Seneca Creek State Park
A 6,300-acre Maryland park offering hiking, boating, fishing, and stunning seasonal displays like fall foliage and Christmas lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden panorama of fall foliage
Seneca Creek State Park
Best Time
Golden panorama of fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 6,300-acre Maryland park offering hiking, boating, fishing, and stunning seasonal displays like fall foliage and Christmas lights.
"A well-maintained, scenic, and accessible environment ideal for day trips, picnics, hikes, or simply enjoying peace."
🚶♀️ Easy Lake Loop
The 4-mile Clopper Lake trail is perfect for a relaxed, scenic walk with beautiful views.
🦟 Summer Pest Prep
Bring mosquito repellent for wooded areas during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clopper Lake Loop
Around Clopper Lake
A scenic 4-mile loop offering beautiful lake views and vibrant fall colors. Dog-friendly and relatively easy.
Christmas Lights Drive-Through
Throughout the park
Experience a magical 3.5-mile drive through dazzling holiday lights during the festive season.
Schwartz Peony Garden
Near the park entrance
A dreamy spring escape when peonies burst into vibrant bloom, offering a picturesque setting.
The Blair Witch Woods
Wooded areas
Explore the eerie, atmospheric woods that served as a filming location for 'The Blair Witch Project'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Scenery
Park Entry & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Lake Loop
The 4-mile Clopper Lake trail is perfect for a relaxed, scenic walk with beautiful views.
🦟 Summer Pest Prep
Bring mosquito repellent for wooded areas during warmer months.
🚗 Christmas Lights Drive
Don't miss the spectacular 3.5-mile Christmas lights drive-through!
🎣 Boating & Fishing Fun
Enjoy non-motorized boating and fishing on the lake. Swimming is not permitted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Lake Loop
The 4-mile Clopper Lake trail is perfect for a relaxed, scenic walk with beautiful views.
🦟 Summer Pest Prep
Bring mosquito repellent for wooded areas during warmer months.
🚗 Christmas Lights Drive
Don't miss the spectacular 3.5-mile Christmas lights drive-through!
🎣 Boating & Fishing Fun
Enjoy non-motorized boating and fishing on the lake. Swimming is not permitted.
📸 Sunset Views
The park offers great sunset views by the lake, though it closes at dusk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seneca Creek State Park is a well-maintained gem offering diverse natural beauty and activities. Visitors praise its scenic lake, vibrant fall foliage, and the magical Christmas lights display. While generally enjoyable, some note the park's closure at sunset can limit winter visits, and mosquito repellent is recommended in summer.
"I visited Seneca Creek State Park in early November.
Located in Gaithersburg, Seneca Creek State Park boasts a stunning autumn scene, with the forest surrounding its 90-acre lake ablaze with amber and russet hues, creating a golden panorama.
The crisp air, blue sky, and colorful leaves create a scenic walkway, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of the fall foliage in the forest and lake.
With Christmas just around the corner, Christmas luminaries have been set up throughout the park. While I didn't see them lit up in the morning, I imagine visiting after sunset will be a fantastic opportunity to see them."
Christian Cho
"Seneca Creek State Park – A Well-Maintained Gem in Maryland’s Natural Landscape
With over 20 years of experience exploring and evaluating public parks and natural spaces across the country, I had the pleasure of visiting Seneca Creek State Park on a Sunday afternoon in mid-July. Located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, this park stands out as a thoughtfully managed and inviting destination for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Entrance fees are modest—$3 per person for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state visitors. Upon arrival, I was greeted by three park rangers at the entrance station. They were generally friendly, professional, and responsive to the few questions I had regarding park facilities and recommended trails.
The park itself offers a diverse layout with multiple parking areas spread across various scenic points. Whether you’re setting up at one of the numerous picnic sites, walking along the extensive network of trails, or relaxing by one of the ponds or lakes, there’s a peaceful spot for everyone.
In the height of summer, the landscape was lush, vibrant, and alive with greenery. Despite the warmth typical of a July afternoon, many areas of the park are shaded by tall trees, making it a comfortable and enjoyable visit even during peak hours.
Another point worth mentioning is the ample restroom availability—a practical and appreciated touch that enhances the experience, especially for families and larger groups.
If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend bringing mosquito repellent, as the wooded areas can bring with them the usual buzz of summer pests. With that one small preparation, your visit can be thoroughly enjoyable.
In summary, Seneca Creek State Park offers a well-maintained, scenic, and accessible environment ideal for day trips, picnics, hikes, or simply enjoying a bit of peace and nature. It’s a prime example of how a state park can balance natural beauty with visitor comfort and thoughtful infrastructure."
G A (TheFamous)
"Beautiful easy hike around a superbe lac with wonderful fall colors. Dog friendly and not too hard. 1 hour 30 min walk around the lac in shaded areas by the abundant trees"
zoubida kherous
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seneca Creek State Park is located at 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. It's about 30-40 minutes from downtown DC. +1
Public transport options to Seneca Creek State Park are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park.
From I-270, take Exit 8 for Montgomery Village Avenue and follow signs for Clopper Road. The park entrance will be on your right.
Yes, the park has multiple parking areas spread across various scenic points, making it easy to access different trails and picnic sites.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination for residents of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $3 per person for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state visitors.
Fees are generally per person, with different rates for Maryland residents versus out-of-state visitors.
The park closes at sunset, which can limit enjoyment during shorter winter days.
Advance booking is typically not required for general park entry, but it's always a good idea to check the official park website for any special event or seasonal closures.
Yes, Seneca Creek State Park is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy the trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and disc golf. The park also features a popular Christmas lights drive-through. +2
Yes, the park boasts over 50 miles of trails, including the popular 4-mile loop around Clopper Lake and longer options like the Great Seneca Trail.
Swimming is not permitted in the lake. However, non-motorized boats and kayaks are welcome.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic destination for families with plenty of space for picnics, easy trails, and activities like boating. +1
The loop around Clopper Lake is about 4 miles and is considered a nice, easy trail suitable for most fitness levels.
📸 📸 Photography
The Clopper Lake area offers stunning views, especially during autumn foliage and sunset. The peony garden in spring is also very photogenic.
Yes, the park is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage around the lake, creating a golden panorama.
Yes, the Christmas lights drive-through is a popular event for capturing festive holiday photos. +1
The park's connection to 'The Blair Witch Project' offers a unique, albeit eerie, backdrop for photography in its wooded areas.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Autumn mornings are ideal for fall colors, and evenings are best for the Christmas lights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Seneca Creek State Park
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Great Seneca Trail connects to the Seneca Ridge Trail, leading towards Black Rock Mill. This longer route can extend to 8-9 miles one way, offering a more strenuous hike or bike ride through diverse woodland scenery.
When planning your hike, remember that some areas can be quite wooded, so bringing mosquito repellent is advisable during the summer months.
Seasonal Spectacles: From Peonies to Holiday Lights
Autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage around Clopper Lake. The amber and russet hues of the surrounding forest create a golden panorama, making the lake loop a particularly scenic walk.
As the holidays approach, the park lights up with its famous Christmas Lights Drive-Through. This popular event transforms the park into a magical wonderland with a 3.5-mile route showcasing dazzling holiday illuminations.
A Glimpse into Film History: The Blair Witch Woods
Visitors can explore the very areas that contributed to the film's chilling realism. While the park is generally a peaceful natural retreat, the knowledge of its connection to the 'Blair Witch' lore can add an intriguing, albeit spooky, dimension to a hike through its more secluded sections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit