Outdoor Recreation Program Highlights

by land

Rides around the Lake

Lake Montebello, Whitman Drive

Saturday, April- October ,9am-12pm

Thursdays, May & August, 5pm-8pm

Thursdays June & July, 5pm-9pm

Pedal around Lake Montebello on the 1.3-mile paved track, a current government issue Id is required. This is an easy self-paced ride.  First come, first served.

 

Guided Rides @ Herring Run

Herring Run Park, (3800 Belair Rd)

Saturdays, May-October, 1pm-3p

Bikes are provided for a guided 3-mile family-friendly and all ability rides on a wooded trail. Perfect for groups of 20. Registration is recommended.  

 

Guided Rides @ Druid Hill Park

Druid Hill Park, Rawlings Conservatory 

Wednesdays May – September, 5pm-8pm

Bikes are provided for a guided 3 mile mostly flat bike ride through Druid Hill Park. Registration is recommended. 

 

Gwynns Falls Trail Bikes Tours

Inner Harbor Visitors Center, (401 Light St)

Sundays May-October, 10am-230pm

Join the Outdoor Recreation Staff for a fully supported Sunday of riding on the Beautiful Gwynns Falls Trail.  Departing from the Inner Harbor Visitor Center at 10 AM.  We will transport you out to the westernmost terminus of the trail.  Outdoor Staff will provide a bike, guide, a box lunch and SAG (a truck and trailer to assist with anything along the way).  We will explore the Gwynns Falls Trail (total of 11 miles) and end back at the Inner Harbor. 15 slots available. THIS TRIP IS RECOMMENDED FOR ADVENTUROUS BEGINNERS RIDERS to intermediate. All you need is a sense of adventure and a reusable water bottle! Please arrive promptly and email us for any dietary restrictions you may have. Reservations are required.

 

Hiking

Moonlight, Weekend and Specialty Hikes

Various times and locations. Year Round!

BCRP and our passionate Friends Groups host hikes throughout the city on paved and natural surface trails at various times and locations. Hikes are for a variety of different skill levels—from beginners to urban adventures. Some of our favorite adventures are in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Herring Run Park, Druid Hill Park, Stony Run, and Cylburn Arboretum. Please check the BCRP events for upcoming hikes or check out Baltimore Parks Meetup for Friends Sponsored hikes

 

Camping

Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park or Herring Run Park

Join us for the “Great American Campout”!   Carrie Murray Nature Center, Gwynns Falls Leakin Park, Herring Run Park, Patterson Park, and Wyman Park Dell are where campouts are hosted.  Space is limited. RSVP is REQUIRED. 

 

by sea

Canoe and Scoop in Middle Branch Park

Saturdays, April–Oct., 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Located in Middle Branch Park (3301 Waterview Ave. 21230) just south of the Hannover Street Bridge.  We provide certified staff and equipment for paddling and cleaning up all the rain leftovers from the shoreline of Middle Branch Park.  This is a great activity for groups and service projects with up to 20 participants.  It is best to allow 3 hours for this activity.  This must be booked in advance.  

 

Sunset Paddle in Middle Branch Park

Fridays, April- May & Aug-Sept, 6pm-8pm

Fridays June & July, 7pm-9pm

Located at Middle Branch Park (3301 Waterview Ave. 21230) just south of the Hannover Street Bridge.  The Recreation and Parks Department has 10 canoes and 10 kayaks available.  We provide staff and guided tours.  Depending on the participants' comfort level there is self-guided paddling and tips/ group lessons available at this time.  PLEASE ARRIVE PROMPTLY. Please RSVP early to reserve your spot in a boat. Cost provides everything for paddling the Middle Branch. Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot.

 

Open Pool Time for Kayaks at Cherry Hill Splash Park

Saturdays, June–Aug, 1pm-3pm

Beginner kayakers are provided kayaking instruction and skill building tips in a safe and controlled environment in one of our beautiful park pools.  Not a beginner and just want to practice?  We can go over the basics of rescue techniques and wet exits. We will be at the Cherry Hill Splash Park every Saturday from 1-3 pm there is a $2 general pool admission to enter the pool. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED, otherwise done on a first come first served basis. 

 

Sunday Afternoon Paddle Tours at Middle Branch

Sundays, April-October, 10am-2pm

A great activity for groups up to 20 participants. 10 kayaks and 10 canoes available. PLEASE ARRIVE PROMPTLY. Reservations required.

 

Harbor Waterfront Kayak Tours

Sundays, April–Oct. 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm

Join BCRP and the Healthy Harbor Initiative for a Sunday of paddling. Departing from the Science Center, we explore the Inner Harbor. 15 slots available. Participant restrictions are determined by life vest size and boat space. Not recommended for beginner kayakers.  PLEASE ARRIVE PROMPTLY. Pre-registration is required. www.kayakbaltimore.com

Be sure to check out the other free Waterfront Wellness classes including Yoga, Parkour, and Zumba every Saturday and Sunday morning between 8AM and 10AM at West Shore Park!  All classes are led by industry professionals and are suitable for all skill levels. New classes, nutrition programs, meal makeovers, and other “wellness” activities will be added throughout the season. For more information, class times, and registration visit www.WaterfrontPartnership.org  (External Link).

 

Special Event Paddles

Various times and locations

May- September

Join us for the special even paddles!  We offer full moon paddles, Fourth of July firework paddle and many more! Space is limited. RSVP is REQUIRED. Please check the BCRP calendar for details, https://baltimorecityrecandparks.org . For questions or more information please contact or bcrp.boats@baltimorecity.gov or call 443-984-4058.

 

Kids in Kayaks Program

  • April – June and Sept- October
  • For Baltimore City Schools through grant funds. Check out the video of the Kids in Kayak program from Baltimore City Schools' Student Media team here
  • Kids in Kayaks is an award-winning program that works with 6-8 Baltimore City Middle Schools to show the next generation how to access the natural and historical resources in their own hometown, and to encourage an ethic of stewardship for that resource.  BCRP, National Park Service, Baltimore National Heritage Area and many other partners work together to serve 600 8th graders right here in Baltimore City. Check out our video https://vimeo.com/174420888  or contact Kirsten Perry our Coordinator at kirsten.perry@baltimorecity.gov
  • Awards won for Kids in Kayaks:
  • - Organization Partner of the Year 2015- Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
  • -The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, “Creative Programming Award”-Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (2017 & 2018)
  • - The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, “Writing, Research or Audio Visual Award (Specialty Award).” -Chesapeake Bay Program (video-2017)
  • - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, program award 2018- Kids in Kayaks, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

-Education Partner of the year 2018- Kirsten Perry, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

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