Copyright: Maryland State Forest and Park Service Clopper Lake

Description - Seneca Creek State Park rests in a scenic stream valley, extending for 12 miles along Seneca Creek. Many marked trails wind through a variety of habitats typical of central Maryland. Visitors can hike a self-guided interpretive trail, which explores the historic Clopper Estate. The 90-acre Clopper Lake provides fishing and boating opportunities, and creates vistas for all to enjoy.

Attractions - Seneca Creek State Park encompasses over 6,000 acres and offers the 90-acre Clopper Lake. Boating and fishing are favorite recreations. A boat concession on Clopper Lake rents boats May to September. Anglers can expect to snag largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and black crappie. Seneca Creek is stocked with put-and-take trout. Pontoon boat tours are routinely scheduled for park visitors.

The day use facility is a popular picnic destination. The large picnic grove includes tables, grills, and comfort stations found open daily until sunset. Children's playgrounds are conveniently located near the picnic areas. Reservable picnic shelters are perfect for the family, friends or business outdoor dining experience.

The park also has a visitor center that provides interpretive programs for all ages. Programs are conducted throughout the year. On-site is a 140-seat auditorium, available for rent on weekdays.

Trails at the park are open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Trails usage varies.

The 32-acre, 18-hole course, disc golf course is suited for both the amateur and the professional.

The park offers a 1,200-acre parcel along River Road reservable for hunting during the regulated seasons.

The handicapped facilities at Seneca State Park include the visitor center, three picnic shelters, seven restrooms, a paved fishing access area, and the popular 32' pontoon tour boat.

Recreation - Visitors to Seneca Creek find a wide variety of outdoor activities waiting. Multi-use trails for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers are available. There is a boat rental, concession, picnic shelters, children's playground, campfire programs, and historic interest at the park. Clopper Lake attracts those interested in fishing, flatwater paddling, and guided boat tours. An 18-hole disc golf course is very popular with teens and young adults. Seasonal hunts permitted.

Climate - Maryland has four distinct seasons with spring and fall being particularly pleasant with low humidity and mild temperatures. The average January temperature ranges between 30 and 34 degrees F (-1 to 1 C) with July averages ranging between 74 degrees F and 80 degrees F. Typically, coastal temperatures are slightly warmer then the western Appalachian Plateau area. Travelers should be aware that winters can become miserably cold and summers can be hazy, hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers.

Location - Seneca Creek State Park is located 2 miles west of Interstate 270 in Gathersburg.

LAT: 39.1012185
LONG: -77.3416514