Can You Go Sledding in Harford County Parks? Rules and Safety Tips

by Josh Tessier

Harford County's code says you can't sled on county parkland unless the Department of Parks and Recreation has picked a time and place for it. So before you take the kids to a county park hill, call Harford County at 410-638-3000 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), ask for Parks and Recreation, and ask where sledding is allowed.

This post does not name specific hills. Ask Parks and Recreation which areas are designated.

What the county rule says

Harford County Code Section 185-19 says no person shall "Coast with handsleds, bobsleds, carts or other vehicles on wheels or runners, except at such time and place as may be designated for such purpose by the Department." It also bars sledding on ice, except where designated, and sledding "in such negligent manner as to endanger life, limb or property." Chapter 185 applies on all county Parks and Recreation parklands and facilities.

Under Section 185-22, breaking any rule in the chapter is a misdemeanor. On conviction, the fine is "not less than one hundred dollars ($100.) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.)" or up to six months in jail, or both, at the court's discretion.

That covers county parks. Town parks, state parks, schools and private land have their own owners and rules. Check with the owner.

Sledding safety tips

These come from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Watch kids under 12 at all times. Keep little kids apart from older kids.
Sit up or go feet first, not lying down head first.
Consider a helmet to prevent serious head injury.
Use a sled you can steer. The AAP says to avoid snow disks and inner tubes.
Pick a good hill. Less than 30 degrees steep, covered in snow (not ice), with no trees or fences in the way, and a flat spot at the bottom to stop.
Skip crowded hills.
Keep sledders away from cars and trees.
Stay in when it's too cold. The AAP says to avoid playing outside in temperatures or wind chills below minus 15 degrees F.

Plan ahead

Parks and Recreation answers calls Monday to Friday, so call on a weekday before a storm.

More winter fun

No snow? Try ice skating in Abingdon or one of my winter hiking trails. For more, see the 2026 Holiday Hub.

FAQ

Is sledding allowed in Harford County parks?

Only where the Department of Parks and Recreation designates it. County Code Section 185-19 bars coasting with sleds on county parkland otherwise. Call Harford County at 410-638-3000 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and ask for Parks and Recreation.

What is the fine for breaking Harford County park rules?

Section 185-22 makes it a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.

Who do I call to ask about sledding in a county park?

Call Harford County at 410-638-3000 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and ask for Parks and Recreation.

What age should kids be supervised while sledding?

The AAP says to supervise kids under 12 and keep young kids apart from older ones.

Are snow tubes and disks safe?

The AAP recommends sleds you can steer and says to avoid snow disks and inner tubes.

About the author: Josh Tessier is a Harford County REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team at eXp Realty, based in Bel Air. He has been licensed in real estate since 2011, and the Lee Tessier Team has sold 5,900+ homes. He lives in Harford County and is raising his family here. Call or text (443) 617-2099.

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