GUNPOWDER STATE PARK
Gunpowder Falls State Park (nearly 18,000 acres in Harford and Baltimore Counties) was established to protect the stream valleys of the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River, which begins at Days Cove where the Big and Little Gunpowders converge. A variety of topography exists in this long, narrow park, from tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes.
There are more than 100 miles of trails, including the 21 mile Northern Central Railroad (NCR) Trail. The park features excellent trout fishing opportunities, as well as other freshwater and tidal fishing areas. Park areas include Hereford Area, along York Rd. in Parkton; the NCR Trail which extends from Ashland to the Pennsylvania line; the Central Area which extends from Baldwin to Days Cove along both river valleys and includes the historic village of Jerusalem; the Hammerman Area which is located in Chase near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Grace Quarters Road and offers a swimming beach on the Gunpowder River; and Dundee Creek Marina, also located in Chase which offers boat launching, rowboat rental, fuel and a marina store.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Bike Trailsyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Dundee Creek Marina is located in the Chase Community of Eastern Baltimore County. The marina is located on Dundee Creek, which is off the mouth of the Gunpowder River. The marina offers a number of amenities to the slip holders and the boating public, including premium gas sales, sewage pump out, boat accessories, bait, fishing tackle, ice, packaged foods, gifts, fishing licenses and boat rentals. The marina store is open weekdays 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. June through August; 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends April through October; and weekdays 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March-May and September-October.
The Hammerman Area offers 1,500 feet of beach and swimming area on the banks of the Gunpowder River. The swimming area is supervised by lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming is permitted at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty. Three picnic shelters are available for rental. The area also has a food concession, picnic tables and grills, playground equipment and a windsurfing beach.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two main areas, the Hammerman Area and Dundee Creek Marina where you can launch your own boat or rent one on-site. The types of boats available include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), rowboats, and electric motor boats. For those who prefer guided tours, there is also an option to join pontoon boat nature trips which provide opportunities to explore local wildlife habitats in depth.
Enjoy fishing in a serene environment with options for both freshwater and saltwater angling. Species include trout, bass, catfish.
For fly-fishing enthusiasts, there's an abundance of brown and rainbow trout available throughout the year.
The park also offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass or channel catfish from its numerous ponds and streams.
Saltwater anglers can try their luck at catching striped bass along the coastline areas.
Remember that all fish caught must adhere to state regulations regarding size limits and seasons.
Gunpowder State Park is located near Aberdeen, Abingdon and Baltimore
Gunpowder State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have pavilions, available for reservation.
Biking enthusiasts can explore various trails, though some are challenging with steep hills and rocky terrain.
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is a popular option; it's flat and extends for 20 miles.
However, be aware that this trail often gets crowded on weekends due to its popularity among cyclists.
Another choice is the Lost Pond Trail which offers more solitude but has difficult sections requiring advanced biking skills.
Remember: not all areas within the park permit bicycling so always check signage before starting your ride.
Also note that helmets are required by law in Maryland for riders under age 16.
Lastly, ensure you're prepared with water as there aren't many facilities along these routes.
This 21 mile abandoned railroad bed makes an ideal surface for hikers, bikers and horseback riders to enjoy. Points of natural and historic interest can be found along the way, including the restored Monkton Train Station, which serves as a museum, gift shop and Ranger Station to visitors on the NCR. The Monkton Station is open Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Station is also open on weekends in the spring and fall. The Sparks Bank Nature Center is also located on the NCR Trail. Operated by park volunteers, the Nature Center is open on summer weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is available to school groups on request.
Birdwatchers can explore over 120 miles of trails, spotting a variety of bird species. The park's diverse habitats include marshes and forests which attract different types of birds. Birding enthusiasts may see waterfowl, songbirds, raptors or even rare migratory species depending on the season. Guided bird walks are also offered for those interested in learning more about local avian life.
The park is in Harford and Baltimore Counties, Park headquarters is at 2813 Jerusalem Road in Kingsville, Harford County.