CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — October is here, bringing with it fall colors, scenery, holidays, and all the other things we love about this time of year. This month is also “Walktober” in counties all over Maryland, an event meant to encourage people to get outside and go for a walk.
Why, you ask? Walking is good exercise for all ages, and being outside has a myriad of mental health benefits. Walktober also encourages residents to learn more about walkability in their communities and how to create the conditions for safe walking.
Walking is a great activity to do with friends and family, or solo. You can take a dog — or cat, if you’re brave. No matter how you like to walk, it’s most important to get out and do it. And Walktober can help you discover the best walks in your community.
As big walking fans already, we decided to hit a few favorite spots to spend a day outside and remember why we love Southern Maryland. Our area is steeped in natural beauty and there’s no shortage of trails, parks, paths or outdoor spaces to get out and enjoy a walk — even if it’s just in your neighborhood.
These four walks are just a sample of what’s available in Southern Maryland. With so many options, finding a place you love should be as easy as a walk in the park.
After your walk, you can really get into your peaceful artsy place by visiting the art lab and gallery, and checking out the nature center. We especially loved Salvador the turtle for his shell patterns. This is a place for inner peace and connectivity.
Note: The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center has a suggested donation of $5.
This stunning sanctuary, located at 2880 Grays Road in Prince Frederick, had us walking right over a swamp. The swamp holds bald cypress trees at their northernmost limit, making it an especially beautiful and unique place to take a walk. If you go slow and stay sharp, you’ll see plenty of wildlife in the swamp, like frogs, insects and birds. It was a truly different experience, and we loved witnessing the swamp’s one-of-a-kind beauty.
The sanctuary is also home to a newly renovated nature center, where visitors can learn more about local wildlife and visit with several creatures who live there.
Calvert, St. Mary’s and Charles counties are all well known for the effort they put into their parks, and these spaces are always well lit and well maintained. Plus, there are tons of parks all over Southern Maryland, so when you need a walk, there will be a way.
The North Beach Boardwalk and Bay Ave. are home to many events throughout the year, and we can confirm it makes for a great backdrop for a simple, sunny day walk, too.
These are just a few examples of walks around Southern Maryland, and we’re excited to keep exploring and get outside.
