We are weeks deep into quarantine, and if you are anything like me, you’re probably going a little stir crazy. So, today we are going to take a look at what you can do to get outside in your area. As of March 30th, Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, issued a Stay-at-Home order to all Maryland residents. This means only going outside for essentials and individual/family outdoor activity. So, what can you do now?

It is highly recommended that individuals and immediate family members go on walks around their neighborhoods and local parks, while still maintaining social distancing. This is a great opportunity to learn about your neighborhood. Taking walks is not only good for your body, but your mind as well. Explore your streets, find local parks, and get some fresh air. A suggestion for the brave, check out your local cemetery. They are usually quite beautiful and most people don’t go to spend time there.

When you do go outside, bring hand sanitizer and avoid crowded areas and places that may have lots of use. This includes public restrooms, park benches and picnic tables, and pavilions.

If you don’t have access to safe places to walk in your neighborhood, see if you are near any state or national parks/forest. But, please do this with caution. The CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has requested that hikers stop using the trail, as it is becoming too crowded to maintain social distancing. If you are determined to go to a state park, below is a list of all Maryland State Parks and their current open/closed status (last updated March 27). Be sure to always double check a park’s status online before heading out.

  • Assateague State Park: Closed
  • Calvert Cliffs State Park: Open – except beach closed
  • Chapel Point State Park: Open – except beach closed
  • Cunningham Falls State Park: Open – except Houck Area, Beaches, and Falls Trail all closed – Manor Area, fishing lot and boat launch are all open
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park: Open – except beach closed – Boat launch open
  • Elk Neck State Park: Open – except North East Beach closed – Rogue’s Harbor Boat Launch open
  • Greenbrier State Park: Open – except beach closed
  • Greenwell State Park: Open – except beach and Fishing Pier closed
  • Gunpowder Falls State Park: Open – except Hammerman Beach closed – Dundee Creek Boat Launch open
  • Hallowing Point: Open – except beach closed – Boat launch open
  • Hart-Miller Island State Park: Open – except beach closed
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park: Closed
  • Herrington Manor State Park: Open – except beach closed
  • New Germany State Park: Open – except beach closed
  • Newtowne Neck State Park: Closed
  • North Point State Park: Open – except beach and fishing pier closed
  • Point Lookout State Park: Open – except beaches, fishing pier and road and parking south of boat launch area all closed
  • Rocky Gap State Park: Open – except beach closed – Boat launch open, as well as some trail-access parking lots
  • Swallow Falls State Park: Closed
  • Sandy Point State Park: Closed
  • St. Clements Island State Park: Open – except beaches closed

Now, get outside and enjoy some nature (while staying cautious and safe)! 🙂