Outdoor Adventures

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Greetings MATPRA Media Partners,

MATPRA distributes press releases designed to inspire media coverage of the Mid-Atlantic region. We plan topics months in advance to accommodate longer lead times. If you have suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear them! Please email ([email protected]).

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While the weather outside might be frightful… it’s a great time to plan for warmer weather travel. From scenic hikes with vista views to lakeside picnics and kayak excursions, check out these outdoor adventures found in destinations throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

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MARYLAND

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Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (MD)
With 533 miles of shoreline, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are paradise for outdoor lovers. Sail the Chesapeake Bay, paddleboard at Quiet Waters Park, or kayak Back Creek. Bike the scenic B&A Trail. Explore Downs Park’s waterfront trails and fishing pier or hike through the lush woods of Broad Creek Park. Visit Historic London Town and Gardens for nature and history combined. Sandy Point State Park offers beach days and birdwatching. Whether it’s peaceful walks, water sports, or family picnics, the region’s parks and natural spaces invite adventure year-round.
Visit Annapolis

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Calvert County (MD)
Adventure is calling in Calvert County! Explore sandy beaches and search for fossils at Calvert Cliffs State Park or Flag Ponds Nature Park. Set sail on a guided cruise with Big Kahuna Cruises in Solomons or Chesapeake Windsail Cruises in Chesapeake Beach. Prefer action on the water? Book a charter boat for a full or half-day adventure. For family fun, enjoy mini golf at K&K Adventure Park, or immerse yourself in the outdoors with 26 miles of scenic hiking trails across three locations at the American Chestnut Land Trust. Discover your next unforgettable outdoor escape today!
Choose Calvert

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Hagerstown-Washington County (MD)
Washington County, Maryland offers exceptional outdoor recreation with trails, rivers, and parks that invite year-round adventure. A scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail crosses South Mountain, providing sweeping vistas and memorable hikes. Along the Potomac River, the C&O Canal towpath offers a flat, historic route ideal for biking, walking, and wildlife watching. With opportunities for paddling, fishing, cycling, and peaceful nature escapes, the county’s diverse landscapes make it easy to explore the outdoors at any pace. Whether you’re seeking a challenging trek or a leisurely day outside, Washington County delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Visit Hagerstown-Washington

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Harford County (MD)
Discover outdoor adventure in Harford County, where natural beauty stretches in every direction. With 106 miles of scenic shoreline and more than 2,000 miles of winding streams, there’s endless opportunity to get out on the water-kayaking, fishing, boating, or simply taking in the view. Explore our county parks and three stunning state parks, offering miles of trails for hiking and quiet corners for reflection. Wander through forests, follow cascading streams, or chase the sound of waterfalls. And don’t forget to look up—bald eagle sightings are common, adding a touch of wild wonder to every visit. Adventure awaits in Harford County.
Hello Harford

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Kent County (MD)
As warmer days return, Kent County, Maryland invites you to step outside and embrace the beauty of the Eastern Shore. Paddle along the Chester River or launch a kayak from Rock Hall for stunning Chesapeake Bay views. Hikers and birdwatchers will love the trails at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, where wildlife thrives in every season. For a laid-back outing, pack a picnic and enjoy a sunny afternoon at one of Kent County’s many waterfront parks. Whether you crave active exploration or quiet time in nature, outdoor adventures await around every corner in Kent County.
Kent County Tourism

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Talbot County (MD)
Whether you want to splash into the Chesapeake Bay or stay on dry land, opportunities for adventure abound in Talbot County. Paddle through Talbot’s waterways, easily accessible through 600+ miles of shoreline. Cast a line with a local fishing captain or relax aboard a sailing charter. Cross the Tred Avon River on the nation’s oldest privately operated ferry. Learn the history of Talbot County aboard The Patriot, a replica 1930s steamboat. On dry land, meander through 400 acres of forests and fields at Pickering Creek Audubon Center or pedal your way across the flat countryside with six designated bike routes.
Tour Talbot

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PENNSYLVANIA

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Endless Mountains (PA)
The Endless Mountains Gravel Bikepacking Loop is a scenic cycling route through the counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania offering access to some of the region’s best trails. This entire route is about 430 miles long, following existing roads and trails. Paved riding is primarily quiet country roads and short on-road sections to lead cyclists into the region’s small towns. Passing through some of the region’s best known state parks (Ricketts Glen, Vosburg Neck, Worlds End) and the Loyalsock State Forest, cyclists will discover one of the best rides MidAtlantic when planning a ride on the Endless Mountains Gravel Bikepacking Loop.
Endless Mountain

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Juniata River Valley (PA)
Things are finally warming up in the Juniata River Valley—time to get outside! One of the most stunning paddles awaits along the Juniata River near Thompsontown, a designated Important Bird Area. Float its calm, clear waters and keep your eyes open—you’re likely to spot heron, bald eagles, cormorants, and egrets along the way. Grab your paddle, pack your binoculars, and discover this unforgettable stretch of the Juniata.
Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau

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Lancaster County (PA)
“The Local” in Quarryville is an awesome mountain bike park. Nestled in the heart of the “Southern End” of Lancaster County, the park features everything from expert level jumps to beginner flow trails. All the trails are well-marked and filter down to a mellow 40-foot climb trail, which makes skill development through sessioning a breeze. Plus, there’s plenty of parking and easy access to the Enola Low Grade Trail, for a more relaxing ride option. All in all, a perfect place for riders of all skill levels and for families looking for something to do.
Discover Lancaster

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Lawrence County (PA)
The only place where you can ride underground in abandoned limestone mines, Mines & Meadows ATV/RV Resort will surely satisfy your need for the great outdoors. Along with beautiful waterfall hikes at McConnells Mill State Park, fishing on the well-stocked Neshannock Creek, kayaking, biking and more await in Lawrence County, PA!
Visit Lawrence County

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Susquehanna River Valley (PA)
Discover the natural beauty of Central PA’s Susquehanna River Valley.
Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, the natural beauty of our region is sure to inspire you to spend time in the great outdoors. Home to the majestic Susquehanna River, the Susquehanna River Valley is also surrounded by state parks, scenic country roads, abundant fishing streams and year-round recreational opportunities.
There’s truly something here for everyone – hiking, biking, off-roading, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, golfing and bird/wildlife watching. The Susquehanna River Valley has it all!
Susquehanna Valley River Visitors Bureau

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York County (PA)
York County, PA is a natural playground packed with outdoor adventures for every kind of explorer. With four state parks and eleven county parks, there’s no shortage of trails, water access, and wide-open spaces to roam. The Susquehanna River offers stunning views and endless opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching, while the Heritage Rail Trail invites walkers, runners, and cyclists to enjoy miles of scenic, connected pathways. Many parks also welcome hobbyists and creators—including designated areas for flying drones—making it easy to capture the beauty of the landscape from above. Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling, or simply soaking in the scenery, York County’s great outdoors is ready for your next adventure.
Explore York

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VIRGINIA

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Loudoun County (VA)
From river trails and bike paths to precipitous mountain hikes, Loudoun, Virginia is an outdoor paradise. Algonkian Regional Park on the tree-lined banks of the Potomac River is an 838-acre park with miles of paved and wooded trails and a dozen rustic cabins for overnight stays. For cyclists, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail is a narrow, paved path perfectly dissecting the county east-to-west on the bed of a former railway line. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, “The Rollercoaster” is a rugged, swooping 13-mile stretch of the world-famous Appalachian Trail with spectacular views of the Shenandoah River Valley.
Visit Loudon

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About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a collaborative network of tourism partners across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia – and coming soon… New Jersey! The alliance is dedicated to supporting travel journalists by providing resources that transcend geographic boundaries, much like travelers themselves. By identifying common themes and regional highlights, MATPRA offers a wealth of story ideas for journalists interested in showcasing the diverse destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region as a unified whole. For more information, visit matpra.org.

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