State Parks and National Parks

Fort Frederick State Park

Fort Frederick State Park offers a combination of recreation activities and reminders of the nation's history.

Fort Frederick was Maryland's frontier defense during the French and Indian War. Its walls and two barracks have been restored and today appear much as they did in 1758.

Historic displays, living history programs, and scheduled military reenactments bring history to life.

Recreational facilities include a boat launch, boat rentals, fishing and flat-water canoeing.

On shore, there is hiking, cross-country skiing, campfire programs, camping, picnic areas, a playground, a camp store, visitor center, three museums, and an historic fort.

The Western Maryland Rail Trail, which stretches 20.3 miles from Big Pool to Tonoloway, is part of the Fort Frederick park complex. The trail, an abandoned rail segment that has been converted into a multi-use, paved trail, passes through rolling farmland, woodlands and rural towns.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, http://www.dnr.maryland.gov.