Maple Syrup Festivals in Maryland
Maple Syrup Festivals in Maryland offer a look into the traditional art of maple syrup harvesting, a process that transforms the raw sap of sugar maples into the sweet, amber treat loved by many. These festivals, held at various locations across the state, celebrate the time-honored craft with engaging demonstrations, hands-on activities, and plenty of tasting opportunities. Maryland’s maple syrup festivals invite visitors of all ages to experience the magic of sugaring season. With live music, pancake breakfasts, and educational hikes, these festivals highlight the rich cultural heritage of maple syrup production and provide a unique opportunity to support local parks and nature centers.
Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont
Maple Syrup Festival
March 8-9 and 15-16
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to come to celebrate the annual Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park on the weekends of March 8-9 and March 15-16.
During this event, held annually for more than 50 years, guests can gather around the Sugar Shack to watch sugarmakers demonstrate the traditional way of boiling sap into syrup. Live bluegrass music will fill the air on both Sundays of the event as Maryland-made maple syrup is served over a hot pancake and sausage breakfast. Guests can take a hayride through the Maple Grove to see how Park Rangers collect sap from trees.
Events take place each day of the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A sign language interpreter will be stationed at the Sugar Shack on both Sundays. A suggested $5 donation per person is requested at the entrance. Pancake breakfast and festival merchandise is available during the festival hours for an extra cost.
The Maple Syrup Festival proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
The park opens at 10 a.m. and closes at sunset. Pets are permitted on a leash, outside only. This event is ADA accessible. Visitors may contact 301-271-7574 for more information.
Oregon Ridge, Cockeysville
Maple Sugaring Weekend
Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council will be a vendor selling Syrup, Candy, Cotton Candy, Nature Books, Hot Chocolate, and Cider. Some council members will also volunteer to assist BCRP. Hikes, tastings, campfires, and tree tapping. $6
Lake Roland, Baltimore
Maple Sugaring
March 1, 10 am-2 pm $6
Learn the art of turning sap into syrup, from tree to Maple sugar treat. Take a hike into the sugar brush, tap a tree, see sap cooking into syrup, and taste a variety of syrups made at the park from our trees. Groups leave for a tour every 30 minutes. Register in advance.
Marshy Point Nature Center, Middle River
Maple Sugaring Weekends
Feb 15, 16, 22, 23. 10am-2pm. Register in advance. $6
How do you get sap from a tree? How is maple sugar made? Take a hike where we’ll provide interactive demonstrations. Participants will help tap a tree, collect sap, learn how to make maple syrup and have the opportunity to taste different types of syrup.
Tree tapping every hour.
Robinson Nature Center, Columbia
Maple Sugaring & Syrup Tasting
February 26, 10am – 4:30pm
During this special time of year, winter’s hidden bounty is waiting to be “tapped.” Come out for a special, family-friendly event to learn about the art of maple sugaring – when the sap from trees is collected to make syrup. Enjoy a maple sugaring hike to trees tapped around the property, a cooking demonstration, and a tasting that includes local syrups from Tonoloway Farm in Highland County, Virginia. This event has timed ticketing. You must choose from available arrival times when registering. Info: 410-313-0400.
4 yrs + / $7, Robinson member; $10 nonmember
Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton
Maple Sugar Walk
Feb 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23. 1:30 and 3:30 guided walks
Register in advance. $7/person
Hike with a naturalist to the maple tree grove and learn how sugar maple sap is collected and transformed into maple syrup! This is an indoor and outdoor program on natural surface trails. All attendees must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program. Be sure to check Brooksidenature.org for the day-of-event status.
The Maple Sugar Self-Guided Tour will be available from February 1 through March 4. All visitors and groups are welcome to visit this outdoor exhibit located on Brookside Nature Center’s grounds during Park hours!
Photo: Maryland DNR photo by Ranger Melissa Acuti
