Baltimore County, Maryland

Baltimore County Local Guide

Settling In Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 12 places to get to know Baltimore County.

12 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Sandy shoreline and calm Chesapeake Bay water at North Point State Park
Chesapeake Bay shoreline at North Point State ParkPhoto: Acroterion

Edgemere Parks & Trails

North Point State Park

Explore shoreline scenery and protected wildlands on the site of the former Bay Shore Amusement Park. The park combines walking trails with reminders of trolley travel and the War of 1812.

Before You Go Check the reservation calendar for weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. DNR currently posts closures at the end of Crystal Pier and the trolley pavilion, so review alerts before visiting.

Official Visitor Information
Stone lime kiln with an arched opening at Cromwell Valley Park
Historic lime kiln at Cromwell Valley ParkPhoto: Preservation Maryland

Parkville Parks & Trails

Cromwell Valley Park

Explore a landscape cared for jointly by Baltimore County Recreation and Parks and the park council. Hiking, bird observation and nature education sit alongside the park’s historic structures.

Before You Go Choose the correct entrance for your activity. Sherwood House and Willow Grove Nature Education Center have separate Cromwell Bridge Road addresses, and the park is open during daylight.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • Oregon Ridge Nature Center and Park

    Cockeysville Parks & Trails

    Woodland walks and natural history exhibits beside a former mining landscape.

    A network of trails crosses forest, fields and streams around the nature center. Indoor animal and natural history exhibits and outdoor mining interpretation add context to a walk.

    Before You Go Check current trail alerts. The park partner currently reports the Orange Trail and steps on part of the Red Trail closed. Swimming, fishing and personal watercraft are prohibited.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Marshy Point Nature Center

    Middle River Parks & Trails

    Coastal forest, wetlands and creek views reward a slower nature walk.

    Trails wind through woodland and wetlands along Dundee and Saltpeter Creeks. A paved accessible route, observation points and a paddle trail offer different ways to explore this Chesapeake landscape.

    Before You Go Ask the nature center about muddy or flooded trails after rain. Canoes and kayaks are used for guided programs, not rented to individual visitors.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Gunpowder Falls State Park Hereford Area

    Hereford and Parkton Parks & Trails

    Wooded trails follow the river through a protected northern county landscape.

    The Hereford Area preserves a scenic setting along the Big Gunpowder Falls downstream of Prettyboy Reservoir. Multiple trailheads open onto woodland walks, river scenery and a renowned trout management area.

    Before You Go Choose a trailhead from the Hereford map rather than driving to park headquarters. Check current hunting boundaries and river conditions before heading out.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

    Ashland to Freeland Parks & Trails

    Walk or cycle a former railway through the northern county.

    The former Northern Central Railway corridor links communities including Phoenix, Monkton and White Hall on its way toward Pennsylvania. The largely level route offers an approachable way to explore the county’s railway landscape.

    Before You Go Select a parking area from the official trail information and expect limited spaces. Share the trail with walkers and horses, and walk bicycles across road crossings.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

3 places
North facade of Hampton Mansion with its cupola and lawn
Hampton Mansion, 2008Photo: James G. Howes

Towson History & Culture

Hampton National Historic Site

Explore the grounds, gardens and surviving buildings of Hampton. National Park Service interpretation offers ways to consider the lives and labor of the people who shaped this estate.

Before You Go Start at the visitor center for mansion tour tickets. Grounds access and indoor exhibits follow different schedules, so confirm the tour and building calendar before a special trip.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore2 More Places to Discover

  • Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum

    Oella History & Culture

    A museum, farmstead interpretation and trails in Banneker’s home landscape.

    This park in Oella brings together museum exhibits, a historically relevant cabin and farmstead, and trails across a wooded landscape. It is a distinctive stop for learning about Benjamin Banneker while spending time outdoors.

    Before You Go Use the Oella Avenue entrance and check museum hours separately from the park grounds. An Ellicott City area itinerary can cross into Howard County, but this museum is in Baltimore County.

    Official Visitor Information

  • The Fire Museum of Maryland

    Lutherville History & Culture

    Historic firefighting equipment and family discovery activities.

    Explore fire apparatus and exhibits about the people and technology of firefighting. The collection connects local fire service stories with the wider history of protecting Maryland communities.

    Before You Go Check public visiting days rather than office hours. The museum is behind the Heaver Plaza building, and visitors sensitive to loud bells can ask about hearing protection.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places

More to Explore3 More Places to Discover

  • Towson Branch

    Towson Libraries & Community

    Books, study spaces and community programs in the county seat.

    Baltimore County Public Library’s Towson Branch offers public computers, WiFi, study and meeting spaces, and a children’s play area. Its central location makes it a practical stop while getting to know Towson.

    Before You Go The branch lists a paid parking garage. Check room booking and equipment requirements before planning a work session.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Catonsville Branch

    Catonsville Libraries & Community

    Local history, reading and recording studios on Frederick Road.

    The Catonsville Branch combines library collections and community programs with a local history collection and recording studios. Public computers and WiFi also make it useful during a move.

    Before You Go Check recording studio certification and booking requirements before bringing a project. The branch is at 1100 Frederick Road.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Owings Mills Branch

    Owings Mills Libraries & Community

    Reading, community rooms and Negro Leagues baseball history in one stop.

    At the County Campus Metro Center, this library offers study spaces, public computers and programs. It also houses the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball, giving a library visit a local cultural dimension.

    Before You Go Use the branch’s Grand Central Avenue address. Free garage parking is listed, and meeting or study room use should be checked before arrival.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Baltimore County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.