By Crystal Schelle
As the times begin to shorten and the leaves begin to flip, Washington County has loads of issues to do for anybody who needs to maintain energetic and breathe in that crisp autumn air.
Outside recreation alternatives will be discovered from Hancock to Boonsboro and in all places in between — and for any athletic degree. So listed here are just a few examples in Washington County from West to East to interrupt a sweat.
Hancock
For bikers, runners, walkers and even inline skaters, the 28 miles of the Western Maryland Rail Path is an ideal place for many who need to expertise nature and get in a exercise. The Rail Path runs parallel to the C&O Canal, and runs between Fort Frederick State Park in Massive Pool and Little Orleans close to Hancock. The Rail Path is a paved, linear path, which makes it a low-impact space for train, and is wheelchair accessible. Those that wish to have their pooch alongside for the trip can accomplish that alongside the path.
Clear Spring
For these on the lookout for a moderate-level hike, strive the Indian Springs Path on the Indian Springs Wildlife Administration Space. The path is 5.4 miles and will be accomplished in somewhat over two hours. The climbing path engulfs you in nature and a few fortunate folks may expertise wildlife encounters. Canine are allowed, however they have to be on a leash.
Williamsport
Residence to the C&O Nationwide Historic Park Headquarters, Williamsport is an ideal spot to enter the C&O Canal Towpath. Washington County has 78 miles of the 184.5 miles lengthy towpath, which provides guests and locals an enormous benefit. Hikers, walkers, runners, bikers and horseback riders benefit from the towpath for its principally flat terrain. The C&O Canal itself supplies alternatives for many who need to get pleasure from water sports activities within the Potomac River comparable to boating and kayaking, in addition to fishing.
Hagerstown
As Washington County’s seat, Hagerstown supplies guests and residents loads of methods to maintain energetic. Among the hottest are the a number of strolling/working trails in Metropolis Park. The Metropolis of Hagerstown has even put collectively a useful strolling path map that highlights among the locations to get pleasure from what has been acknowledged as some of the stunning parks within the U.S. The longest path is the Heyser Stroll which is 1.15 miles and circles the massive lake within the park.
Smithsburg
Veterans Park in Smithsburg is commonly the hub for city actions from craft exhibits to festivals to picnicking. Nevertheless it additionally has a handy strolling loop for many who need to get some train with out leaving city. The park has a straightforward path that could be a little over a mile.
Sharpsburg
Recognized for being the house to Antietam Nationwide Battlefield, the only most bloodiest day within the Civil Battle, Sharpsburg is also dwelling to some nice entry factors to the C&O Canal Towpath. Antietam Nationwide Battlefield permits bikers, walkers and runners to benefit from the rolling hills and somber panorama with a number of mapped-out loops across the park with the longest being the Snavely Ford Path. The 1.8-mile loop is alongside Antietam Creek and is usually flat apart from a climb on the finish.
Keedysville
An usually ignored gem for anybody eager to expertise the outside in an uncommon space is the Mt. Briar Wetland Protect. Carry your binoculars for birdwatching alongside this 1-mile hike on floating boardwalk all through the protect. What makes this so particular is that the protect is marshland. To guard the ecosystem, the doorway gates are open by appointment solely for many who have to enter by automobile. Nevertheless, walk-in visitors is permitted.
Boonsboro
Greenbrier State Park has somewhat little bit of every thing for many who need to spend time outdoor through the fall. The 42-acre park’s centerpiece is the lake the place guests can boat, kayak or fish at designated areas. In the summertime, it’s open for swimming. The park boasts 11 miles of climbing trails for these on the lookout for a reasonable to strenuous exercise across the lake. The Appalachian Path additionally cuts via the park. In truth, Washington County supplies greater than 40 miles of almost 2,200 miles that’s from Maine to Georgia.
Come break a sweat with us this Autumn!
