Visit Gunpowder Falls State Park
Contents at a Glance
The Hereford area
All images copyright © 2009 Chris Scroggins
FROM THE WEBSITE:
The Hereford Area, located in northern Baltimore County, is one of five designated recreation areas in Gunpowder Falls State Park. The area's 3,620 acres feature a scenic wilderness setting preserved under State Wildland status for nature appreciation and outdoor adventures. Anglers enjoy a nationally renowned special trout management area located downstream from Prettyboy Reservoir and hikers and horseback riders explore more than 20 miles of wooded trails. The Big Gunpowder Falls, which flows through the Hereford Area valley, also attracts canoeing, kayaking and tubing enthusiasts throughout the year.
Fly Fishing
NOTE: Fishing in this area is catch and release only. © Chris Scroggins
Kayakers always look happy on the Gunpowder river! © Chris Scroggins
For detailed information on put in and take out locations, call the state park office at 410-592-2897
Kayaking and Tubing
- KAYAKING THE GUNPOWDER IN HEREFORD
- Read about where to kayak in the Hereford area.
- TUBING THE GUNPOWDER IN HEREFORD
- Read about where to put in and take out in the Hereford area of Gunpowder Falls State Park.
- TUBE RENTALS
- Tubes can be rented at Monkton Bike Inc.
Cold Water
Even in midsummer, the Gunpowder river can be as cold as 50 or 60 degrees!
Hiking Trails
There are 4 EASY trails accessible from the Masemore parking area. © Chris Scroggins
Wooded trails offer some welcome protection from the sun. © Chris Scroggins
Wildflower Walking Trails
Wildflowers are plentiful at the trails off the Masemore Road parking area, and the walking is easy.
Flowers I have seen in Spring 2009:
violets
trout lily
mayapple
nodding trillium
spiderwort
skunk cabbage
star of bethlehem
jack in the pulpit
honeysuckle
mountain laurel
Wildflowers and Sunshine
Most wildflowers only open up on SUNNY Days. Photographers and wildflower lovers should plan accordingly.
Buttercups
© Chris Scroggins
Jack in the Pulpit
© Chris Scroggins
Star of Bethlehem
© Chris Scroggins
Wild Geranium
© Chris Scroggins
Mayapples
© Chris Scroggins
Fiddleheads
© Chris Scroggins
Spiderwort
© Chris Scroggins
Bluets
© Chris Scroggins
Wildlife Sightings
Cute frogs are a common site along the river trails. © Chris Scroggins
Beavers are active in spring 2009 across from the Masemore Parking lot area. © Chris Scroggins
Gunpowder Falls State Park Links
- Gunpowder Falls State Park Overview
- An overview of the Gunpowder State Park system.
- Hereford Area Trail Guide
- If you are serious about hiking this park I highly recommend getting a copy of the trail map! Get information on how to order the Hereford area trail guide here.
- Backwater Angler Outfitters
- Backwater Angler, located in Monkton, Maryland offers guided six to eight hour flyfishing trips, as well as hands-on fly fishing classes for novice to advanced anglers. Learn casting techniques, stream etiquette, wading safety, entomology, and other tricks to make your fishing expeditions more successful. For a complete schedule of guided trips, classes and associated fees, call their store.
- Official Gunpowder Falls State Park Website
- Browse the official website of Gunpowder State Park.
- Millpond Cottage
- Read about how to rent Millpond Cottage.
Cards by Chris
- CARDS BY CHRIS SCROGGINS
- Browse thank you cards, birthday cards, boxed blank greeting cards printed with nature photography by Chris Scroggins.
- SCENIC LANDSCAPE CARDS AND GIFTS
- Are you looking for a unique landscape photography gift? Browse Chris Scroggins' scenic blank greeting cards and note card gifts and calendars of waterfalls, mountains, forests and US National Parks.
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- Browse landscape birthday cards perfect for family, friends and business associates.
My Gunpowder Guest Book
I hope you've enjoyed my photographs of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Perhaps you will be inspired to visit this park, or to spend more time in nature at your own state's parks. Please sign my guest book. Signed, Nature Maven
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- HAMMED M ONSARE HAMMED M ONSARE Nov 2, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
- WONDERFUL
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- HenryE HenryE Sep 29, 2009 @ 7:04 am
- This looks like a stunning location! How beautiful!! It makes me wish I could travel. Your pictures can really transform a person.
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- Jennifer Downs Jennifer Downs Aug 5, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
- I love your photos....like walk through the park.
So glad to have them available this way!
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- slotowngal slotowngal Jul 25, 2009 @ 6:16 am
- Wonderful lens! Love your photos, Chris. :-) Gunpowder Falls State Park is not far from where I live. My husband and sons love to take the Rail Trail down from PA into MD and walk through the park area. Five Stars!
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- EveStock EveStock Jul 6, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
- beautiful place, thanks for sharing.
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- DottieO DottieO Jun 26, 2009 @ 11:24 am
- Beautiful images (makes me homesick!), wonderful lighting. Cannot believe you got the beaver. For years studied toothmarks on the trees along the trail, but never could lay my eyes on one. Great job - as always!
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- kla10 kla10 Jun 25, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
- Great Lens. I loved the pictures. It looks like Gunpowder falls would be a great place to visit.
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- Ener-G Ener-G Jun 24, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
- Great lens!
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- GroovyFinds GroovyFinds Jun 21, 2009 @ 5:16 am
- Very nice lens, the photos are outstanding!
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- AppalachianCountry AppalachianCountry Jun 15, 2009 @ 7:08 am
- Beautiful lens. We want to go there. It looks so wonderful. Thank-you for all the info.
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- aka Chris Scroggins
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- A varmint knocked the bird feeder down. Guess I'll have to bring it in at night. Sorry Mr. Raccoon the party's over
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- Updated my twitter background to something a little more seasonal #holidays #poinsettias
Baltimore Walks and Wildflower Guidebooks
Find out about more great walks in the Baltimore area and get guidebooks to Eastern Wildflowers:
Directions
directions to the Masemore Road parking area:
take exit # 27, Mt Carmel Road
at stop sign, left onto Mt Carmel Road
Right onto Masemore Road
pass farm on right,
go down a hill
watch for oncoming traffic at old stone house
parking is on the right before the bridge
Books about Chesapeake Bay Country
Flying Above Chesapeake Bay
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/11/2009) 
Bay Country
Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009)
Water's Way: Life along the Chesapeake
Amazon Price: $21.37 (as of 12/11/2009)
Chesapeake: Bay of Light: An Exploration of the Chesapeake Bay's Wild and Forgotten Places
Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 12/11/2009)
Chesapeake: Exploring the Water Trail of Captain John Smith
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 12/11/2009)
Maryland Fall Foliage Hotline
- Maryland Foliage and Festival Hotline
- Get weekly reports on where to see the best Autumn color in Maryland from the DNR.
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