Windy Run Park

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Thrifton Hills Park Cherry Dale Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Windy Run Park, located in the state of Maryland, is a hidden gem that offers visitors a serene and picturesque natural retreat.

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Summary

Situated in a wooded area, this park provides a range of attractions and features that make it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

One of the main reasons to visit Windy Run Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park is known for its lush greenery, meandering trails, and the scenic Windy Run stream that runs through it. The trails offer a peaceful and tranquil environment, perfect for hiking, walking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll.

One notable point of interest within the park is the Windy Run Bridge. This picturesque wooden bridge spans the stream and provides a picturesque backdrop for photographs. It is a popular spot for visitors to capture the park's beauty and tranquility.

Windy Run Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of avian species that inhabit the park, including woodpeckers, songbirds, and owls. It is not uncommon to spot deer and other small mammals as well, adding to the park's natural charm.

In terms of interesting facts, Windy Run Park is part of the larger George Washington Memorial Parkway, a scenic roadway that stretches along the Potomac River and connects several historical sites in the area. The park itself is named after the Windy Run stream that flows through it, which was given its name due to the gusty winds that often blow through the valley.

The best time of year to visit Windy Run Park largely depends on personal preferences. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes and blooming flowers, making it a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the park's tranquility. Fall, on the other hand, showcases vibrant foliage colors, creating a breathtaking panorama. Even winter has its own charm, as the park takes on a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to consult multiple independent sources such as official park websites, travel guides, and visitor reviews before planning a visit to Windy Run Park in Maryland.

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WINDY RUN PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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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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