Tuesday, December 12, 2023

2024 Maryland First Day Hikes

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released an invitation to the public to participate in the 2024 Maryland First Day Hike.

Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2023 – January 2, 2024.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities to kick off the year.

For 2024, Maryland State Parks will offer more than 60 hikes across 40 state parks. As in previous years, there are two types of hikes available:

Ranger-led hikes: These hikes are accompanied and include interpretation by one or more Park Rangers, have specific start times, and often require advance registration. 

Self-guided hikes: These hikes will be available throughout the weekend, on well marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to help hikers get started but will not join them on the trail.

With nearly 50 ranger-led hikes and 15 self-guided hike options through the weekend, there is a wide variety of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker throughout Maryland. 

2024 First Day Hike Highlights:


In Western Maryland, hikers can join a ranger-led First Day “Fitness Hike” at Rocky Gap State Park, for those looking to break a sweat to kick off the New Year, a ranger-led guided “First Day Hike through History” at South Mountain Battlefield State Park, and a  “Little Naturalist First Day Hike”, an easy 1-mile hike for children and their families, at New Germany State Park. 

In Central Maryland, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail will offer bicyclists a guided “First Day Bike” ride; hikers have a choice of either an early morning First Day Sunrise Hike or First Day Sunset Hike at North Point State Park, and a “Last Day Hike” or “Kids Countdown Hike” on New Year’s Eve at Patapsco Valley State Park. 

In Southern Maryland, hikers can bring their four-legged friends on a “Trails and Tails” ranger-led First Day Hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park, join the guided “Where One Goes Pleasantly” First Day Hike along Mattawoman Creek at Smallwood State Park; or kick off the year with a “First Day the Rosaryville Way” hike at Rosaryville State Park.

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, hikers can bring their binoculars for a guided “First Day Bird Walk” or bring their own horse for a “New Year’s Day Ride” at Tuckahoe State Park, a “First Sunset Hike” at Janes Island State Park, a “First Day Family Hike” along the beach at Assateague State Park. “I Hiked” stickers will be available at select locations while supplies last. 

In addition to scheduled hikes, all Maryland’s state parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas will be open to all. Hikers should check the DNR website for information about public lands near them.

After taking part in a First Day Hike or visiting a state park, hikers are asked to complete an online survey to track their hikes and how many miles they covered.​ 

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

**2024 UPDATE**

A total of 4,248 people hiked about 10,691 miles during First Day Hikes in 40 different Maryland state parks on New Year’s weekend, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

Between Dec. 31, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024, park rangers led 47 scheduled hikes and other programs with an additional 15 self-guided opportunities that were available on state public lands across Maryland.

Related Information

Things To Do in Maryland

Economic Impacts of Maryland State Parks

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Places To Visit in Baltimore Maryland

baltimore maryland
Downtown Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland is a historic port city with a vibrant culture and lots of places to see. Attractions and experiences around Baltimore include museums, tall ships and other vessels, boat cruises, art exhibits, food and drink, festivals, and much more. 

Educational and historical exhibits can be found at the Baltimore Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, World Trade Center of Baltimore, Fort McHenry, Maryland Science Center, National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History, B&O Railroad Museum, tall ships, and others.

Named after Lord Baltimore in the Irish House of Lords, the city has a flourishing population of more than 650,000. Spanning over an area of 80.8 square miles, the city is a perfect mixture of the old with the new.

Many of the ethnic neighborhoods have been restored into modern shopping and dining locales but they still retain the old character.

Inner Harbor

Baltimore Inner Harbor
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Baltimore's world-renowned Inner Harbor is surrounded by historic neighborhoods where you will find city living at its best with unique shops and restaurants for every style and taste.

Baltimore enjoys a vibrant arts scene and embraces its history and influence on American culture.

At the top of the list of places to visit is the Inner harbor. Views of the waterfront are informative and inspiring.

The docks and streets surrounding the inner harbor include a mix of homes, hotels, museums, restaurants, shops, promenade, public spaces, and entertainment venues.

The Inner harbor is home to the Harborplace, an entertainment center and the National Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Port Discovery Children's Museum, and the World Trade Center of Baltimore are also located around the basin.

Baltimore Tall Ships

Pride of Baltimore II
Pride of Baltimore II
The Pride of Baltimore II is one of America's most famous tall ships. The ship was commissioned in 1988 as a sailing memorial to her immediate predecessor.

The original Pride of Baltimore sank during a violent storm off Puerto Rico in 1986, taking her captain and three crew members down with her.

Both ships were built as reproductions of 1812-era topsail schooners. The Pride of Baltimore II has sailed nearly 200,000 miles, making port in 40 countries around the world.


Lifestyle

Baltimore Harbor Connector water taxi boat
Baltimore Harbor Connector
Baltimore does not experience the extremes of weather change that occur in other parts of USA. The weather is relatively mild and the best time to be here is from April to November.

The city is well connected by road, air, and sea. Washington DC is located about one hour south on Route 95. Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is only a half-hour drive south of downtown.

Moving inside the city is easy and loads of options like light rail system are available. The Harbor Connector water taxi boats are a unique and interesting option for exploring the harbor area. It is a nice way to get around during the warmer months, and offers unique views of the Baltimore skyline.

Baltimore is also known as "Charm City" and other nicknames.


Baltimore Seafood

steamed maryland blue crabs
Baltimore is famous for its outstanding seafood. From the nearby Chesapeake Bay come blue crabs, oysters, striped bass, and other delicacies.
Other Maryland seafood comes the Atlantic coast, including sea scallops, lobsters, sea bass, and other fish.

A few of the most popular dishes include steamed crabs, crabcakes, oysters on the half shell, single fried oysters, fish and chips, and others.

Landmarks

Baltimore is home to scores of iconic landmarks. The city is known for its architecture and historic buildings. A few examples of unique and unusual landmarks include the Curtis Creek Ship Graveyard, Hanover Street Bridge, and many others.

Baltimore Places to Visit - Attractions

Baltimore Inner Harbor (baltimore.org)

Orioles Baseball (baltimore.orioles.mlb.com)

Ravens Football (www.baltimoreravens.com)

Merriweather Post Pavilion (www.merriweathermusic.com)

National Aquarium (www.aqua.org)

Baltimore Zoo (www.marylandzoo.org)

B&O Railroad Museum (www.borail.org)

Maryland Science Center (www.mdsci.org)

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Maryland Saltwater Fishing

maryland fishing boat
This article provides saltwater fishing techniques, species overviews, and other information related to fishing in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, tidal rivers, inshore and offshore fishing from Ocean City and Maryland's coastal bays.

Maryland has a wide variety of saltwater fishing. From striped bass fishing on the Susquehanna Flats, down to the state line in the Chesapeake Bay, and From Fenwick Island to Virginia along the coast.

Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely lots of different environments. Anglers in the bay can fish with bait, artificial lures, employ fly fishing or other techniques.

Over on the ocean side there is surf fishing, jetty fishing, inshore fishing for flounder, trout, bluefish, and others. The open ocean offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing, deep dropping, and other activities.


Maryland Flounder Fishing

summer flounder
Flounder
Maryland is well known for its flounder fishing opportunities. Much of the fishing occurs in coastal bays and inshore ocean waters. A separate fishery occurs in the Chesapeake Bay.

Many anglers target flounder and some fish exclusively for these delicious fish. Some anglers target flounder only in certain seasons while others choose to fish the entire season. Fishing varies with season, weather, tides, location and water quality.

Flounder fishing is a spring ritual for many anglers. Locals and visitors alike begin the fishing season each year by drifting the bays and creeks for flounder. The first flounder may arrive along the coast in April, but the main spring run usually peaks in May.

Several key factors affect spring flounder fishing. Water temperature seems to play a critical role in the spring. A rule of thumb is to find water temperature above 55 degrees although fish are sometimes caught in cooler water. Tides and currents are also big factors and every serious angler has their preferred state of tide for a given location.

Flounder fishing changes as the water warms. The movements of flounder decrease and anglers settle into a summer pattern, enjoying the warm days on the bay.

Visiting local tackle shops are an excellent way to get up to date information on local fishing. Tackle shops have flounder fishing rigs, tackle, bait and up to date reports. In addition, some shops rent boats, book fishing charters, guided trips, nature cruises or other adventures.

In mid-summer, flounder are sometimes caught on the many wrecks, shoals and artificial reefs along the coast. Fishing is sporadic but catches can be good when flounder are located. The Artificial reefs off the coast of Maryland yield some excellent catches of flounder.

In summer, flounder are also caught by anglers fishing the surf. This fishery requires only a rod, rod holder and basic tackle, no boat is needed!


Maryland Offshore Fishing

offshore fishing boat
Ocean City Maryland is world famous for offshore fishing. Private boats and fishing charters target a variety of tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), wahoo, billfish, and other species.

The city proclaims itself the "white marlin capital of the world" and hosts one of the nation's top marlin fishing tournaments. To serve fishermen, the harbors are home to hundreds of fishing charter boats.

In the summer months, fishing can be excellent. Inshore fishing spots include the Jackspot, Hot Dog, Parking Lot, and other hot spots as well as deep sea structure including the Wilmington, Baltimore, Poor Man's, Washington, and Norfolk Canyons. These hotspots vary from around 25 to over 100 nautical miles from port.

Anglers may target bluefin tuna and bluefish along the 20 fathom line in the early season. Yellowfin tuna are sought in deeper water for the most part, often being caught in water from 30 to 100 fathoms. In addition to bluefin and yellowfin tuna, anglers catch bigeye, skipjack and longfin albacore tuna, dolphin fish, wahoo, billfish, and sharks.

Of interest to many anglers are the trips that reach the offshore canyons. Just before reaching the canyon walls are slopes that are often very productive areas. Near the canyon walls, the bottom becomes steeper and rockier. Fish congregate along the drop offs to catch food that is caught in the hard running current.

Along the edges are lobster traps which are marked by orange buoys or "lobster balls". The buoys attract dolphin fish which in turn attract the larger marlin, swordfish and sharks which feed on them heavily. A trip by a buoy can be uneventful, or one or more lines might be attacked by mahi mahi, tuna, marlin, or other fish.

In the deepwater canyons and surrounding areas, anglers also bottom fish for species such as tilefish, sea bass, hake, and other bottom dwellers. The world record golden tilefish was caught in 2007 off the coast of Maryland. The fish weighed 59 pounds, 3 ounces.

Late August and September often feature the best fishing with anglers seeing larger numbers of tuna as well as an influx of wahoo and bull dolphin. Offshore fishing continues into October, when windy weather and falling water temperatures make fishing less productive.


Maryland Inshore Saltwater Fish

Striped Bass - Rockfish

striped bass
Striped Bass

The striped bass is the state fish of Maryland and the state's most popular inshore saltwater fish. Also known as rockfish or striper, the striped bass is a very hardy fish, and even takes to life in freshwater. Striped bass are stocked in several Maryland lakes.

Rigs and baits for striped bass vary with location and season. Anglers fish live baits such as spot and eels or troll, jig, cast artificial lures and fly fish for striped bass around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and other spots. The action is nearly year round with populations of local fish as well as migrating schools of rockfish.

Striped bass vary from around 18 inches to over monster fish of 50 inches or more. During the cooler months anglers come to Maryland from all over to enjoy some of the best striped bass fishing in the world.

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are among the most popular fish caught off the Maryland coast. Anglers fish year round for this exceptionally delicious fish, although the fish migrate to deeper water in winter. Peak fishing is usually May and early June and again in the fall.

In the spring, ocean wrecks, reefs, and rough bottom usually hold the most fish. Bigger fish can sometimes be enticed by using larger baits. Favorite rigs for bigger fish include single hook rigs with a whole squid for bait, large bucktail jigs with squid strips and large metal jigs. The larger baits often catch fish with a higher average weight.

Black sea bass are excellent cooked. The meat is firm, white and delicious and can be fried, grilled, baked or broiled.

Tautog

Tautog live in structure such as rocky bottoms, wrecks and reefs. Their preference for structure makes them an ideal inshore species when fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay and along the coast.

Tackle and techniques are simple and no prior experience is needed to catch these tasty fish. They vary in size from about 12 inches to perhaps 12 lbs or more. They are very tough fighters and excellent table fare.

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic croaker are popular saltwater fish caught in the Chesapeake and along the coast of Maryland. Croaker or "hardhead" are named because of the "croaking" noise they make. Croakers fight hard and prolific feeders. They are caught on baits such as squid, crabs, clams or bloodworms. Croakers are often caught in large numbers.

Spot

Spot occur in the Chesapeake Bay and along estuaries and coastal waters. Spot are fun to catch and a great fish for anglers of all ages. Anglers seek spot both as a baitfish and because of their excellent value as a seafood delicacy.

Spot are caught using standard 2 hook rigs, using small hooks and small pieces of bait. Popular baits include bloodworms, shrimp, clam and synthetic bloodworm type baits. Spot may also be caught with small jigs or Sabiki rigs.

Kingfish

The southern kingfish, or whiting, is a member of the croaker family. Kingfish have an elongated body and a characteristic single chin barbel. Coloration varies somewhat with habitat, but it is generally gray to brown above with silver undersides and 6-8 broad lateral bars.

Kingfish are an excellent food fish and are sought after by bottom fishermen and surf anglers. These fish are found on sandy bottoms, entering inshore areas in summer.

Red Drum

Red drum can be caught in a number of ways. A popular technique for catching red drum along the Maryland coast is to bottom fish with cut spot, menhaden, peeler crab or other baits. Anglers use a fish finder or other rig and sometimes fish into the evening for large bull red drum.

A second fishery along the coast and the Chesapeake Bay exists for "puppy drum" which are smaller red drum. These fish are exciting to catch, usually by casting artificial lures around structure or by fishing baits in shallow water areas.

Bluefish

Bluefish are commonly caught in Maryland. They are sometimes found in large schools off the coast where they are known for their sharp teeth and ability to destroy even the strongest tackle. Anglers troll, jig, cast artificial lures, and fly fish for bluefish. The fish have dark, oily meat but are excellent smoked.


Related Information

Ocean City Maryland Saltwater Fishing

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

What Is A Smith Island Cake?

smith island cake

The Smith Island Cake is one of Maryland's most unique desserts. Once found only on Smith Island and nearby mainland communities, this unusual cake is available throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

No one is sure when the Smith Island women started baking cakes composed of several pancake-thin layers that are iced with chocolate or other types of icing.

Historians claim the cakes originally had as few as four layers although a modern day Smith Island cake usually has more layers. A perfect Smith Island cake today is often considered to have 10 layers and stand about three inches high.

Commercially produced Smith Island cakes come in a wide range of flavors. Home made versions often fetch premium prices at bake sales and fundraiser auctions.