happyly approved

Hammerman Area at Gunpowder Falls

7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220

Dawn-Dusk

$$

swim, playground, water-activities, hikes

Family Fun in the Sun at the Hammerman Area at Gunpowder Falls - 7200 Graces Quarters Road.

If you're looking for a day at the beach without a drive to the Eastern Shore, Hammerman is a very fun, family-friendly option, located at 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220. The Hammerman Area at Gunpowder Falls State Park is best known for its beach, great for a family outdoor excursion. Visitors can enjoy 1,500 feet of lovely sand covered beach on the shore of the Gunpowder River – great for even the youngest swimmers since there aren’t any waves. Be sure to bring your bathing suits, sand toys, and plenty of sunscreen. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent.

While the beach is the main attraction, Hammerman also has a few short hiking trails and small playgrounds kids young and old will love. In the off-season when visitation is low, the long stretches of paved parking lots and roads also make a great spot for bike riding.

There are bathrooms and picnic tables throughout the grounds. The bathrooms are not open during off-season, but there are portable toilets. The beach area also has a number of grills available for visitors to use. Be sure to pack some charcoal if you plan to utilize them. If you’d rather not pack your own food, you can get food and drinks at the Riverside Grille, located right next to the beach (open Thu.,-Mon., 10am-6pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends).

Hammerman is very popular in the summer and usually fills to capacity as the day wears on. The beach is very busy on weekends and holidays when the weather gets hot. Go early or call the ranger station (410-335-3461) before you go to ensure that your family will be able to enter. For a calmer experience, visit on a weekday or when the weather is mild.

Features

Good for All Ages Playground Beach Water Views

Thoughtfully captured by:

Katie Raspa

Our work in Baltimore is truly a family affair. Husband and wife, Matt and Katie, work together to head up our ambassador team in Charm City. Katie is a Maryland native and has lived in the state her whole life. She moved to Baltimore in 2007 after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She has been working in the field of early childhood education as a teacher and family coach for the past 12 years. Katie also holds a Masters of Education in Literacy from Loyola University. She is passionate about giving kids and families the knowledge and tools that they need to thrive. Matt grew up in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. As a city native, Matt is a great resource on all that the city has to offer. After months of helping Katie explore the city for her role at a Happy Active Family, he decided to put his love of writing to use and officially come on board as an ambassador. Matt and Katie have two girls, ages 5 and 7. They spend their weekends camping, hiking, or exploring other hidden gems in their area. Tap into their insider knowledge by downloading the app today!

More activities by Katie

Oregon Ridge Park and Playground

Huge nature facility with tons of options for the whole family.

Angel Park Playground

One of Baltimore's biggest playgrounds!

Lake Roland Park and Playground

A diverse, 503 acre park that includes wetlands, meadows, hardwood forests, serpentine barrens, and, of course, Lake Roland.