Williamsport MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Williamsport, Maryland.
1. C&O Canal National Historical Park
HISTORIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
C&O Canal National Historical Park offers visitors a beautiful riverside experience with historic lock houses and canal structures. Visitors can enjoy walking or biking along the towpath that follows the Potomac River for miles, providing scenic water views. The park features several access points to the river where visitors can fish, paddle, or simply enjoy the peaceful waterfront setting.
2. Williamsport Park Potomac River
LOCAL SWIMMING SPOT
Williamsport Park is located downtown adjacent to the C&O Canal, offering direct access to the Potomac River. The park features a boat ramp and is popular for fishing and swimming activities during warm months. Visitors appreciate the convenient location and the opportunity to cool off in the river while enjoying the small-town atmosphere.
3. Greenbrier State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE BEACH
Greenbrier State Park is considered one of the best lake swimming destinations in Maryland with a fairly large beach area and shallow sandy bottom. The park's 42-acre man-made lake provides perfect swimming conditions for toddlers and younger children in a scenic mountain setting. Visitors can also enjoy kid-friendly hiking trails around the lake, making it a complete outdoor recreation destination.
4. Cunningham Falls State Park
WATERFALL SWIMMING PARADISE
Cunningham Falls State Park features Maryland's largest cascading waterfall and a popular lake beach area for swimming. The park's 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake includes a sandy beach with lifeguards during summer months, making it a refreshing retreat. Visitors can split their day between cooling off in the lake and hiking to the stunning 78-foot waterfall for which the park is named.
5. Berkeley Springs State Park
HISTORIC MINERAL SPRINGS
Berkeley Springs State Park is centered around the famed warm mineral springs that have attracted visitors seeking therapeutic waters since before colonial times. The park features both historic Roman-style baths where visitors can soak in the 74°F mineral water and a modern swimming pool fed by the springs. Located just across the Potomac River from Maryland, this unique park offers a distinctive water experience in America's first spa town.
6. Cowans Gap State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Cowans Gap State Park features a beautiful 42-acre lake nestled in the mountains with a sand beach that's perfect for swimming. The spring-fed lake provides a refreshing swimming experience surrounded by the scenic beauty of Tuscarora Mountain. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking along numerous trails that offer spectacular views of the lake and surrounding forests.
7. Betterton Beach
CHESAPEAKE BAY ESCAPE
Betterton Beach is a family-friendly 5-acre waterfront park on the Chesapeake Bay with a 700-foot beach perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach features calm waters with less salinity than ocean beaches, making it comfortable for swimmers of all ages. Visitors appreciate the free admission, ample parking, and amenities including a bathhouse with showers, picnic tables, and a fishing jetty.
8. Cacapon Resort State Park
SCENIC LAKE RECREATION
Cacapon Resort State Park offers a beautiful beach area on its 6-acre lake surrounded by mountains in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. The sandy beach provides a perfect swimming spot during summer months with lifeguards on duty and rental paddleboats available for exploring the lake. Visitors can combine beach time with hiking, golfing, and other outdoor activities available throughout the 6,000-acre park.
9. Pine Cliff Park
HIDDEN RIVER GEM
Pine Cliff Park is a scenic riverside recreation area along the Potomac River featuring access points for swimming, fishing, and paddling. The park offers a more secluded water experience compared to larger state parks, with natural beach areas forming along the riverbank. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and opportunities to cool off in the river while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Antietam Creek
HISTORIC SWIMMING HOLES
Antietam Creek offers several natural swimming holes and water access points near historic Antietam National Battlefield. The creek features clear, flowing water with several deeper pools that are perfect for cooling off during hot summer months. Visitors can combine a refreshing swim with exploring the significant Civil War history of the surrounding area.