Quick-Fix Beach Trips

Photo courtesy of Visit Frederick

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Quick-Fix

Beach Trips

By Lauren LaRocca

Nothing beats being at the seaside, with that saltwater air that magically unlocks muscle tension, and miles of sand and ocean that seem to put everything in perspective. Frankly, nothing compares to the ocean.

But if you don’t want to deal with the traffic to get there, or you don’t have the time or budget for an overnight excursion, several options await you in and around Frederick County for a quick fix, surprisingly relaxing beach trip.

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BEACH

Although Maryland doesn’t have any natural lakes (sad/fun fact), the area does offer several rivers, quarries and manmade lakes against forested mountain backdrops, which provide their own brand of magic.

Several sandy beaches exist nearby for all your lounging pleasures. These little gems are particularly convenient when you want to be near a body of water but aren’t up for a hike during a sweltering Maryland heat wave.

So we leave you with this, a list of some of the best ways we know to trick your mind into thinking you’re tucked away at a faraway beach retreat, without driving farther than 90 minutes from Frederick.

Photograph this page and to the right by Molly Fellin Spence

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BEACH

Top right photo by Shelby Leigh Martin

CUNNINGHAM FALLS STATE PARK

14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont 301-271-7574 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/ cunningham.aspx

Cunningham Falls is one of the closest recreation areas to Frederick and offers miles of trails with gorgeous overlooks. Its sandy beach at the William Houck Area is a hit each summer for families, groups and guests of all ages wanting a reprieve from the harsh summer heat. South Beach at Hunting Creek Lake is a great place to lounge, get some sun, swim or rent a boat to get out on the water and take in the scenery from a different view. If you’re feeling more ambitious, the nearby Falls Trail is an easy hike to the picturesque waterfall that gives the park its name.

Note: As a popular summertime destination, Cunningham Falls often reaches capacity by late morning, especially on holidays and weekends. Go on a weekday for more solo time, or arrive early on a Saturday or Sunday to ensure you get to chill out at the beach and not have to sadly turn your car around.

Activities: Swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing, camping

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

GREENBRIER STATE PARK

21843 National Pike, Boonsboro 301-791-4767 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/ greenbrier.aspx

In nearby Washington County, just west of Myersville, Greenbrier Lake is a gathering place for a relaxing day at the beach. Like many of these sites, there are enough trails to keep you occupied for hours, should you want to build up a sweat before taking a dip. In fact, the Appalachian Trail runs right through this park. But there’s also plenty to keep you occupied for a day by the waterside, too, where you can swim, fish or boat until your heart’s content.

Note: This is another park where you’ll want to arrive early so you’re not turned away if they’ve reached capacity.

Activities: Swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

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BEACH

BEAVER DAM SWIMMING CLUB

10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville410-785-2323 beaverdamswimmingclub.com

COWANS GAP STATE PARK

Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania 717-485-3948 dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/ CowansGapStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

Beaver Dam Swimming Club is a little different than the other beaches listed here. The freshwater quarry in Cockeysville draws people from miles around for long summer days across its 30 acres. For those who would rather swim in a pool, there are two onsite. For the more daring, there’s a rope swing (which usually is in use nonstop during long summer days). There is a small snack bar available, or guests can bring food with them, but no alcohol is permitted.

Note: Only strong swimmers should get into the quarry, which averages about 40 feet deep

Activities: Swimming, volleyball, basketball

Hours: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays

When you head toward Cowans Gap, you’ll be on a beautiful drive through southern Pennsylvania before arriving at your destination in Allens Valley of Fulton County. And the destination is not too shabby.

Buchanan State Forest, which surrounds Cowans Gap State Park, may be the most gorgeous mountain lake backdrop in the region (note: this is a real lake — it’s in Pennsylvania).

Swimming in this lake, against the lush tree line, is truly a peaceful experience. And if you fall in love with the park in the summer, it’s worth a wintertime visit, too, when an area of the lake near the beach is used for ice skating when the ice gets

Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam Swimming Club

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BEACH

Photo courtesy of Rocky Gap State Park Inset photo courtesy of Cowans Gap State Park

thick enough — but that’s another story. They also have a great concession stand just a few steps away from the sandy beach area.

Note: Unfortunately, Cowans Gap is occasionally closed due to contaminated water, i.e., e coli and other not-so-fun outbreaks. Call ahead to ensure it’s open.

Activities: Swimming, fishing, camping, guided walks

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

ROCKY GAP STATE PARK

12900 Lakeshore Drive, Flintstone 240-357-4404 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/ rockygap.aspx

Rocky Gap State Park is a peaceful retreat in Western Maryland that offers hours of hiking trails

and scenic overlooks, but most people who visit tend to flock to Lake Habeeb and its sandy beach area, where there is plenty of space for swimming, picnicking and boating. (Interestingly, the beach sits on what was once a dairy farm.)

An onsite cafe is a great place to find a bite to eat on weekends, and also to take in the views through its large windows.

While people have different opinions about the opening of Rocky Gap Casino Resort in recent years, if it starts storming or you get sunburnt or tired, it’s a convenient option where you can relax for awhile — or eat, play the slots, or even grab a spa treatment. We recommend that to be your Plan B. After all, Lake Habeeb is said to have the bluest water in the state. Go see for yourself.

Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, camping and various programs at the nature center

Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset

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