Nature trail at Piney Run Park and Nature Center. photo by
Walter P. Calahan

by Sylvia Blair, photography by Walter P. Calahan

Carroll County parks have always been a popular source of recreation and fun. Throughout the pandemic, some parks have had record numbers of visitors. The trails, the fresh air and the chance to exercise have been a motivation to drive or walk to local parks, and to make a great escape from the monotony of so much indoor time.

“We connect people, parks and programs,” said Jeff Degitz, director of the Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks. “We make it possible for the community to connect with nature, to support good health, and to foster a robust economy, such as increased tourism.”

Local parks offer a variety of activities and conveniences, from trails, sports fields, fishing, pavilions and picnic areas to designated space for dogs to play off leash, nature centers and boating. Parks also serve as sites of spring and summer camps for children.

Park enjoyment these days means that visitors are asked to keep at least six feet apart. Large open spaces continue to make it possible for recreational sports for Carroll County youth in limited numbers. Smaller parks provide a haven for picnicking and quiet reflection in an outdoor setting. Playgrounds, ducks and geese, and amazing displays of nature are a draw for anyone who wants to unplug and take in a little sunshine.

Here is a list of Carroll County parks. Further information can be found on the county Recreation and Parks website (ccrecpark.org) or by emailing ccrec@carrollcountymd.gov. Callers may also get information at 410-386-2103.

Bark Hill Park  Peace N Plenty Dr. (off Bark Hill Rd.), Union Bridge
Multi-purpose fields; tot lot.

Bennett Cerf Park and Dog Park 544 Manchester Road, Westminster
Concessions; cross country skiing; ball diamond fields; fishing; off-leash pet area; pavilions; picnic area; pond/lake; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails. There is an annual fee for dog park membership.

Cape Horn Park 2500 Cape Horn Road, Hampstead
Cross-country skiing; ball diamond fields; multi-purpose fields; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails. 

Carroll County Equestrian Center 2512 Grimville Road, Mount Airy
Trails; riding ring for events and shows.

Carroll County Sports Complex 2225 Littlestown Pike, Westminster
Concessions; cross-country skiing; ball fields; multipurpose fields; pavilion; picnic area; restrooms; tot lot; trails.

Cherrytown Road Westminster
Ball diamond fields; pavilion.

Deer Park 637 Deer Park Road, Westminster
Basketball; concessions; cross-country skiing; ball fields; multipurpose fields; fishing; pavilions; picnic area; pond/lake; restrooms; tennis courts; tot lot; paved trails.

Double Pipe Creek Park 7577 Middleburg Road, Detour
Basketball; boating; fishing; grills; pavilion; picnic area; tot lot; water trail kayak launch.

Freedom Park 1111 Raincliffe Road, Sykesville
Concessions; cross-country skiing; ball fields; multipurpose fields; pavilion; picnic area; primitive camping; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails. 

Gillis Falls Recreation Area Woodbine
Cross-country skiing; fishing; trails.

Hap Baker Firearm Facility 1400 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster
200-yard rifle range; pistol range; restrooms. 

Hashawha/Bear Branch 300 John Owings Road, Westminster
Basketball; cross-country skiing; multi-purpose fields; fishing; grills; nature center; pavilion; picnic area; pond/lake; primitive camping; restrooms; tot lot; trails.

Hodges Park 5630 Hodges Road, Sykesville
Ball fields; multi-purpose fields; restrooms.

Kate Wagner Fields 1100 Gist Road, Westminster
Concessions; ball fields; multi-purpose fields; restrooms.

Krimgold Park 5355 Woodbine Road, Woodbine
Cross-country skiing; ball diamond fields; multipurpose fields; fishing; grills; pavilion; picnic areas; pond/lake; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails.

Landon C. Burns Park 700 Gist Road, Westminster
Cross-country skiing; ball fields; fishing; grills; pavilion; picnic areas; pond/lake; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails.

Leister Park 4134 Black Rock Road, Hampstead
Cross-country skiing; multi-purpose fields; pavilion; picnic area; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails.

Mayeski Park 1300 W. Old Liberty Road, Sykesville
Concessions; ball fields; multipurpose fields; pavilions; picnic area; restrooms; tot lot.

North Carroll Community Pond Basiler Road and Route 30, Hampstead
Fishing; picnic areas; pond/lake.

Obrecht Road Park 100 E. Obrecht Road, Sykesville
Ball fields; restrooms.

Old Liberty Road Park 100 W. Old Liberty Road, Sykesville
Ball fields; multi-purpose fields; restrooms.

Piney Run Park and Nature Center 30 Martz Road, Sykesville
Basketball; boating; concessions; cross-country skiing; fishing; grills; nature center; pavilion; picnic area; pond/lake; public-use electricity; restrooms; tennis court; tot lot; trails.

Salt Box Park Gillis Falls Road, Woodbine
Ball fields; fishing; pavilion; picnic area; restrooms; tot lot.

Sandymount Park 2250 Old Westminster Pike, Westminster
Basketball; concessions; cross-country skiing; ball fields; multipurpose fields; grills; pavilion; picnic area; restrooms; tennis courts; tot lot; paved trails.

Union Mills Recreation Area 220 John Owings Road, Westminster
Cross-country skiing; fishing; pond/lake; trails.

Westminster Community Pond 30 College View Blvd., Westminster
Basketball; fishing; pavilion; picnic area; pond/lake; restrooms; tot lot; paved trails.

Westminster Veterans Memorial Park Off Hook Road in Westminster
Under Development. Will feature trails, tot lot and picnic pavilion 

Winfield Park Salem Bottom Road opposite Winfield Elementary School
Athletic Field

South Carroll Dog Park 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Sykesville
2-acre off-leash dog area. There is an annual fee for dog park membership.