Trails

Start your visit at Oregon Ridge Nature Center, where you’ll get a preview of the animal and plant species you might spy along 11 surrounding hiking trails. Or set out for Prettyboy Reservoir on one of many trails for all levels, including the Hemlock Trail and Gunpowder River Railroad Loop. The historic NCR Trail runs nearly 20 miles to the Maryland-Pennsylvania line. Hikers, bikers, joggers, pets, and horseback riders are all welcome.

Rentals

Looking for adventure? Put the pedal to the metal and visit Hunt Valley Village Bike Rentals & River Tubes (aka Chakra Cycles), where you can rent a bike for the day, buy a heavy-duty river tube or even meet some new animal friends in their menagerie. To the north, Monkton Bike & Tube Rentals offers group discounts, and all their rental bikes are also for sale. Plus, if you visit on your birthday, your tube rental is free!

Fishing

Grab your fishing rods (and your license) and head to beautiful Prettyboy Reservoir in Hampstead and cast a line while taking in nature.

Swimming

Take a plunge at Beaver Dam Swimming Club in Cockeysville, a former marble quarry and summer destination since the 1930s. Grab your noodles for a dip in the quarry or nearby pool, which also features a slide! Bring a picnic, get ready to grill or visit the snack bar for burgers, pizza and ice cream. Open for the season in early May.

Dining

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at Friendly Farm, Casa Mia’s or Woodfire Kitchen.

Hotels

Kick back for the night at Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore Hunt Valley, Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Hunt Valley or The Monkton Hotel.

Trails

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the plants and wildlife on Loch Raven Reservoir trails like Glen Ellen Trail Short Loop and Merryman’s Mill Trail. To the south, sharp-eyed hikers in Cromwell Valley Park might catch sight of white-tailed deer, birds, foxes or even flying squirrels along trails like Cromwell Valley Reservoir Trail, Baldwin and Barran’s Trail Loop or Willow Grove Loop.

Fishing

Visit Loch Raven Fishing Center in Phoenix for boat rentals, tackle and live bait for various fish, including northern pike and chain pickerel.

Dining

Poke around Parkville and discover McFaul’s IronHorse Tavern, where you can linger over the seasonal menu in their fireside dining room or lively outdoor bar. For global flavor with a focus on health, Peerce’s welcoming farm-to-table Indian cuisine is a must. Craving crab cakes? Pappas Cockeysville has been famous for theirs since 1972.

Hotels

When you’ve had your fill, stay at Sheraton Baltimore North or Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore North/Timonium.

Trails

Travel to the east side for a stunning waterfront tour of Chesapeake Bay’s basin. Breathe in the serene atmosphere at Marshy Point Nature Center in Middle River. Perfect for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife exploration. Catch a glimpse of local mammals, waterfowl, diamondback terrapins, and amphibians. Trek south through the many creeks, rivers, and coves to North Point State Park in Edgemere. Hike along historical Black Marsh trail through the wetlands to observe local birds and wildlife, including muskrats, beavers, foxes, otters, osprey, great blue herons and bald eagles.

Rentals

Get out on the water at one of the Eastern Watersports locations for kayaks, diving gear, paddleboats and inflatables. You can also rent equipment like paddleboats and bicycles at Rocky Point Beach & Park.

Fishing

Anglers, make your catch at Cox’s Point Park in Essex (no license required), Gunpowder Falls Tailwater for trout in a catch-and-return regulated area or North Point State Park where you’ll find two fishing piers and a long shoreline for waders, swimmers and (licensed) fishing.

Swimming

Jump into refreshing waters at Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area, a beach and swimming area with on-duty lifeguards from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus open water and long- distance swim training permitted at certain times. Or head to Rocky Point Park and Beach for a day on the sand with relaxing views and spacious picnic pavilions for cookouts.

Dining

The shorelines are sprinkled with tons of outdoor dining options. Grab a seat on the water and listen to live music while having lunch/dinner at Hard Yacht Cafe in Dundalk, Charly’s Waterfront in Essex, or Bowley’s on the Bay in Middle River.

Hotels

A long day of excursions in the county’s splash zone calls for a good night’s rest at Springhill Suites Baltimore White Marsh/Middle River and Home2 Suites by Hilton Baltimore/White Marsh.

Trails

Take a hike along one of Patapsco Valley State Park’s scenic trails: Grist Mill Trail where you’ll find the historic swinging bridge, Soapstone Trail for the less experienced hikers, the old abandoned Alberton Road Trail, and The Thomas Viaduct which is the world’s largest multiple arched stone railroad bridge. Looking for something a little different? Discover Catonsville Rails to Trails, a community-run non-profit that converts abandoned railroad lines into biking and hiking trails. Check out the Trail Map and chart your course!

Dining

South Baltimore County is home to local gems like State Fare, a Maryland-themed destination serving elevated pub grub, and Matthew’s 1600, an elegant neighborhood hot spot for seafood and other comforts in a historic building. Atwater’s is a can’t-miss for artisan breads and local ingredients in a cozy and casual atmosphere.

Hotels

Paradise B&B, a four-square colonial style house featuring two luxurious guest rooms along with two comfortable common rooms.

Trails

Experience the tranquility of the outdoors at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills. Known as the region’s largest independent nature center. Hike and explore the 8+ miles of scenic trails that connect forests, meadows, and wetlands. Settled southwest of Towson is Lake Roland. Travel through 500 acres of wetlands, meadows, and hardwood forests. The park includes multiple trails, two pavilions, a dog park, and a children’s playground.

Dining

West Baltimore County is scattered with hidden gems and La Food Marketa in Pikesville is certainly one of the well-kept secrets. A unique twist on Latin American food that is fresh and comforting. The historic Valley Inn in Timonium is considered an institutional landmark for dining. Choose from a cozy dining room, a Veranda, a lively oyster bar, an intimate private dining space, or the seasonal outdoor patio. The cuisine ties the experience together with a menu heavily favoring seafood and steak options. Eggspectation in Owings Mills will satisfy the craving of breakfast for dinner. Their elevated takes on comfort food with brunch-inspired dishes will leave you with big expectations for the second trip.

Hotels

Treat yourself to a stay at Gramercy Mansion, the award-winning wedding and event venue with 11 elegant bed and breakfast rooms. The four-diamond Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre is located in the heart of Owings Mills and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options.