Maryland's Deepest Lake Is A Former Quarry Lined With Shops, Trails, And Dazzling Views

Travel a mere 20 minutes outside Baltimore, and you'll find a truly unique place: Quarry Lake at Greenspring. Although it's scenic on its own, it's an even more intriguing destination when you look at all its facets. Yes, it's Maryland's deepest lake — but it's also a mixed-use space with shops, restaurants, and picturesque trails offering one of the most tranquil nature experiences in the area.

It's been two decades since the first business opened, and the center has expanded from there. Now, medical centers, wellness experiences, law offices, and other services round out the offerings while nearby residents live in luxury with dazzling views of the lake from The Highlands, The Bluffs, and Creekside villages. While Quarry Lake may not have everything you need, it gets pretty close. Even if you're just looking for a day of shopping, dining, and strolling, peace and excitement lie hand-in-hand at this all-encompassing space. With a fascinating story behind it all, you can also enjoy a bit of history along the way.

To visit Quarry Lake, fly into Baltimore/Washington International Airport, less than a half-hour away, or make a road trip of it and explore other places along America's eastern coastline before arriving. While there are no rentals available at the lake, those hoping to spend a night or two can turn to Gramercy Mansion. The Tudor-style estate at this bed and breakfast features sprawling gardens and elegant accommodations, perfect for unwinding, only 7 minutes from the lake.

Though some may find it surprising, Maryland is America's only state without a single natural lake. However, that hasn't stopped the region from creating picturesque bodies of water. Just as the man-made Greenbrier Lake, hidden in Maryland's Appalachian Mountains, was created for recreation and beauty, this quarry in Pikesville was given new life when it was converted into a place of scenic (and shopping) wonder.

Formerly called both Greenspring Quarry and McMahon Quarry at various points in history, the area was used to mine stone for a variety of projects, starting with railroad construction during the Civil War. Over the years, the rock was added to important landmarks throughout Maryland, such as the Fort McHenry Tunnel, which travels underneath the Baltimore Harbor, as well as the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The quarry was in operation until just before the turn of the 21st century.

The quarry sat empty for a few years until all 230 acres were purchased by Obrecht Properties, responsible for the office, retail, and dining spaces, in collaboration with Beazer Homes, which handled the housing. In 2006, the first businesses opened — the upscale Fresh Market grocery store, a Walgreens, and a LifeBridge Health medical center — but the finishing touch didn't come until years later. Despite the water pumps being switched off in 1999, the night mining efforts ended, Maryland's deepest lake, filled naturally with rainwater and groundwater, reached its target water level in 2012.

In the 20 years since development was completed on those initial businesses, Quarry Lake at Greenspring has grown significantly. With shops, trails, and dazzling views, it's the perfect place to spend the afternoon, and is in a prime location for exploring Greater Baltimore. Peruse the stores, grab a bite to eat, and unwind in nature before setting out to one of the best places in the country to explore urban culture — historic Charles Street, less than a 15-minute drive away.

Those seeking a little retail therapy can wander Samuelson's Diamonds & Estate Buyers to pick up an elegant souvenir or visit the Krieger Eye Institute Optical Shop to grab a new pair of sunglasses from brands like Kate Spade, Tom Ford, and Marc Jacobs. Embrace moments of self-care at the Crème Lux Nail Spa, Great Clips salon, or Mend Acupuncture, while Arenal Fitness offers active CrossFit sessions for those looking for high-energy workouts. When it comes to dining, sample New York-style slices at Pizza Blitz of Quarry Lake, enjoy elevated seafood dishes with lake views at Citron, or visit The Fresh Market to grab items for a picnic closer to the water.

After you visit the center, embark on a gentle walk around Quarry Lake. Head either direction from the parking area; the 2.4-mile, out-and-back trails will present stunning views. With very slight inclines and paved sections, Quarry Lake is easily accessible and a lovely way to embrace nature near the city.