Baltimore-Washington Parkway
Rate this placeNearby: Maryland City Park Montpelier Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Baltimore-Washington Parkway is a scenic route that connects Baltimore and Washington D.C.
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Summary
in Maryland. The parkway has many attractions along the way, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Some of the main attractions include the Patuxent Research Refuge, the Greenbelt Park, and the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
The Patuxent Research Refuge is a great place to experience nature and wildlife. Visitors can hike the trails, observe wildlife, and learn about the park's history. The Greenbelt Park is another great destination for nature lovers, offering camping and hiking opportunities. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine allows visitors to learn about the historical significance of the site and view the flag that inspired the national anthem.
Other attractions along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway include the Laurel Museum and the National Cryptologic Museum. The Laurel Museum provides insight into the history of the town of Laurel, while the National Cryptologic Museum showcases the history of cryptology and the role it played in national security.
The best time to visit the Baltimore-Washington Parkway is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be snowy and cold. It is best to check the park's website for up-to-date information on hours of operation and any closures.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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Greenbelt Park
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Camp Loop A
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Camp Loop B
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Camp Loop C
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Camp Loop D
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Maryland City Park
Montpelier Park
Patuxent River Park
Pheasant Run Community Park
Snow Hill Manor