[3][4] The park encompasses 550 acres of fields, forest and open spaces, features over 15 miles of hiking trails, a 300-acre lake and many sports and recreational facilities.
The Piney Run project was initiated in 1964 to provide southeastern Carroll County with a future water supply, a site for outdoor recreation, and for protection from flooding.
Semi-permanent structures have also been added, such as picnic tables, six pavilions, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and basketball and tennis courts.
[6][7][8] Additionally, a steel sculpture titled "The Great Blue Heron," created by local Sykesville artist, Virginia Sperry, was installed in March 2018 off-shore near the boathouse.
[11] The Nature Center features living exhibits and informative displays pertaining to the history and ecosystem of Piney Run Park.
Additionally, a restricted wildlife area exists in the northwest point of the reservoir for the purpose of channel catfish propagation.
Common species include largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, yellow perch, and black crappie.
Hydrilla verticillata is a non-native, invasive and aquatic plant species which can be found in the reservoir ecosystem and is visible near the shoreline.