General Sam Smith Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

General Sam Smith Park is a beautiful waterfront park situated in the state of Maryland.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park offers stunning views of the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay. There are several reasons to visit this park, including the abundance of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and camping.

One of the most popular points of interest at General Sam Smith Park is the Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the area and the role that lighthouses played in navigation. Visitors can also explore the nearby wetlands and observe the wide variety of flora and fauna that call the park home.

Interesting facts about General Sam Smith Park include that it was named after General Samuel Smith, a prominent military leader during the War of 1812. Additionally, the park is home to several historic structures, including a War of 1812 fortification and a colonial-era mansion.

The best time of year to visit General Sam Smith Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing and hiking even in the winter months.

Overall, General Sam Smith Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Maryland.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks