CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — October is here, bringing with it fall colors, scenery, holidays, and all the other things we love about this time of year. This month is also “Walktober” in counties all over Maryland, an event meant to encourage people to get outside and go for a walk.
Why, you ask? Walking is good exercise for all ages, and being outside has a myriad of mental health benefits. Walktober also encourages residents to learn more about walkability in their communities and how to create the conditions for safe walking.
Walking is a great activity to do with friends and family, or solo. You can take a dog — or cat, if you’re brave. No matter how you like to walk, it’s most important to get out and do it. And Walktober can help you discover the best walks in your community.
As big walking fans already, we decided to hit a few favorite spots to spend a day outside and remember why we love Southern Maryland. Our area is steeped in natural beauty and there’s no shortage of trails, parks, paths or outdoor spaces to get out and enjoy a walk — even if it’s just in your neighborhood.
These four walks are just a sample of what’s available in Southern Maryland. With so many options, finding a place you love should be as easy as a walk in the park.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Located at 13470 Dowell Road in Solomons, this beautiful and unique park has trails that take you close to artwork. As you walk, you’ll be immersed in the woods and in the art, making it a truly transforming experience that might even spark some creativity. The play area is colorful and clearly designed for imaginative play, with a theater and café.
After your walk, you can really get into your peaceful artsy place by visiting the art lab and gallery, and checking out the nature center. We especially loved Salvador the turtle for his shell patterns. This is a place for inner peace and connectivity.
Note: The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center has a suggested donation of $5.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
This stunning sanctuary, located at 2880 Grays Road in Prince Frederick, had us walking right over a swamp. The swamp holds bald cypress trees at their northernmost limit, making it an especially beautiful and unique place to take a walk. If you go slow and stay sharp, you’ll see plenty of wildlife in the swamp, like frogs, insects and birds. It was a truly different experience, and we loved witnessing the swamp’s one-of-a-kind beauty.
The sanctuary is also home to a newly renovated nature center, where visitors can learn more about local wildlife and visit with several creatures who live there.
Hallowing Point Park
We stepped out of the woods for a minute to take a walk at Hallowing Point Park, sitting at 4755 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick. This vast park is best known for being home to sports fields and a very cool playground. But sometimes your walks have to be practical as well as pretty, right? The park has a ton of open space for people to walk, even if it’s just taking laps around the playground or tennis courts while your kids play or compete.
Calvert, St. Mary’s and Charles counties are all well known for the effort they put into their parks, and these spaces are always well lit and well maintained. Plus, there are tons of parks all over Southern Maryland, so when you need a walk, there will be a way.
North Beach Boardwalk
The scenic North Beach Boardwalk at 9023 Bay Ave. is a popular spot for walking, jogging and enjoying the sights. On a sunny day, the sparkling bay view is unbeatable. The boardwalk brings you closer to nature while you still have some small-town conveniences nearby to grab a snack or drink or pick a totally different activity. We always love seeing the birds of the bay and counting the Very Good Dogs that stop by the visitors center for a treat.
The North Beach Boardwalk and Bay Ave. are home to many events throughout the year, and we can confirm it makes for a great backdrop for a simple, sunny day walk, too.
These are just a few examples of walks around Southern Maryland, and we’re excited to keep exploring and get outside.
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