85) Loch Raven Reservoir

When I was a younger I used to love to go to Loch Raven Reservoir, but somehow had totally forgotten about it, until my Instagram friend and blog writer (This Suburban Life) posted some photos of her kids there. Her beautiful photos reminded me and for a long time the reservoir was on my list of places I wanted to take the girls. We finally got there this summer. Loch Raven Reservoir is located just north of Towson and can be accessed from either Dulaney Valley Road or Cromwell Bridge Road.The reservoir actually supplies water to Baltimore city (and part of Baltimore County), one of those random facts I learned somewhere along the way which led to a fascinating conversation with the girls about how water comes to our house. It was one of those conversations that made me feel like they should have a special college to prepare parents to answer the many questions that their kids ask that they have no answers too and really thankful for Wikipedia.  

There is a lot to do in the park including skeet shooting, fishing and hiking trails, but we really liked the small beach near the Dulaney Valley entrance to the park. The beach isn't a swimming beach, in fact I don't think you are allowed to swim at all in the reservoir, but a perfect place to check out the water, skip stones and visit the many, many geese. The little beach area is also the perfect place for a picnic or to enjoy some ice cream from Priegal Creamery which is just a few minutes away. I am hoping to go back in the next few weeks when the leaves really start to change, I think it will be the perfect place for a Fall picnic.