Need to clear your head during the Thanksgiving holiday? Here are a few suggestions

Marlayna Scire, The Herald-Mail
·3 min read

Are you tired of your family already this holiday? Need to get outside and clear your head?

Of course there's the obvious spots you could go to, like the towpath on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or the trails around Antietam National Battlefield.

The towpath offers scenic views perfect for walking or biking between the Potomac River and the old canal that runs from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Md. And the battlefield was the site of the one of the Civil War's most important battles, though now it's a peaceful spot with striking views of the countryside.

But there are plenty of other places to go or things to do in Washington County when you need to get away and way to avoid the holiday craziness, according to several people in the know when it comes to recreation.

Visitors take in the sights of creatures carved from wood at Marty's Mythical Woods at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Memorial Park in Halfway in this 2021 file photo. If you need to clear your head this holiday, taking a walk at the park might help.
Visitors take in the sights of creatures carved from wood at Marty's Mythical Woods at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Memorial Park in Halfway in this 2021 file photo. If you need to clear your head this holiday, taking a walk at the park might help.

Where is a good park in Washington County that offers walking trails?

"There are 18 parks in the county system, you can take a walk in any of these trails," said Jamie Dick, Washington County Parks and Recreation director.

For example, Martin "Marty" L. Snook Memorial Park has a 1.1-mile trail and is popular for Halfway residents, Dick said. Off Halfway Boulevard south of Hagerstown, it also has tennis courts, a bike path, a dog park and pavilions with picnic tables.

There's also Hagerstown City Park. Managed by the city, the historic park has man-made lakes, wooded walking trails, picnic facilities, and active recreation facilities.

What if I don't want to walk to clear my head of holiday craziness?

A scenic drive is recommended by Dan Spedden, president of Visit Hagerstown, the county's convention and visitors bureau.

He suggests an evening drive to look at Christmas lights or a drive through towns with holiday decor such as Williamsport and Funkstown.

What if I want to walk or run for a good cause?

If you're more in the mood for action, there's the 23rd annual Turkey Trot hosted by Hagerstown Community College's athletic teams on Thanksgiving Day.

The event features an adult 5K and a kids "Mashed Potato" race. And the event is dog-friendly. There will also be a food/toy drive.

Pre-registration for the 5K run/walk is $25 and race day registration is $30, according to HCC. New this year, there is a student rate of $20 for racers ages 6 to 18, through November 22. Pre-registration for the Mashed Potato Kids Race, ages three to 10, is $10 and race day registration is $15. Proceeds from the race will benefit student athlete scholarships at HCC.

"This is a great way to walk and enjoy your Thanksgiving Day," Dick said.

There are usually more than 500 people who participate each year. For more information, go to hagerstowncc.edu/news and click on the item about the race, or search Facebook for the race's page.

Any other ideas for things to do to get out of the house?

If walking or running don't suit your fancy, Spedden recommends looking at the calendar of events at VisitHagerstown.com. There's plenty activities to get your family out of the house together.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Want to get away from holiday craziness at home? Here are some ideas