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Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park © Shawn Harrison
Baltimore Oriole © stateparks.com
A Baltimore Orioles nest is a tightly woven pouch located on the end of a branch hanging down on the underside.
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SENECA CREEK STATE PARK
SENECA CREEK STATE PARK
11950 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland   20878

Phone: 301-924-2127
Reservations: 301-924-2127
The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. The Clopper Day-Use Area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake, surrounded by forests and fields. Picnicking, boat rentals, trails and a tire playground are just some of its recreational opportunities. A restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area. Nearby, the Schaeffer Farm Trail Area offers 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. For the more adventuresome hiker, the 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail follows the entire course of the river. During May, the Schwartz peony gardens and field plants are in bloom.

FEATURESHiking and biking trails, boat rental, fishing, flatwater canoeing and kayaking, historic interest, hunting, picnicking, playgrounds, riding trails, picnic pavilions, a restored 19th century cabin, cross-country skiing and vending refreshments.

Girl fishing by the paddle boats in Clopper LakeBoating & Fishing - A hand launch site is available for the lake. Private watercraft are permitted throughout the season. A boat concession on Clopper Lake rents boats for fishing and recreation from May to September. Fish include: largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, tiger muskie and crappie. Seneca Creek is stocked with put-and-take trout.Picnicking - Picnic areas with tables, grills, and comfort stations are open daily until sunset. Playgrounds are located near the picnic areas. Picnic pavilions for group picnics are available for rental. Click here for season beginning and ending dates, and shelter service charges.Park Office - A 140-seat auditorium may be rented weekdays for meetings.Trails - Trails for hiking and bicycling wind through a variety of habitat. A detailed trail map is available at the park office. Mountain bikes may be used on some trails.Disc Golf Course - A 32-acre, 18-hole course, for both the amateur and the professional is at the park.Hunting - See below for more detailed information. Statewide wildlife/hunting regulations apply.Pets - are not permitted in Clopper Day Use area.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options. Visitors can rent kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats on an hourly basis from the Boat Center during summer months (May to September). Private watercrafts such as electric motor boats, sailboards or stand-up paddle boards are also allowed but must be launched at designated areas only. The 90-acre Clopper Lake is perfect for these activities with its calm waters and beautiful surroundings.
Fishing
You can enjoy freshwater fishing in the 90-acre Clopper Lake, home to largemouth bass and tiger muskie. Other species include bluegill, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Trout is stocked seasonally for added variety. A Maryland Freshwater Fishing License is required.



Picnicking
1. Seneca Creek State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills.
2. There are three reservable shelters for group picnics.
3. Picnic areas have playgrounds, restrooms, and volleyball courts nearby.
4. The park's lakeside setting provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor meals.
5. Alcohol is prohibited in all picnic areas of the park.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 50 miles of trails, but be aware that some are shared with horseback riders. The Schaeffer Farms Trail System is a popular choice for cyclists; however, it's also frequented by hikers and equestrians. Be cautious on the Black Rock Mill trail as there may be pedestrians present too. For those seeking an easy ride, consider the flat terrain along Clopper Lake - just watch out for walkers! Always remember to wear helmets while biking in this area due to uneven surfaces and potential obstacles.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It features a variety of habitats including forests, meadows and wetlands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. The Clopper Lake area is particularly popular for waterfowl sightings in winter months. There are several trails suitable for birdwatching, such as the Schaeffer Farm Trail System or Great Seneca Creek's banks where one can spot songbirds during migration seasons.

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Maryland State Parks

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