Folly Branch Stream Valley Park

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Bald Hill Stream Valley Park Holmhurst Neighborhood Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Folly Branch Stream Valley Park is a beautiful park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.

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Summary

It spans over 41-acres of woodland and meadows along the Folly Branch stream. Visitors can enjoy gorgeous views of the stream and surrounding nature, as well as take part in a variety of outdoor activities.

One of the main reasons to visit Folly Branch Stream Valley Park is for its natural beauty. The park has a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a great place for nature lovers to explore. Visitors can take a leisurely hike through the park's trails, or go birdwatching and spot some of the many bird species that call the park home.

There are also several historical points of interest within the park, including the remains of an old mill and mill race. These structures provide a glimpse into the area's past and offer a unique perspective on the park's history.

Another unique feature of the park is its fishing opportunities. Folly Branch is home to a variety of fish species, including trout and bass, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the park's designated picnic areas.

The best time of year to visit Folly Branch Stream Valley Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. However, the park is open year-round and offers different experiences during each season.

In conclusion, Folly Branch Stream Valley Park is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning natural beauty, historical points of interest, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination in Maryland.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.

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