Winter can make it a little too easy to stay indoors—but the Healthy Parks, Healthy People Winter Schedule is the perfect reason to bundle up and get outside. Whether you’re looking for a casual mid-morning stroll, a guided walk with friendly conversation, or a longer hike that gets your heart pumping, there are plenty of chances to chase away the winter blues and enjoy the outdoors with others.
Year-Round Favorite: Martinak Morning Walk
If you’re craving something consistent and low-pressure, the Martinak Morning Walk is a great weekly routine. Walks meet at the Martinak State Park Office at 10:30 AM. Tuesdays and Thursdays are guided and take place on a paved trail. Walks are about 1 mile (roughly 2,000 steps) with benches along the way—perfect for a steady pace and time to enjoy nature. Want a little more mileage? Walkers can choose to extend to 1.5 miles by looping through the camp areas and trails before returning to the start.
Meet at the gravel parking area on the left past the park office.
Wednesday Winter Hikes: February Through May
If you’d like something more adventurous, the Wednesday Winter Hike Schedule runs February through May, meeting Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. These hikes range from 3 to 5 miles across a variety of terrains and locations, offering a great way to build endurance, explore new trails, and enjoy the camaraderie of hiking with a group. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a snack so you’re comfortable and fueled along the way.
Here’s the lineup:
February
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Feb 4: Pickering Creek — Boundary Walk (Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Area)
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Feb 11: Adkins Arboretum — Loop it Walk (Meet at Visitor Center Parking Area)
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Feb 18: Tuckahoe State Park — Lake Trail (Meet at Tuckahoe Lake Parking Area)
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Feb 25: Terrapin Nature Park — Cross Island Trail (Meet at Exit 37 Parking Area)
March
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Mar 4: Idylwild WMA — Marshy Hope Creek (Meet at Houston Branch Parking Area)
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Mar 11: Tuckahoe State Park — Anna’s Trail (Meet at Park Office)
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Mar 26: Redden State Forest — Headquarters Loop (Meet at Redden Forest Fire Station)
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Mar 31: Chapel Branch — Beaver Pond Trail (Meet at Woodland Rd, Seaford, DE)
April
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Apr 1: Tuckahoe State Park — Sandtown Trail (Meet at Cemetery Road Parking Area)
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Apr 8: Sassafras NRMA — Meadows and Forest (Meet at Turners Creek Parking Area)
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Apr 15: Wye Island NRMA — Holly Tree Trail (Meet at Wye Island Rd Parking Area)
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Apr 22: Tuckahoe State Park — Pee Wee’s Trail (Meet at Crouse Mill Rd Parking Area)
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Apr 29: Lynch Preserve — Robins Creek Trail (Meet at end of Tall Tree Ln, Preston)
Inclement Weather Policy
If Caroline County schools are delayed or canceled, the walks or hikes will be canceled as well.
Stay in the Loop
Want updates or to be added to the Healthy Parks, Healthy People email list? Contact karen.giannino@maryland.gov for more information.
