Find Your Chesapeake: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

Attraction magazine has partnered with the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office and Chesapeake Conservancy to help readers find their next adventure. Each month we’ll feature a new place from their helpful website, FindYourChesapeake.com. There, you can also sign up for an e-newsletter, Trips and Tips, that delivers fresh ideas to your inbox each week.

Ready to try something new? At FindYourChesapeake.com also find expert advice on experiences like birdwatching, fishing, camping and hiking. Their team also developed content to help people explore the Chesapeake virtually so folks can stay safe at home during the pandemic.

**Fair Hill continues the equestrian legacy with miles of trail riding.**
*Photograph courtesy of Stephen Badger, MDNR.*

This month the spotlight is on Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA), located in northeastern Maryland. The 5,656-acre management area is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty. At one time, Fair Hill was one of the largest private land holdings in the east, and was owned by William duPont, Jr. William DuPont was an avid equestrian who purchased and augmented the farmland as a means to enjoying riding, so it is not surprising that Fair Hill continues the equestrian legacy with miles of trail riding, equestrian camping facilities and world-class equestrian events like steeplechase racing, dressage and carriage driving.

Fair Hill’s 80+ miles of multi-use trails are also enjoyed by hikers, bikers, anglers and hunters. Maps for the trails are available on the NRMA’s website, where you can also make equestrian camping reservations.

**Fair Hill’s 80+ miles of multi-use trails are also enjoyed by hikers, anglers, hunters as well as bikers.**

Fair Hill NRMA is possibly best known for its signature events, one of which is coming up in May – the Colonial Highland Gathering. The 61st Fair Hill Scottish Games will be held on May 20 with athletics, music, dancing, food and arts that celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture.

**The prestigious Maryland 5 Star showcases four days of competition in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country, shown here.** *Photograph courtesy of Anne Litz, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Horse Industry Board.*

Other signature events include the Spring XC/Endurance Race on April 22 for mountain biking enthusiasts, and the Maryland 5 Star equestrian event in October. The prestigious Maryland 5 Star showcases four days of competition in dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

Resources

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

Fair Hill Map

Equestrian Camping Reservations

Scottish Games

Spring XC/Endurance Race

Maryland 5 Star equestrian event