Volunteers are invited to join Garrett Trails and the Friends of New Germany State Park for a trail work day on October 3. Please come prepared for physically demanding work and bring your own drinking water and work gloves. The work day will conclude with food and drinks at noon, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany.
Put your Halloween knowledge to the test by joining Ranger Noah for an evening of haunted trivia. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams. Complimentary s'mores will be provided. This program will be canceled if it rains.
Join Ranger Beau for a hands-on discussion about the science of trees and how leaves change color. This program will include an 8-page dendrology guide to take home, light walking, and tactile interaction with trees. All ages are welcome. Meet at the campfire. Photo credit: Wendy Todd Caldwell (Submitted to the 2013 DNR Photo Contest)
Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the garden. As you work, you'll learn how to identify common weeds and understand why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the native plant garden near the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Sang Run State Park presents Haunted Hikes on October 2nd & 9th, 2026! Enjoy a 1½-mile historic tour filled with tales of the unexplained under the park's dark skies. The hike begins sharply at 6:30 PM (please arrive by 6:15 PM). Terrain is light to moderate; sturdy shoes and a flashlight or red-light headlamp are required. Questions can be directed to reillee.beeman@maryland.gov.
Join Ranger Hannah on this challenging 4-mile hike and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise. This is a great way to rack up miles for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge!
Show off your Halloween costumes on this 1.5-mile self-guided hike, where kids ages 12 and under can Trick or Treat along the way. Participants must register by October 13 to ensure an adequate candy supply. Email hannah.muir@maryland.gov to register. This event is sponsored by the Friends of New Germany. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Orchard Loop is not stroller-friendly.
Come check out The Discovery Center after dark on October 17, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM! The reptile ambassadors will be out to greet you, with some crafts and a few spooky things to do while you're visiting. Look out for updates in October, when we get closer to the event!
October 17 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM New Germany State Park Lake House (weather dependent) 403 McAndrews Hill Rd Grantsville, MD 21536 If you're up for a spooky adventure, don't miss this 1.5-mile self-guided haunted hike. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp to get to and from the trail safely. Be sure to drop by the Nature Center before or after your hike for hot cocoa, while supplies last. This event is sponsored by the Friends of New Germany. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. NOTICE: This activity will include frightening scenes, startling sounds, and walking on uneven terrain after dark. It may not be suitable for young children. Pets are not allowed. Photo by John Holt
On Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, the Discovery Center will host its annual open house. Attendees can enjoy cookies, crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
