PINEY RUN PARK

Whether you like to boat, fish, hike, picnic, play tennis, or just appreciate nature's beauty, Piney Run Park is yours to enjoy. Completed in 1974, this 300 acre lake is rich in environmental and recreational resources. Its clear waters are surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful woods and open space.

The Park is located in southern Carroll County - a short distance from Liberty Road (Rt. 26) in Sykesville. It is approximately 25 miles west of Baltimore and 40 miles north of Washington D.C.

The natural rural surroundings, combined with creative, informative programming for the public, make Piney Run Park an ideal place to discover and enjoy the out-of-doors.

 

TRAILS

There are over five miles of hiking trails within the Park. The Lake and Indian trails keep you near the facilities while the Inlet and Field trails allow a more secluded retreat. There are also equestrian and bicycle trails. Trail maps and guides are available.

PONTOON

An exciting recreational opportunity for all ages can be found aboard the Park's 20 passenger pontoon boat, the AVA IRENE. For a fee, the tour boat can be reserved for large groups, nature discovery trips, and birthday parties.

FISHING

The lake is stocked with striped bass, crappie, large-mouth bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish. Fishing is permitted from boats, piers, or along the bank except in the Wildlife Management area near White Rock Road and along the dam slope. Maryland State Fishing Licenses are required and can be purchased at the Boathouse during operating hours. All Maryland State Fishing Regulations apply.

fishing man

 

BOATING

Canoes, sailboats, rowboats, (non-gasoline powered crafts) may be used on the lake during the park season. A daily or seasonal boat pass is available at the entrance gate. Canoes, rowboats, and pedal boats may be rented at the Boathouse.

PICNICKING

Picnic tables, grills, playgrounds for the children, a multi-purpose court, and tennis courts are here for your enjoyment. Pavilions are available for rent.

WINTER

Bird watchers enjoy the abundance of waterfowl that winters over at the lake. All hiking trails double as cross-country ski trails in the winter. Trail maps are available at the Park entrance.

CONSERVATION

Piney Run Park is committed to conservation. While the lake and Park trails are open to the public to use and enjoy, they are also the habitat of many wild plants and animals. In an effort to provide food and cover for wildlife, many evergreens and berry producing shrubs have been planted in the fields that were once farm land. In these areas, Bluebird nesting boxes have been mounted. Wood duck nesting boxes have been placed in some of the lake's secluded coves in order to help this species recover from loss of nesting habitat. A portion of the lake is reserved as a wildlife sanctuary, and fishing and boating are prohibited in this area.

 

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