Hart-Miller Island State Park

Sitting in the upper Chesapeake Bay just off the shore of Baltimore County, Hart-Miller Island State Park is one of Maryland’s most unusual outdoor destinations. This 244-acre island park is only accessible by boat, giving it a secluded, off-the-grid feel that’s rare this close to a major metro area. If you own a kayak, canoe, or small motorboat, this is your kind of place.

The island was originally created as a dredge material containment facility, but nature has thoroughly reclaimed it. Today, visitors find sandy beaches, tidal wetlands, and wooded trails that attract migrating shorebirds and nesting ospreys. Birdwatchers come specifically for the fall migration, when the island becomes a stopover point along the Atlantic Flyway.

Activities center on what the water and shoreline offer: swimming along the sandy north beach, fishing for striped bass and perch in the surrounding bay waters, crabbing in season, and hiking the perimeter trail that loops the island with panoramic Chesapeake views. The flat terrain makes for easy walking, and the lack of vehicle traffic keeps things remarkably quiet.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when bay conditions are calmest for the boat crossing. Summer weekends draw the biggest crowds to the beach areas, so weekday visits reward you with more solitude.

Come prepared with everything you need—there are no concessions or supply shops on the island. Pack water, sunscreen, and a good sense of adventure.

Explore Nearby

• Craighill Channel Lower RangeRear Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Craighill Channel Lower RangeFront Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Jericho Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maryland
• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland