Hawlings River Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hawlings River Park is a vast natural area located in the state of Maryland.


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Summary

The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The park's main attraction is the Hawlings River, which runs through its heart, providing an ideal location for kayaking and canoeing.

One of the park's highlights is the historic Brighton Dam, which was built in 1943 to supply water to the city of Baltimore. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history and its role in the development of the region.

Another point of interest is the historic Glenview Mansion, which is located within the park and dates back to 1926. The mansion has been restored and converted into a museum that showcases the history of the region and its people.

In addition to these attractions, Hawlings River Park is also home to a large number of wildlife species, including bald eagles, deer, and foxes. The park's diverse ecosystem provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the natural world.

The best time to visit Hawlings River Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique beauty and activities.

In summary, Hawlings River Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife, it offers visitors a unique and memorable experience.

       

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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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