:
- GUNPOWDER VALLEY CONSERVANCY
Learn all about the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, "a non-profit organization (which) mobilizes people and resources to care for the lands, waters and character of the Gunpowder Watershed.
Directions
directions to the Masemore Road parking area:
From Interstate 83 north in Maryland:
take exit # 27, Mt Carmel Road
at stop sign, left onto Mt Carmel Road
Right onto Masemore Road
pass farm on right,
go down a hill
watch for oncoming traffic at old stone house
parking is on the right before the bridge
Books about Chesapeake Bay Country
These pretty coffee table books and guidebooks about the Chesapeake Bay region make lovely holiday gifts.
Maryland Fall Foliage Hotline
- Maryland Foliage and Festival Hotline
Get weekly reports on where to see the best Autumn color in Maryland from the DNR.
I hope you've enjoyed my photographs of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Perhaps you will be inspired to visit this park, or to spend more time in nature at your own state's parks. Please sign my guest book. Signed, Nature Maven