Sandy Point Hike & Letterboxing & Herrington Manor Canoe Trip (PQ)

Who would have thought
this is at Sandy Point?

Symbi Trail

I'm combining 2 of our shorter quests (Sandy Point and Herrington Manor)... because I have so many hike blogs to catch up on.... The two parks, although they both feature a beautiful body of water (Sandy Point in Annapolis, and Herrington Manor in Oakland) are hours apart, and lie in to vastly different sections of Maryland! PS. both of these parks have limited options on where you are/are not allowed to take dogs! Sandy Point does not allow dogs from Memorial day-labor day. Herrington Manor allows dogs only on the trails and in certain day-use areas.

Sandy Point Map

Letterboxing!

Leaving our mark
with the family stamp

Last week PQ took us to a local favorite Sandy Point... We usually come here for the beach, but little did we know this park has a short trail (and pond) as well! On this quest we did not even visit the beach. Instead we began at the Nature center, from there we went letterboxing. This walk took us to view a historical oak tree, and down Symbi trail (which we didn't know was there!). 

Found the first letterbox

We had to gather a series of several stamps at each check point along the hike, which eventually lead us to a very neat "boardwalk" style bridge over a marshy area, allowing the kids to see the marsh insects & small fish up close.  The trail then lead us to the pond (which was surprisingly large), and back to the trail head. Along the way we learned about local wildlife -- squirrel, deer, ducks, geese. We were hoping to see some deer on this weekday (we have seen deer in this park many times before) but unfortunately on this day we did not. The trail itself was short (my guess is maybe 3/4 mile?) flat, and easy to navigate. I think through the park we walked a total of about 2 miles -- although that was enough for us with the high heat index!  Even our 2 year old M. was able to do this "hike" entirely on foot -- and of course it was a breeze for our 4 year old A!

Herrington Manor State Park Map

Beaver damn on the lake

A. Canoeing

And, over the weekend, PQ took us about 4 hours west to the parks that lie in NW Maryland on the PA/WV border to Herrington Manor State Park. A pretty little lake nestled in the "mountains" (as D. and I like to call them the Maryland "foothills"... Because their size remind us more of our Colorado foothills that we grew up with than mountains!) This quest focused on using a canoe to navigate around the lake. D. & A. tackled this one by themselves. My daughter and I would have gone unfortunately we had our German Shepherd, Colt with us... And he was not allowed! The boys had to identify (and learn about) several real-life animal habitats of native wildlife -- including a beaver dam, bat & duck boxes, & osprey platforms. D. and A. came back to report that they had two great memories from this trip. 1) The canoe got stuck and they couldn't get out. 2) A. stuck his paddle in the mud and almost followed it right off the canoe and into the lake when he forgot to let go! I apologize for the blurry photos from this quest... Hubby had to use his phone for these!

Learning about the local wildlife

Both passport stamps below:

And for our memories, the original PQ postings:

Canoe Find the Animals? Herrington Manor

Introduction To Quest

Your Park Quest Team will use a canoe to explore Herrington Lake. Your team will work together to explore the natural and historic areas of the park, as well as identify some of the habitat structures Rangers have placed around the shoreline of the lake.

Quest Information

The Park Quest Adventure at Herrington Manor State Park will begin at the Herrington Manor Lake House. The Quest may be completed Monday – Sunday, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. For further information, call park headquarters at             301-334-9180      .

To complete the Quest you will walk about 1/4 mile from the Lake House to the boat ramp, pick out your canoe, and complete your Quest with a flat water paddle. It should take about 2 hours to complete. No pets are permitted.

You may print out your Park Quest worksheet from this web page. When you arrive at the park, go to the Lake House to obtain your Park Quest activity packet. The packet will include a park map, instructions and other materials necessary to help your team complete the self-guided paddling adventure. When you have finished, return your canoe to the boat ramp, and go to the Lake House to have your Passport stamped.

Quest Worksheet

• Print Your Herrington Manor State Park Quest Worksheet here

Park Information

Herrington Manor State Park was named after Abijah Herrington, who built a manor house on the property in the mid-1800’s, which was later purchased by the State in 1935. During this decade, the park was the site of many Federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work projects. Young men from throughout the State lived at a camp located nearby at present day Swallow Falls State Park. These CCC crews created Herrington Lake, planted trees and constructed ten log cabins and the beach Lake House. The park’s dominant feature is a manmade 53-acre lake, averaging a depth of eight feet. Fed by Herrington Creek, the lake was dammed in the early 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and is now open from dawn till dusk, seven days a week for swimming, fishing and boating.

The park has 20 rustic log cabins available year-round for rent. With a country charm, the cabins provide modern conveniences, such as electric heat, bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen and furniture. A covered porch with a view of the surrounding woodland, wood-burning fireplace insert and easy access to trails and the lake make them an ideal natural haven.

Herrington Manor State Park
222 Herrington Lane
Oakland, MD 21550

Discover the Other Side of Sandy Point

Introduction To Quest

Your Park Quest adventure at Sandy Point State Park will take to you to a side of the park that most visitors rarely see. You will walk through a shady canopy of tree cover and be introduced to some of the wild residents of the park who are not just day use visitors. While exploring their habitat, you will complete a letterboxing challenge with a surprise optional ending.

Quest Information

The Park Quest at Sandy Point State Park starts at the Nature Center. Parking is available in the marina lot. Your first clue will be found just outside the Nature Center door. The Quest is available 7 days per week from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please note: Park may fill to capacity on weekends and holidays and may be closed for entry.

This Quest is approximately a 1.5-mile hike and will take about 2 hours to complete. Pets are not permitted at Sandy Point State Park from May 1 through September 30.

Your Park Quest Passport provides free entrance into the day-use area of the park where the Quest is located. Please show your Passport to the attendant at the Contact Station. Please print your Park Quest map from the link on this website.

Print the Sandy Point State Park Quest Worksheets here:

• Worksheet front
• Worksheet back

Bonus Quest

During your letterboxing challenge you will receive clues that will unlock your opportunity to explore Mezick Pond by kayak or canoe to find a bonus letterbox. Park Quest passports can be stamped without completion of this Bonus Quest for those who do not wish to go out on the water.

Things to Bring

• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Insect Repellant
• Water
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Optional for Bonus Quest: PFDs, Water Shoes

Park Information

Sandy Point was open in 1952 by the State of Maryland and is celebrating its 60th birthday this year. The park was developed in response to the need for recreational opportunities on the Chesapeake Bay.

This 786-acre State Park is located along the Northwestern shore of the majestic Chesapeake Bay. The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their breathtaking scenic water views that overlook one of Maryland’s true treasures, the Chesapeake Bay.

Recreational activities and services include swimming beaches, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, boating, hiking, youth group camping, areas of historical interest and wildlife viewing. The Park also offers a marina store and boat rentals.