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.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at Friendly Farm, Casa Mia’s or Woodfire Kitchen before kicking back for the night at Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore Hunt Valley, Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Hunt Valley or The Monkton Hotel.

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

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.

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 crabcakes? Pappas Cockeysville has been famous for theirs since 1972. When you’ve had your fill, stay at Sheraton Baltimore North or Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore North/Timonium.

Rentals

Get out on the water after a stop at Eastern Watersports (Middle River Retail Store) 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 in Edgemere, 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.

Trails

Take a hike along one of Patapsco Valley State Park’s scenic trails, including the Soapstone Trail, Forest Glen Trail, Rockhaven and Mill Race Trail Loop and Alberton Road Trail. 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

West 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.