Piney Run Park and Nature Center
Ranked #1,623 in Sports & Recreation, #51,917 overall
Fishy Fun in Carroll County
Are you looking for some fishing and boating fun in Maryland? Located in the southeastern corner of Carroll County in Sykesville and convenient to Baltimore area residents, Piney Run Park and reservoir has been a destination for fresh water anglers since the mid 70's when the park opened. But that's not all there is to Piney Run Park - with walking trails, tennis courts, a great nature center and pavilions to rent Piney Run Park offers visitors a beautiful pristine environment for family and friends to enjoy nature and the outdoors. ADMISSION CHARGE- SEE BELOW.
Contents at a Glance
Current Weather in Sykesville, Maryland
Piney Run Reservoir
All images are copyright 2009 © Chris Scroggins Photography

© Chris Scroggins/ The park features a 300 acre lake used for recreational boating, fishing and park sponsored fishing tournaments. NOTE: There is no swimming in the lake.
Fishing Information
- PINEY RUN RESERVOIR
- An overview of the great fishing opportunities at Piney Run written by the Maryland DNR.
- BOAT RENTALS
- Find out how to rent paddle boats, kayaks, row boats and canoes at Piney Run Park.
- Large Mouth Bass
- Get fish facts about the large mouth bass.
- Rainbow Trout
- Find out about the rainbow trout stocked at the reservoir.
- Small Mouth Bass
- Get facts about small mouth bass fish.
Fish species in Piney Run Park:
largemouth bass
rainbow trout
bluegill
yellow perch
red ear sunfish
channel catfish
tiger muskie

You can rent rowboats, kayaks and paddle boats at Piney Run Reservoir. © Chris Scroggins
Park fees
- PINEY RUN PARK FEES
- Get up to date information on all the park entrance fees including boat launch fees. NOTE: There is no admission charge for senior citizens age 62 and older.
Walking Trails
Wild honeysuckle is found on the five miles of hiking trails that surround the lake in late Spring.

© Chris Scroggins
Piney Run Park Nature Center
Equipped with comfy rocking chairs, the nature center is a great gathering place for nature lovers.

© Chris Scroggins
Piney Run Park Links
- OFFICIAL PINEY RUN PARK SITE
- Get information on fishing, boating, boat rentals and fishing tournaments held at the park.
- BOAT RENTALS
- Rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks or row boats.
- PAVILION RENTALS
- Get information on renting one of six pavilions at the park.
- KID'S SUMMER CAMP
- Follow this link to find out about summer camp opportunities for kids.
Natural History Displays
One of the appealing things about the Piney Run Park Nature Center is that you are encouraged to touch much of the display material. This makes it ideal for curious kids and adults!

Deer Antlers, bones and sea shells are just some of the natural materials visitors are allowed to handle. © Chris Scroggins
Taxidermy on the Loose
Improve your wildlife photography skills with numerous wildlife specimens located in the nature center.

Smile, you're on candid camera! © Chris Scroggins
Red Fox

Artists can enjoy sketching the numerous wildlife specimens at the nature center. © Chris Scroggins
Opossum

Watch out for more critters under foot...© Chris Scroggins
The Fox and the Squirrel

Don't forget to peak in the meeting room for more stuffed animal personalities. © Chris Scroggins
Northern Diamond-back Terrapin

The resident diamond-back terrapin turtle comes over to check out my camera equipment. © Chris Scroggins
Copperhead Snake

The copperhead snake is venemous. Don't worry- he's behind glass! © Chris Scroggins
Stinkpot Turtle

I didn't think this turtle was stinky at all. © Chris Scroggins
Albino Cornsnake

The cornsnake is non venemous. © Chris Scroggins
Pavilion Rentals

A view of pavilion # 4 at Piney Run Park. © Chris Scroggins
Gift Shop
Great gifts for kids of all ages.

Get gifts for kids and adults like finger puppets, bookmarks, bird feeders and even cool rock rings. © Chris Scroggins
Gifts for Wildlife Lovers
- I BRAKE FOR WILDLIFE BUMPER STICKERS
- Who do you brake for? Get fun I brake for wildlife stickers here. Most North American wild animals and carnivores available. Affordable gift ideas for wild animal lovers.
- RED FOX NOTE CARDS AND GIFTS
- Fox lovers will enjoy note writing with these beautiful red fox boxed cards.
- CHRIS SCROGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY
- Browse my online gift shop for all occasion paper greeting cards, Christmas ornaments and home decor of animals, flowers, wildlife and nature photography.
POLL: Vote for your Favorite Wildlife
Take the poll: tell us who your favorite backyard critter is.
Piney Run Guest Book
Do you have a special memory of Piney Run Park? Maybe you won a prize at a fishing tournament, or you or a friend celebrated a milestone birthday - tell us about it!
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GrandMemories
Jul 21, 2011 @ 2:22 pm | delete
- I am a member of the Western North Carolina Nature Center and support them with my photography and time. Thanks for this lens. I was happy to be "like" #20 to make yours a 100% lens! :)
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r2fish Jun 6, 2011 @ 5:26 am | delete
- Wow!!!!!!!!!!! What a great lens - and so much great info! Thank you!
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ArtByLinda Apr 25, 2011 @ 7:50 pm | delete
- What a beautiful Park, I love this lens. Piney Park looks like just the place I would love to visit filled with wonderful down to earth people. Blessing this day! Also featured on Wildlife Photography Angel Blessings
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RetroMom
Mar 9, 2011 @ 7:58 pm | delete
- Looks like a place I need to stop one day in my travels, thank you for sharing.
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Michey
Mar 8, 2011 @ 7:05 pm | delete
- I am not far away to Piney Run Park but I never visit this park. So some day...
Very good info. Thanks
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lyes
Aug 11, 2010 @ 10:46 am | delete
- realy ,it is very nice ,,,the nature
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KarenTBTEN
Aug 9, 2010 @ 4:33 pm | delete
- Gorgeous pictures. I have never been to Piney Run Park, but there is a lovely nature park within walking distance of where I live in Seattle.
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Sue
Apr 18, 2010 @ 9:31 am | delete
- Love Piney Run! Love wildlife!
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emmalarkins
Mar 25, 2010 @ 11:21 am | delete
- Great lens! I'm going to include it in my article about recreation in Carroll County!
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NatureMaven
Mar 25, 2010 @ 3:00 pm | delete
- Hi Emma,
that would be fantastic! It's always a pleasure to meet another Marylander on Squidoo.
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Kate-Phizackerley
Nov 17, 2009 @ 1:51 pm | delete
- Very nice lens. Blessed by an Angel.
(PS As Tipi is perhaps the outstanding lensmistress when it comes to writing Local lenses, her commendation for you is a real accolade.)
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kiwisoutback
Nov 13, 2009 @ 8:15 am | delete
- Looks like a beautiful place! Well done, Squid Angel blessed.
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Tipi
Nov 3, 2009 @ 7:21 pm | delete
- What a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for taking me there through this lens.
Love this, and blessed by a Squid Angel!
Susie
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Vic Barothy
Aug 22, 2009 @ 6:25 pm | delete
- Great information and pics of all of the activities at Piney Run. Thanks for posting!
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tdove
Jun 15, 2009 @ 12:26 pm | delete
- Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
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Books about Maryland Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
Capitol Area Fishing
Look who's blogging about Maryland Fishing:
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- Visit Vic Barothy's site and get insider tips on where to go fishing in Maryland and Washington, DC. Get recipes and tips and tricks of the trade.
More Fishing in Maryland
Directions to Piney Run Park
The 2010 AppleFest will be held on September 25 from 10AM- 4PM
Regular park admission fees apply.
Apple Festival Photo Album


Apple dumplings slathered with melted butter, sugar and cinnamon sold out by 3PM. © Chris Scroggins

Volunteers dressed in early American clothing demonstrate open hearth cooking. © Chris Scroggins

The warmth from the open hearth was welcome on this chilly day. © Chris Scroggins

Crafts in the woods. © Chris Scroggins

Crafter Jennifer Matthaei and her rust-dyed silk scarves. © Chris Scroggins


Decorative Indian Corn by Richland Farms. © Chris Scroggins

Vintage items and handcrafted goods by AP Vintage. © Chris Scroggins

Live music provided by River Rhythm Ramblers. © Chris Scroggins

© Chris Scroggins

Kids painted bandanas at the craft table. © Chris Scroggins

© Chris Scroggins
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