Cactoctin Mountain Park

Wildlife watching, hiking and scenic drives are among the top pursuits in the park surrounding Cactoctin Mountain, the easternmost ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Venturing into the 5,810-acre hardwood forest park with its crystal clear streams and scenic vistas it’s hard to imagine that this haven was extensively logged in the 18th and 19th centuries to support local agriculture and produce charcoal for a nearby iron works.

In the 1950s a regeneration programme was launched and the land has rejuvenated itself and been transformed from a damaged environment into one where forest covers nearly 95% of the park. It has also provided a sanctuary for many plants and animals, including several threatened and endangered species. There are 25 miles of walking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, but just a short walk will take you into the heart of forest environment.

Over 60 types of trees and 750 species of plants have been found in the park, including spring beauties, cutleaf toothwort, wild geranium, bloodroot, wild ginger, rue anemone, wood anemone, yellow violet, yellow adders tongue, cardinal flower, hepatica, jack-in-the-pulpit and several species of orchid. Steps have been put in place to protect the rare purple-fringed orchid, which has made its home in the park.

There are more than 280 species of animals in the forest and those you are likely to see are squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, woodpeckers and wild turkey, maybe a box turtle, and if you are extremely fortunate, a black bear.

The park is open all year from daylight until dark.

Piscataway Park & National Colonial Farm

The pioneering Accokeek Foundation was founded in 1957 to protect the view from Mount Vernon across the Potomac River, becoming one of America’s first land trusts. The foundation looks after 200 acres of Piscataway Park, where visitors can follow nature trails, visit a native tree arboretum and see an award-wining forest restoration project.

The foundation also runs National Colonial Farm, a fascinating living history museum depicting the life of a rural Maryland farming family on the eve of the American Revolution. It also has a modern day eco-farm and runs conservation projects to protect heirloom crops and rare livestock breeds.

A place of great natural beauty, there are many areas of Piscataway Park to explore. The boardwalks over fresh tidal wetlands such as Accokeek Creek are a wonderful place to see all sorts of birds without getting your feet wet. The park is also a popular spot for fishermen and boat enthusiasts. Back on dry land there are a variety of nature trails, meadows and woodland areas. And of course don’t forget to enjoy the wonderful views across the Potomac River.

The park is open daily from dawn to dusk from mid-March to mid-December and from 10am to 4pm at weekends during the rest of the year. Admission to the National Colonial Farm, Ecosystem Farm and trails costs $2 for adults and 50c for children. For further information about the farms visit www.accokeek.org.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Holidaymakers in Virginia and Maryland have a double opportunity to step out along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a picture postcard spot to break up a journey, the ‘people’s path’ and America’s first National Scenic Trail runs through both states.

Often called the Appalachian Trail, or simply AT, the 2,175-mile long footpath winds its way through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. It evolved from the vision of regional planner Benton MacKaye who wanted to preserve the scenic, wooded lands of the Appalachian Mountains as a wilderness belt and retreat from urban life. The trail follows the ridgeline of the mountains, crossing many of its highest peaks, and running, with only a few exceptions, almost continuously through unbroken countryside.

Virginia has two claims to fame. It’s home to both the largest section of the trail - 550 miles - and the longest footbridge, the 623ft bridge at James River. The plant life on Virginia’s section includes thickly-growing wild blueberry bushes, which have helped sustain many a hungry rambler. Maryland has 41 miles of the trail and offers some easy walks, making it a good place for hikers to find out if they are ready for more rugged sections. The trail is famous for its many hardy walkers called thru-hikers, who attempt to walk the length of the trail in a single season.

You do not need a permit to walk the AT, but overnight camping permits are required in some areas.

Assateague Island National Seashore

This dramatic and romantic barrier island off the eastern coast of Maryland and Virginia is famous for its wild horses and many visitors have fond childhood memories of being introduced to the animals through Marguerite Henry’s famous book Misty of Chincoteague. A man-made landmark is the equally recognisable Assateague Light, the 142ft lighthouse located on the southern Virginian end of the island.

Local folklore describes the horses as survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast, and whilst this tale of struggle and survival is undeniably popular it’s more likely that they are descendants of horses brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century. Whatever the truth, these tough horses provide a breathtaking spectacle. They are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague.

Equally hardy is the plant life that has made its home on the shifting sands and salt marshes of the 37-mile island. Plants like sea rocket have fleshy, thick-skinned leaves to store water and withstand the salty environment of the beach and lower dunes, whilst higher up the American beachgrass has adapted by growing additional stems in order to survive.

There are two road entrances to Assateague. The north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, and the south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles from Chincoteague, Virginia. To make the most of your visit stop off at one of the visitor centres located near both entrances or join one of the ranger-led walks.