Boonsboro MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Boonsboro, Maryland.
1. Greenbrier State Park
BEACH AND LAKE PARADISE
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake with a white sandy beach that attracts many visitors. The park offers swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing activities for all ages. Families with small children often gather at the middle beach area, which is conveniently located near restrooms, changing facilities, and a concession stand.
2. Devil's Backbone Park
POPULAR KAYAKING SPOT
Devil's Backbone Park is a well-known destination for kayaking and creek floating in the Boonsboro area. The park offers water recreation opportunities with convenient access points for water activities. Visitors should arrive early as parking can fill up quickly during peak times.
3. Cunningham Falls State Park
WATERFALL AND LAKE RETREAT
Cunningham Falls State Park is located near Boonsboro and offers a beautiful lake area with swimming beaches. The park is home to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, making it a scenic destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, and picnicking in this natural setting.
4. Caledonia State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING DESTINATION
Caledonia State Park is a short drive from Boonsboro and features a swimming pool in a historic setting. The park offers water recreation alongside beautiful forested areas and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing waters while exploring the natural and historical attractions of the area.
5. Cowans Gap State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE GETAWAY
Cowans Gap State Park features a 42-acre lake nestled in the beautiful mountains near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. The park offers a beach area for swimming along with boating and fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the cool mountain waters surrounded by scenic forest views.
6. Berkeley Springs State Park
HISTORIC MINERAL SPRINGS
Berkeley Springs State Park is centered around natural mineral springs that have attracted visitors for their therapeutic qualities since colonial times. The park features historic bath houses where visitors can soak in the warm mineral waters. In addition to the springs, the park offers a swimming pool for summer recreation.
7. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
DUAL LAKE RECREATION
Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers two lakes with beach areas for swimming—Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake. The park is a popular spot for families seeking water recreation in a mountain setting. Visitors can cool off in the refreshing waters after hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the park.
8. Antietam Creek
HISTORIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
Antietam Creek flows near Boonsboro and offers peaceful water recreation opportunities including tubing, kayaking, and fishing. The creek winds through historically significant areas related to the Civil War battle of Antietam. Visitors can enjoy the gentle waters while taking in the beautiful scenery and historical context of the region.
9. Potomac River
MAJESTIC RIVER ADVENTURES
The Potomac River near Harpers Ferry offers spectacular water recreation not far from Boonsboro. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, and fishing along various sections of this historic waterway. The river provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
10. Cascade Lake
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER PARK
Cascade Lake features a spring-fed lake with a sandy beach and an adjacent water park that makes it popular with families. The facility offers swimming areas alongside water slides and other water attractions for visitors of all ages. In addition to swimming, the lake provides fishing opportunities in a scenic setting.