Feathers and Festivity: 12 Hiking Areas to Spot Wild Turkeys in Maryland

 The crisp autumn air is settling in the Mid-Atlantic, and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. The most common dinner for Thanksgiving is turkey, which there is no shortage of in Maryland. Let's take a look at some of the best places to hike in Maryland if you want to spot wild turkeys!

1. Pocomoke State Forest (Snowhill, MD)

2. Idylwild Wildlife Management Area (Federalsburg, MD)

3. Hashawa Nature Center (Westminster, MD)

4. Millington Wildlife Management Area (Massey, MD)

5. Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area (La Plata, MD)

6. Cedar Point Wildlife Management Area (Welcome, MD)

7. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area (Poolesville, MD)

8. Patuxent River State Park (Gaithersburg, MD)

9. Seneca Creek State Park (Gaithersburg, MD)

10. Savage River State Forest (Grantsville, MD)

11. Green Ridge State Forest (Flintstone, MD)

12. Dan's Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Lonaconing, MD)

The most common turkey sighting spot in Maryland according to local hunters is 'Dan's Mountain Wildlife Management Area.' 

Turkeys love open fields and forests, which is why Maryland is a great home for turkeys. In 2019 a peak of over 40,000 wild turkeys were reported. It is not uncommon for hunters in the Mid-Atlantic Region to travel to Maryland to catch their Thanksgiving dinner!

Turkeys are not the only animal you'll find on a hike around Thanksgiving. Maryland is also home to American Bison, Elk, Deer, Snowshoe Hares, Eastern Harvest Mice, Bald Eagles, Gray Wolves, Coyotes, Black Bears, and Red Tail Hawks. 

It is also possible you'll spot several thousands of birds traveling to the south as the weather begins to freeze. 

As we wrap up our turkey-tracking journey through Maryland, never forget about the hidden feathered beauties in the wild. As you gear up for your Thanksgiving festivities, take a moment to appreciate the untamed charm that Maryland's wild turkeys bring to the holiday season.