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Cromwell Valley Park adventures

Cromwell Valley Park Adventures

Cromwell Valley Park is a 426-acre urban nature preserve offering diverse habitats, historic farmsteads, and extensive trails for outdoor recreation in Baltimore County, Maryland.

426
Acres Protected
5+
Miles of Trails
Approx. 50,000
Annual Visitors
1993
Year Established

About Cromwell Valley Park

 

Cromwell Valley Park spans 426 acres in northern Baltimore County, Maryland, comprising a mix of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and streams that support a rich variety of wildlife. The park features gently rolling hills and riparian areas along Cromwell Valley Creek, providing opportunities to observe songbirds, raptors, amphibians, and native plants. Originally farmland, the park includes historically significant structures such as stone farmhouses and a small barn, which reflect the region's 18th and 19th-century rural roots. Visitors can explore over 5 miles of maintained multi-use trails suitable for hiking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. The park is managed by Baltimore County Department of Recreation & Parks and supported by the Friends of Cromwell Valley Park, which offer educational programs, seasonal events, and volunteer activities. Popular landmarks include the Valley Meadow Trail, which crosses open fields and forest edges, and the Quarry Trail revealing old quarry sites and rocky outcrops. Cromwell Valley Park serves as an accessible natural refuge close to the Baltimore metropolitan area, appealing to families, naturalists, and history enthusiasts. The park’s combination of outdoor recreation, environmental education, and cultural preservation creates a unique experience representative of Maryland’s Piedmont landscape.

Highlights

Highlight

Valley Meadow Trail – scenic meadows and wildlife viewing

Highlight

Historic farm buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries

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Diverse habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows

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Raptor observation points during migration seasons

Notable Natural Features

Historic Farmstead Structures

Stone houses and a barn that illustrate the agricultural heritage of the area from the 1700s and 1800s.

Valley Meadow

Open fields supporting native grasses and wildflowers, popular for birdwatching and seasonal insects.

Cromwell Valley Creek

A small perennial stream contributing to the park's wetlands and supporting diverse amphibian populations.