Emmitsburg MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Emmitsburg, Maryland.
1. Cunningham Falls State Park
SCENIC WATERFALL RETREAT
Cunningham Falls State Park features Maryland's largest cascading waterfall surrounded by the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach area of Hunting Creek Lake during summer months. The park offers numerous hiking trails leading to the 78-foot waterfall, making it a perfect natural escape.
2. Greenbrier State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE PARADISE
Greenbrier State Park centers around a 42-acre man-made lake nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The park features a 1,000-foot sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking during the summer season. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and hiking on numerous trails surrounding the crystal-clear mountain lake.
3. Codorus State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Codorus State Park surrounds Lake Marburg, a 1,275-acre reservoir offering excellent opportunities for boating and fishing. The park's swimming pool complex provides a refreshing alternative to lake swimming with water slides and splash features. Visitors can enjoy lakeside camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching in this scenic Pennsylvania park.
4. Gifford Pinchot State Park
TRANQUIL LAKE ESCAPE
Gifford Pinchot State Park features a 340-acre lake with two swimming beaches perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. The park offers excellent fishing opportunities with regular stocking of several fish species including bass, catfish, and trout. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the peaceful waters surrounded by lush woodlands.
5. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN LAKES
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is home to two mountain lakes, Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake, both offering sandy beaches and designated swimming areas. Fuller Lake, a former quarry, is one of the deepest lakes in Pennsylvania with remarkably clear water for swimming. The park sits on the Appalachian Trail and features historic iron furnace ruins alongside its refreshing swimming spots.
6. Caledonia State Park
CREEK-SIDE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Caledonia State Park features a refreshing swimming pool fed by mountain springs, surrounded by the beautiful South Mountain landscape. Conococheague Creek flows through the park, offering fishing opportunities and scenic spots for wading in the cool mountain water. The park's historical significance as an iron furnace site combines with its natural beauty to create a perfect outdoor destination.
7. City Park & Lake
URBAN WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Hagerstown's City Park centers around a picturesque lake with a fountain and charming pedestrian bridge. Visitors can enjoy paddle boat rentals during summer months to explore the tranquil waters. The park combines waterfront relaxation with cultural attractions, including a museum, gardens, and a historic mansion.
8. Lake Linganore
PRIVATE COMMUNITY LAKE
Lake Linganore is a private 209-acre lake nestled within a residential community offering beaches and swimming areas for residents and guests. The lake features multiple coves and inlets perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in a peaceful setting. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach areas during summer months with lifeguard supervision at designated swimming locations.
9. Antietam Creek
HISTORIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
Antietam Creek flows through historic Sharpsburg offering scenic kayaking and tubing opportunities through calm waters. Several access points along the creek provide places for wading and swimming in natural pools formed by the limestone creek bed. The creek combines natural beauty with historical significance as it flows near the famous Civil War battlefield.
10. Monocacy River
SCENIC RIVER CORRIDOR
The Monocacy River winds through Frederick County offering peaceful paddling experiences and fishing opportunities close to Emmitsburg. Several access points along the river corridor provide spots for wading, swimming, and launching canoes or kayaks. The river's gentle flow makes it perfect for beginners while its scenic beauty attracts nature lovers seeking a waterfront escape.