The Maryland Park Service invites nature lovers, families, and adventure-seekers to take on a new outdoor challenge: the 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge.

Running through November 15, 2025, this initiative encourages participants to explore Maryland’s scenic state parks and complete 25 themed challenges along the way.

Whether you prefer to tackle the challenge solo, with friends, or as a family, everyone is encouraged to participate.

Registration is not required for participation, but is necessary for the prize drawing, along with a $25 donation to the Maryland Park Service. Additionally, park entry fees do apply in both cases.

Registered participants receive instructions to track and verify their progress through a series of pictures. The challenge does not necessitate the visiting of all 25 parks, as each challenge is offered at a variety of different park locations.

Challenge Categories

The challenge features a wide range of themed categories designed to showcase Maryland’s natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational activities:

Chasing Waterfalls
Snap photos of waterfalls at parks like Swallow Falls, Kilgore Falls, and Cunningham Falls.

Living on Island Time
Visit island parks such as Assateague State Park and Janes Island State Park.

Totally Trees
Find and photograph signs at tree-themed parks like Cedarville State Forest and Wye Oak State Park.

Light the Way
Explore historic lighthouses at Point Lookout and Elk Neck State Parks.

Lake Life
Enjoy man-made lakes at Deep Creek Lake, Greenbrier Lake, and more.

FORE! Disc Golf Challenge
Play disc golf at courses in parks like Patapsco Valley and Seneca Creek.

What a View!
Climb observation towers at Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and Washington Monument State Park.

The Name Game
Photograph monuments or plaques honoring historical figures, such as those at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park.

The Tree Army
Learn about the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps at parks like Gambrill and Fort Frederick.

Geology ROCKS!
Explore unique rock formations at Calvert Cliffs and Rocks State Park.

Big Tree Champions!
Find Maryland’s State Champion Trees at parks such as Susquehanna State Park and Fair Hill.

Historic Homes and Bridges
Visit historic landmarks at places like Jerusalem Mill and Lee Mansion.

The Great Loop and Rails to Trails
Hike loop trails or explore former rail corridors at Rocky Gap and Patapsco Valley State Park.

All funds from registration fees are put towards supporting Maryland Park Service's efforts to maintain and improve upon the Maryland State Parks and the experience it offers the public.

For further information visit the official Maryland State Park's website