Outdoor Recreation
Biking and Hiking
The Chesapeake & Ohio National Historic Park canal towpath passes through Brunswick, Cumberland to the west and Washington to the east. Camp along the way or enjoy day trip itineraries. Both hikers and bikers are welcome. Bring your own bike or rent one for the day from River and Trail Outfitters. Wildlife is abundant along the towpath including many species of native birds such as bald eagles and blue herons. Ample free parking is available in Brunswick in the MARC train lot which is just a few hundred feet from the entrance to the park. On the east side of town, mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners can challenge themselves at River’s Edge Trails. You’ll find the latest trail conditions here. At the heart of it all, downtown Brunswick is bike-friendly with plenty of bike racks, a bike washing station, bike shop, and numerous places to find food, drink, and supplies.
Fishing, Kayaking, Rafting, and Boating
The Potomac River is Brunswick’s back yard, just steps from the downtown. Whether boating, canoeing, tubing or fishing, we have it! A wide variety of fish are native to the Potomac. The river is full of small and large-mouth bass, catfish, sun perch, wall eye and carp. Licenses, bait and tackle can be purchased at Smoketown Bait & Tackle on Potomac Street. There are two boat ramps to accommodate boats with trailers and ample parking and restroom facilities at both. Fishing from the bank and wading are allowed as well as from boats with proper licensing. Gas and electric motors are allowed. The river is rocky and at various times the water level is low. Check water level reports to make sure your boating rig can safely navigate the water.
Kayaks, canoes and tubes are available for rent locally. Rentals and shuttles are available from River and Trail Outfitters at the Brunswick Family Campground located ½ mile east of town on the towpath. The campground can be reached by motor vehicle or bike. Special tour trips (including white water rafting, zip lines, kayak and tubing trips and more) can be booked through River & Trail Outfitters. Kayak including an adventure to Brunswick’s Smoketown Brewing Station where you’ll enjoy hand-crafted beer after your trip.
Camping
The Brunswick Family Campgound is located between the Potomac River and the C&O Canal at Brunswick, MD – just minutes away from the historic downtown center of Brunswick. This full service RV and tent campground is right on the river and has over 100 scenic campsites – in 2018 they even added basic cabins! The campground is conveniently located only 1 hour from the Washington DC and Baltimore beltways and is surrounded by three national parks. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting Antietam National Park, Harpers Ferry National Park and hiking along sections of the famous Appalachian Trail. Kick back to the scenic views of Short Hill Mountain, the Potomac River, and the great blue herons of Brunswick, Maryland.