Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area — Attraction in Joppatowne

Squeezed in another adventure while the kid's in school. I visited Gunpowder State Park for hiking and lounging by hammerman beach.

$3 entry fee for the park via the honor system envelope box. Bring exact cash

Dogwood Nature Trail : This was a short and sweet 1 mile hike in the woods. Great for beginners who would like to transition from flat/paved surfaces to flat-ish wooded/natural surfaces. It was a super quiet and isolated trail but beware of bees! I'm new to hiking and completed this in about 25min with hiking sandals and a large backpack. I did see 1-2 small benches along the trail for anyone who needs a sit down break. They also have these cool QR code's throughout the trail. Scan it with your phone camera and it'll take you a a website that provides education about that specific area of the trail such as wetlands, marshes, frogs etc. Neat! The trail is well marked but it did get confusing at the end near the bathrooms. Luckily it leads you right to the parking lot.

Hammerman Beach : After my hike, I drove over to the beach to cool off and relax by the water before the school day ended. This small beach was mostly empty except a few families with small children and 1 cute elderly couple. I saw a boat pass , kayakers , and a huge duck squad . There were plenty of picnic tables available and grassy areas to lay down a blanket. Parking was readily available, however, this could be attributed to the fact that it was a cloudy school day (probably more people during the weekends/sunny days). Swimming is at your own risk though the swimming area is roped off. Eastern Watersport is also located next to the beach. They offer kayak, paddle board, and jet ski rentals. The water clarity was ok for a Maryland beach. I’ve seen better water quality but I’ve...

Hammerman Beach-Gunpowder Falls State Park 📍7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River

When the weather’s this nice, we love a day at the beach.☀️ This one in Baltimore County is a short drive and can easily keep us entertained all day long.

🌊Large sandy beaches that line the Gunpowder River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Beaches are divided into sections by wooden jetty’s.

🏖️You are allowed to set-up with chairs, umbrella’s, and I do frequently see parents with the small tents for kids.

🏊‍♀️Swimming is allowed, but it is at your own risk. Lifeguards are not on duty until Memorial Day.

🧺The park is huge and there are so many areas for a picnic. There are a ton surrounding the beach area and an additional four pavilions throughout the park.

🌭Grills are also set-up for use.

🛝There are a total of four playgrounds throughout the park, with one located next to the beach area.

💵There is an entry fee to the park. Be sure to bring cash with you.

Weekends and Holidays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: $5 per person service charge ($7 per-person for non-Maryland residents)

Weekdays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: $3 per person service charge ($5 per-person for non-Maryland residents)

Off-season (after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day weekend): $3 per-vehicle ($5 for non-Maryland residents)

🚘This one gets busy on weekends, holidays, and summer months. Get there early if visiting during those times.

🅿️There are huge paved parking lots next to the main beach area and throughout the park.

🚻Currently portable restrooms are available. In the summer, indoor restrooms and showers open...

Nice small family beach on a State (public) park. Parking is paved and the grass picnic areas are level, accessible by wheelchair, walker, or stroller; the ground does slope(small hill) to reach the beach though. Beach seems about 70-100+ feet from parking or picnic area. Parking was ample & easy, close enough to several "first-come" picnic areas. Many of the tables and grills are under/near tree shade, on grass. You can also pop a tent. On the far right, near picnic areas there's enough field to play (throw a football). Near that is a volleyball area which is near the reasonably priced boat/kayak rental shed (also sells minor drinks/snacks); the attendants where friendly, helpful and prompt in their service. The water was warm and the sea floor level, little more than 5 feet at it's deepest point not accounting for waves. The water is not clear but nothing in it to distract from fun. Some people set their chairs right on the beach, others near waters edge. It seems leashed dogs are allowed in the park but not in the water (lifeguard reminded a couple of people). No mosquito issue but flies show-up quick with food around, some may have been biting. Didn't walk/run a trail so can't speak on it. The park road runs in a loop so getting in and out was not be a problem, if you need to leave and return same day just show...