by Adrian Banks
When temperatures rise, it’s time to seek the chill. Whether you’re packing up the kids and heading out for a day with the family or trying to find a place to take an early morning walk with the dog, these cool local spots can help you beat the summer heat.
Bear Branch Nature Center
and Hashawha Environmental Center Westminster
Bear Branch Nature Center is a 320-acre area featuring trails, raptor mews for various birds of prey and fishing at Lake Hashawha. While there are no swimming opportunities here, visitors can find plenty of shaded areas to hike, picnic, walk the dog and relax.
Liberty Reservoir Eldersburg/Westminster area
Between Carroll and Baltimore counties lies the Liberty Reservoir. While swimming in the reservoir is not permitted, the Liberty Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) is open for hiking, rowing, paddle boating, kayaking, bird watching and horseback riding. Hiking trails run through many of the wooded areas at the reservoir.
Millard Cooper Park Sykesville
The town’s first park, Millard Cooper Park, offers a range of fun activities, including picnic spaces, water play and evening movies. Pavilions, picnic areas and playground equipment are available to guests. To beat the heat, check out the children’s splash pad, a free water area for kids. The splash pad is free to use and includes a 2,500-square-foot area with water sprayers, a mushroom waterfall, a small slide and a giant bucket that dumps water. Watch a movie under the stars on select Saturday nights.
Patapsco Valley State Park South of Carroll County
Just south of Carroll County is the Patapsco Valley State Park near Ellicott City. Extending along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, the state park features eight developed recreational areas that offer hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, mountain biking and picnicking. The park is nationally known for its trails and scenery. A small per-vehicle fee is required to enter the park.
Piney Run Park Sykesville
Piney Run Park is a 550-acre park centered around a 300-acre lake. Rowboats, kayaks, boats and canoes are available for rent. A small beach-like shoreline is excellent for sunbathing and wading. Basketball and pickleball courts are available, with hiking trails located around the park. Carroll County residents pay a $6 entry fee per vehicle ($12 for nonresidents). Facility rentals and use of the boat launch pad are available for additional fees.
Pipe Creek Water Trail Union Bridge
For those who prefer the serenity of nature, the Pipe Creek Water Trail in Union Bridge offers shade and gentle waters, making it perfect for beginner paddleboarders and children. Paddlers will enjoy views of old mills, farms, fields and woods, in addition to wildlife. There is no cost to enjoy the trail, which offers multiple points of access to the water.
Westminster Municipal Pool Westminster
With renovations made over the last few years, Westminster’s public pool promises fun for all. The complex features a large central pool with swimming lanes, a diving board and a twisting water slide. Younger kids can enjoy the splash pad. Daily admission is $15 for adults and $12 for kids. To reserve one of the two pavilions, the cost is $150 per day. The pool is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day from noon to 7 p.m.
Learn more about these parks and recreation areas at CarrollCountyMD.gov and DNR.Maryland.gov.
If you’re truly up for some immersive water fun, consider these member-based venues:
- Coppermine 4 Seasons in Hampstead is a private swim club offering two pools, a splash pad, picnic areas and a snack shack.
GoCoppermine.com - Merritt Clubs in Eldersburg offers an epic outdoor waterpark and a children’s pool with waterslides.
MerrittClubs.com/Location/Eldersburg - The South Carroll Swim Club in Eldersburg offers a competition lap pool, a family pool and a baby pool, along with recreational areas.
SouthCarrollClub.com - The Westminster Riding Club offers a 25-meter pool, a baby and kiddie pool, and a diving pool with a water slide and diving board.
WRCSwimAndSocialClub.com
