Established as a response to catastrophic flooding after Hurricane Agnes in 1972, Carroll Creek Linear Park combines urban renewal with environmental design. Stroll through Downtown Frederick’s enchanting 1.3-mile-long (2.1-kilometer) urban park and enjoy views of the city complemented by waterfront buildings, public artworks and community facilities. You might find local festivals, outdoor concerts or special events at this popular downtown destination.
Walk along Carroll Creek Linear Park’s pretty promenade, which stretches across several major downtown blocks. Note the creatively designed brick and stone pathways. As you wander, note the banks around the waterway, which were installed to mitigate the potential threat of a 100-year flood in Frederick. Check out the park’s series of gardens and shade trees that provide a pleasant green space in the heart of the city. Sit on one of the park benches and people-watch or relax with a good book.
Pass over the park’s pedestrian footbridges and peer down at Carroll Creek below. The bridges include a stone-arch bridge, a cable-stay suspension bridge and an old-fashioned iron bridge. Look for the collection of water features shooting jets of water that sparkle in the daylight. As you wander, you’ll pass by public artworks and pretty lampposts decorated with the city’s flags.
Check out some of the boutiques, cafés and restaurants facing the park. Purchase coffee and stroll along, watching the ducks in the waterway. Carroll Creek Linear Park has a 350-seat amphitheater, which is used to host regular events, festivals and concerts. Find out what’s happening at this space during your stay in Frederick.
Carroll Creek Linear Park runs east to west across the heart of Downtown Frederick’s historic district. Visit the park at any time of the day for free. Enjoy the shade on a warm summer day or see the red and orange hues of the park’s foliage in the fall. The park is less than a 5-minute walk from Frederick’s Amtrak train station and bus stop. Park your car on the adjacent streets and explore this area on foot.
