Multi-tasking has become a common term associated with today's typical lifestyle. It seems there simply isn't enough time in the day to accomplish everything you need to without combining a few chores.

The same philosophy can carry over to your leisure time. If fishing is your main avocation, but other family members aren't into it on such a hardcore level, perhaps a vacation that allows several outdoor pursuits is in order. Our region's network of state and federal public lands offers a wide variety of options that include hiking, camping, sightseeing tours, picnicking and sunbathing among the attractions. These trips can satisfy a variety of interests without draining the family budget.

What follows is a three-month look at six potential family vacations, all of which provide an outlet for the anglers in your family. From cool, wooded mountains to sun-drenched beaches, there's some place for everyone!

JUNE
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Maryland
Gunpowder Falls State Park covers about 18,000 acre in Harford and Baltimore counties, which must be considered a vast public area for a developed region. The park provides a plethora of outdoor activities, with fishing being high on the list. Angling options vary from trout fishing opportunities to warmwater species in tidal areas. The park is divided up into several areas. Since Gunpowder Falls is a day-use facility, it provides an excellent outlet for a quick trip from the Baltimore, Washington and Frederick areas.

Gunpowder Falls is strongly associated with quality trout fishing, with both wild and stocked trout are available. An extensive network of trails covers over 100 miles. Swimming is available, as are mountain biking, road biking, horseback riding and tubing.

For more serious anglers, the catch-and-release section, located on the upper section of the Big Gunpowder Falls River, may suit the bill. This special project water is in the Hereford Area of the park. Anglers can expect to have their skills tested when fishing for the native hatched trout found in this section. Four other areas are managed as put-and-take trout fisheries. They include another portion of the upper Big Gunpowder Falls River, the lower Big Gunpowder Falls River, Little Falls and Beetree Run, and also the Little Gunpowder Falls River. Good trout fishing is often available on these waters into early summer.

Tidal fishing is available at the Dundee Creek Marina, found on the lower end of the Gunpowder River.

Over 10 individual trails are included in the network of hiking options in Gunpowder Falls State Park. They average about three miles in length. Short walks of a mile or so can be accomplished on the Jerusalem Village Trail, while the more enthusiastic (and fit) hikers may want to tackle the 21-mile Northern Central Railroad Trail.

Several canoe/kayak trips can be arranged, varying in length from about three miles to over 11 miles. A swimming beach is located in the Hammerman Area of the park. A 0.9-mile stretch of the river is designated as a tubing area, with inner tubes available for rent. Mountain bikers can choose from the 11.6-mile run located in the Sweet Air Area or the 3.1-mile Lost Pond Trail. Road runs from 7.5 miles up to 40 miles can be arranged, depending on the biker's level of fitness and time constraints.

A former railroad bed serves as the corridor of a horseback trail running from Ashland to York, Pa. The Freeland Parking Area provides the most room for horse trailers.

You can obtain a host of more detailed information by logging on to www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/gunpowder.html.