Community
Chase
Chase is a starting point for Gunpowder River recreation, with Hammerman’s beach and trails and the tidal-creek landscape of nearby Marshy Point.
Chase offers access to the tidal landscapes where the Gunpowder River approaches the Chesapeake Bay. The state’s Gunpowder park guide identifies the Hammerman entrance on Graces Quarters Road with Chase, while the current park page uses a Middle River mailing address. The street address is more precise than relying on either community name alone.
The Gunpowder River shoreline
The Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park is at 7200 Graces Quarters Road. Its long river beach, picnic areas, playgrounds and short trails make it a substantial day-use destination. The Muskrat Trail described in the park guide passes through marsh habitat, while the small-boat launch is intended for shallow-draft, unpowered craft such as canoes and kayaks.
Summer visits require attention to the park’s reservation and capacity notices. These arrangements concern admission to a managed recreation area; a pavilion reservation is a separate matter from arriving for a beach or trail visit.
Exploring nearby tidal creeks
Nearby Marshy Point Nature Center interprets Dundee and Saltpeter creeks through trails, wildlife exhibits and hands-on displays. Its grounds include a canoe and kayak launch, observation platform and butterfly garden. A scaled skipjack play structure introduces the Chesapeake’s oyster-boat tradition, while exhibits connect local habitats with terrapins, birds and other native wildlife. It offers a more interpretive complement to Hammerman’s riverfront recreation.