Maryland is special in that it has populated spots, as well as secluded havens. Have you ever wondered where exactly the most secluded spot is? According to the website Remote Footprints, Holland Island holds that title. You won't believe what it looks like.
Previously, we wrote about Holland Island, a portion of which now rests in a watery grave in the Chesapeake Bay. Here is the famous Holland Island house that stood strong for many years, despite rapid erosion.
What it looks like today may surprise you. Since this spot has been abandoned by human inhabitants for many years now, wildlife has moved in and claimed it as their own.
Thousands of birds, mostly pelicans, swarm the land and it's a surreal and beautiful sight to behold.
To read our previous article about Holland Island, click here.
This remote spot in Maryland is a Chesapeake Bay gem that is full of history, and now, teeming with wildlife. If you ever get the opportunity to explore this remarkable place, please leave nothing behind but your footprints.
The Stunning Top-Secret Swimming Hole in Maryland Nobody’s Ever Heard of
Discover Pot Rocks, a unique swimming hole in Maryland. Hike scenic trails, swim in natural pools, and explore the beauty of Gunpowder Falls State Park.
Are you ready to discover a new adventure? Maryland's Gunpowder Falls State Park, a sprawling natural playground of over 18,000 acres, hides a secret gem: a swimming hole known as Pot Rocks. Unlike your typical swimming spot, this natural wonder wasn't built by human hands. It was sculpted over time by the relentless flow of the Big Gunpowder Falls River.
The river has been shaping its path through hard rock for centuries. This has created a series of smooth, sculpted potholes that form natural pools, some shallow enough to wade in, others deep enough for a swim. It's a beautiful place, with mini-waterfalls tumbling over moss-covered rocks and sunlight sparkling on the water's surface.
Don't expect to stumble upon Pot Rocks by accident; you'll need to earn your visit with a scenic hike. The park has access to a variety of trails, but the Lost Pond and Sawmill Trail is a local favorite. This easy 2.5-mile out-and-back trail begins near the Jerusalem Road entrance to the park and winds through vibrant forests, offering glimpses of the river.
As you hike, keep an eye out for the critters that call this place home! You might catch a white-tailed deer bounding through the bushes or a family of squirrels playing in the trees above. Speaking of trees, don't forget to look up; you might spot the vibrant Baltimore Oriole, Maryland's state bird. And if you listen closely, you'll likely hear the melodic calls of warblers and sparrows echoing through the woods. Just be prepared for a bit of mud (especially after it rains) and wear shoes that can handle a stream crossing.
When you reach Pot Rocks, it will feel like you've discovered your own private oasis. The water is crisp and inviting, just right for a refreshing dip. You can throw down your towel on a flat rock, eat lunch, and listen to the sounds around you — birds singing, the wind in the trees, and the water flowing over the rocks.
This hidden gem in Gunpowder Falls State Park is a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can be found in nature. It's a place where you can unplug, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Bring a book, your journal, or simply your thoughts, and let the tranquility of this special place inspire you to continue to get outdoors.
Gunpowder Falls State Park is located at 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD, 21087. It is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. While it's beautiful anytime, consider visiting on a weekday or in the fall or winter for a more secluded experience. You can find directions and more information on the website of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Be sure to check for any park advisories or closures before you go.
Have you checked out Pot Rocks? Do you know of any other hidden gems in Maryland? Share your experiences and nominate your favorite places! I'd love to hear about your adventures. If you're looking for more activities, check out these nine swimming holes in Maryland.
The Predictions Are in for Maryland’s Upcoming Damp and Cold Winter
The Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in Maryland predicts a milder winter in Maryland, and a “wet, winter whirlwind” for the majority of the United States. Bundle up!
Our weather in Maryland is erratic at the best of times, and truly so once the winter months roll around. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’re sure to remember a day in February when we were bursting out the sunscreen, or the hailstorm we wandered through in mid-April while enjoying the National Cherry Blossom Festival. I must say, Marylanders are always ready no matter what nature has planned for us, and this year is no different. The Farmers’ Almanac 2024 winter in Maryland predicts a milder winter for us, and a “wet, winter whirlwind” for the majority of the United States. Though the winter in Maryland will be milder and less eventful than last year, look on the bright side, the Old Line State will see some snowfall and bursts of cold in late December and late February. Bundle up folks, the 2024-2025 winter weather predictions in Maryland might just keep us guessing all season long.
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After last year’s mild winter, this year seems to be continuing the same trend. Marylanders can expect to see a burst of frigid temperatures in the latter portion of the frosty months. For those of us who don’t mind a winter wonderland, the slightly below-average snowfall will be a seasonal treat. As always with the winter weather, be sure to check your vehicles and keep emergency supplies on hand.
Winter in Maryland officially arrives around December 21, and with it calls for widespread wintery precipitation. Fortunately, with some snowfall predictions for late December, we might have a dreamy white Christmas. This would be a welcoming surprise, breaking the Maryland tradition of a chilly but snowless holiday.
January is expected to start off with some slushy rain and mixed snowfall, and then turn bitterly cold when a storm moves up from the Gulf. This cold weather is expected to last until the end of the month, so it’ll be the perfect time to head outdoors for any of the adventures our state promises!
As we move from January to February, we’re expected to experience some renewed threats of snowfall. Coastal storms should blow moderate-to-heavy snowfall inland for the first half of the month, but fade to rain by the end.
I have lived in Maryland too long to expect winter weather to disappear by March, and this year seems to be no exception. By mid-month, the weather is expected to turn frigid yet again, and scattered snows will take place throughout.
By mid-April, the weather won’t exactly be warm but the cherry blossoms will be blooming and all of us Marylanders will likely be outside anyway, enjoying the sights and sounds of spring and shrugging off the occasional hail.
What are your thoughts about the Farmers’ Almanac 2024 winter in Maryland? Let us know below! These predictions are approximately 80 percent accurate, so make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come.
If you’re anything like me, you’re already preparing for the activities and events that go along with winter weather in Maryland. If so, be sure to keep our Ultimate Winter Packing Guide fresh in mind!
