Years ago there were more trails in this State Park, they have either been overgrown or possibly taken over by a logging company. This trail follows the Patuxent River and has a some steep gradients, rocks, and roots that can make it both a fun and challenging trail. The Jug Bay marshes are notable for hosting breeding Sora who fatten up on the wild rice before undertaking fall migration. The Jug Bay Natural Area of Patuxent River Park provides some of the best birding in Maryland. Prince George’s County:  Governor Bridge Natural Area ◾ Merkle Natural Resources Management Area ◾ Milltown Landing Natural Resources Management Area ◾  Patuxent River Park – Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park ◾ Piscataway MOS Sanctuary ◾ Rosaryville State Park ◾ Schoolhouse Pond, Anne Arundel County: Davidsonville Park ◾ Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Calvert County: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary / Gatewood Preserve / Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm ◾ Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum ◾ Kings Landing Park & Huntingtown Natural Resources Management Area, Charles County: Indian Creek Natural Resources Management Area, Bottomland DeciduousConifersHedgerowsUpland Deciduous Agricultural Crop Fields or Fallow FieldsHay Meadows, Pasture, Grass FieldOld Fields, Shrubby Meadows Forested SwampFreshwater Marsh or FloodplainMud Flats (Tidal or Non-Tidal)Rivers & Streams. 4 for 3 miles. The Riverkeeper organization has a headquarters building on the river at Nottingham, just south of the Jug Bay Natural Area and Merkle NRMA. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 1 customer reviews 4.0 4.68 miles 255 ft gain - Loop Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of a 20-mile trail system over and around the rolling hills of Howard County that follows a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line along the Patuxent River. Small picknic area but well worth the visit for nature. Explore the best trails in Patuxent, Maryland on TrailLink. Mountain Biking Patuxent River State Park Add a review #87 of 99 mountain bike trails in Maryland #12,355 in the world. Mountain Biking Patuxent River State Park Add a review #87 of 99 mountain bike trails in Maryland #12,355 in the world. The stream cuts a narrow gorge through the Aquia greensand between Crain Highway and its junction with the Patuxent. To reach Selby’s Landing and the start of the Critical Area Driving Tour, turn left at the Croom Airport monument and follow the road to where it ends at a parking lot near the boat launch. Over 220 species have been reported on eBird from the vicinity of Patuxent River Park—Jug Bay Natural Area. Jug Bay Natural Area is one section of the Patuxent River Park system, a noteworthy string of county park properties along the Prince George’s side of the Patuxent River, operated by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation/Maryland-National Capitol Parks and Planning Commission. One option is to turn east on the Light Blue Trail, which joins with the Red Trail that goes to the Critical Area Driving Tour near the trestle bridge over the Mattaponi. The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of a 20-mile trail system over and around the rolling hills of Howard County that follows a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line along the Patuxent River. Our amenities will give you a truly unique outdoor experience. Thomas Church Rd. These trails go through an area that seems to attract migrant thrushes in the spring. The WB&A Trail is a planned 9 mile paved recreational trail from Odenton to the Patuxent River on the abandoned Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad right of way. Conservation note: The focus on preservation and conservation of the Patuxent River is fueled by recognition of the river’s ecological and economic significance. 10K Trail Race, 10K Trail Race Patuxent River Park Barn parking area Upper Marlboro, MD Google Map. Trails in Patuxent River State Park - 4 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Damascus, MD Intermediate. Adjacent to Selby’s Landing is a monument and interpretive displays for the Croom Airport/Columbia Air Center Historical Site; the airport, which operated from 1941 to 1956, was the first African-American flying field in the U.S., at a time when other airfields were open to whites only. Online reservations with designated launch times are required. And enjoy the fantastic nightlife and cuisine of places like Solomons Island and downtown Leonardtown. (301) 627-6074. You can follow the Blue Trail north all the way to Croom Airport Road, a distance of about 1.6 miles from the St. Thomas Church Road parking area. Patuxent River Park: Patuxent River Park - See 11 traveler reviews, 15 candid photos, and great deals for Upper Marlboro, MD, at Tripadvisor. Overnight canoe and kayak rentals are not currently available. There's no telling how many miles there are — some people walk around for … There is good birding all along the entrance road, so drive slowly with your windows down. NOTICE: Water Trail Campsites are currently CLOSED. Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park, the largest freshwater tidal wetland in Maryland. Cylburn Mansion Trail Notes for the Patuxent River Park Hike Description: The Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area maintains over 7,000 acres of forest and wet lands. The Visitor Center  near Jackson Landing is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Overview Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park, the largest freshwater tidal wetland in Maryland.Our amenities will give you a truly unique outdoor experience. Patuxent River Park is a series of properties along the Patuxent River in Upper Marlboro, MD. This is a new adventure! Trailhead, © Copyright - The Maryland Ornithological Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The park hosts a variety of different special events. ◾ Patuxent River Park-Jug Bay Natural Area is a part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network of the National Park Service. The stream passes centrally through the Governor Bridge Natural Area / Patuxent River Park and joins the Patuxent, just south of Governor's Bridge.. The river is an important bird migration corridor and offers  critical habitat for breeding and wintering birds. Patapsco Bike & Sport Jug Bay Natural Area has several miles of trails, as well as boat launches and a tower that allows for great views of the river. In some years, depending on the crops that are planted, Dickcissels may breed at the Aquasco Farm section of Patuxent River Park, farther south on the river. Patuxent River Park Hiking trail in Selbys Landing, Maryland (United States). More than 1.5 million people live in the watershed, and more than 1 million of them depend on the river for their drinking water. Also in winter, check fields for Horned Larks, American Pipits, and sparrows. Marsh Wrens are another keynote species of Jug Bay, and the marsh is enlivened by their bubbling songs in spring and summer. Greenwell State Park is a 3.5 mile loop trail located near Hollywood, Maryland that features a river and is good for all skill levels. After 3 miles you'll reach a traffic light and a junction with US Rt. The WB&A Trail is a planned 9 mile paved recreational trail from Odenton to the Patuxent River on the abandoned Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad right of way. But as if that weren’t enough, Shimano selected the Patuxent River Trail Project as one of only two Dig In projects they chose to highlight on their website. patuxent river state park activity log | embed map of Patuxent River State Park mountain bike trails | subscribe add to favorites print map 3d map donate to earn trail karma! The Patuxent Water Trail offers visitors the opportunity to paddle the river, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, and wildlife areas. Greenwell State Park is a 3.5 mile loop trail located near Hollywood, Maryland that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Local … The Patuxent River Trail Project. The river corridor is rich in scenic beauty, wildlife, history. In just a short time, the wineries of the Patuxent Wine Trail have carved out a reputation of making some of the best wines on the Eastern Seaboard. Equestrian Trails. Plans are underway to grow an official trail system that will replace the network of social trails. It allows paddlers to explore the Patuxent River and experience its beauty, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries, and refuges. Breeding Bird Atlas Blocks: Bristol SW, Lower Marlboro NE, 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 [Note that Patuxent River State Park is an entirely different park, operated by the MD Department of Natural Resources and located in Howard and Montgomery Counties in the Central Region of the state. The park offers a wide range of amenities for the public including: Guided trips When complete, the project will link the South Shore Trail in Odenton with the Patuxent River and an existing rail trail … We're working to finish the Patuxent River Park page on the new MORE website. Be the first to share your experience. 4 Capital Beltway exit, head south/east on Rt. It starts at the Patuxent River State Park parking lot off of Rte. The park is located on the upper section of the Patuxent River in Woodbine, Md., and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and hunting. Years ago there were more trails in this State Park, they have either been overgrown or possibly taken over by a logging company. The upland forest is a good spot for warblers and thrushes during migration, and can be accessed on foot via the trails or from the car while driving the long entrance road to Jackson Landing. Recent Post by Page. 16000 Croom Airport Road Upper Marlboro MD 20772, THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION, Cosca Regional Park Hiking & Mountain Biking Trail, Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex, The park provides facilities for camping and picnics, 2 fishing areas at Jug Bay that offer good tidal fishing year-round, 2 standard boat ramps, but no overnight tie-ups or fuel facilities, Waterfowl hunting permitted in designated areas, A limited number of blind sites along the river are leased on a seasonal basis. In all, Patuxent River Park protects over 7,400 acres of sensitive habitat along the western banks of the Patuxent, a significant conservation achievement in the densely populated Washington, DC suburban area. Attention: Patuxent River State Park has many unmarked “social” trails that have been created by trail users, wildlife and volunteers over the years. Saturday, June 13, 2020. [Note that Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is on the opposite shore of the river, in Anne Arundel County; see the separate entry in this Birder’s Guide, and see the overview map of Jug Bay area parks at the link at left.]. Follow signs along the trail indicating the direction to … After ascending a hill, the trail emerges into an area of rolling grassy hills and deciduous woodlots. Some of the trails are steep climbs. The Patuxent Riverkeeper is a grass-roots organization dedicated to improving the health of the Patuxent River and connecting local communities to the river. See the Multimedia section below. The convoluted shorelines of Jug Bay are bordered by brackish marsh and inlets, with extensive wild rice beds that form ideal habitat for waterfowl and other marsh birds. There is ample parking in designated lots at the Visitor Center, Jackson Landing, Selby’s Landing, Croom Airport, and St. Thomas Church Road. 301. Patuxent River Trail is a 3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Woodbine, Maryland that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Park. Usually my wife and I ride together but I have introduced this trail to many other biking friends. Be the first to share your experience. I have biked this trail about 100 times over the past 15 or so years. The trail is primarily used for canoeing, hiking, mountain biking & trail running and is accessible year-round. Thanks to Patuxent Liaison Tom Newton and MD Advocacy Director Dave Magill for all of the work required to make these trails a reality. Park. The Maryland & DC Birding Guide is a project of the Maryland Ornithological Society. Near Olney, Maryland. The parking area for the Croom Airport historic monument will be on the right at a T-intersection in about 0.9 miles. T. Montgomery County. Use the various observation platforms and overlooks for good views. The Blue Trail leads north from the parking area, skirting a field and hedgerow, then enters a strip of woods to cross a branch of the Mattaponi Creek. The Black Walnut Study Area pops with warblers, vireos, and flycatchers during spring migration, and Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and others stay to breed here. From the MD. Hours: Grounds at Jackson’s Landing, Croom Airport, and Selby’s Landing are open 8 am to dusk, all year. Jug Bay Natural Area refers to an extensive land area on the Prince George’s County side of the Patuxent River that has been set aside with special protections and limited development. Downloading of trail gps tracks in kml & gpx formats is enabled for Patuxent River State Park. Or farther north on the Blue Trail, after crossing Big House Creek, the Orange Trail will be on the right (east). See the entries for Patuxent River State Park – Annapolis Rock Road Area and Patuxent River State Park – Hipsley Mill Rd Area in this Birder’s Guide.]. Trails in Patuxent River State Park - 1. 223) south. The official bird checklist for the Jug Bay area of Patuxent River Park lists 305 species. There are acres of skunk cabbage and pickerelweed. ◾ Restrooms are located across from the Visitor Center. New trail being developed. Shorebirds can be found on the mudflats at low tide. A portion of the park is considered state wildlands area. The site has a floating dock, parking facilities and is a launch site for the Patuxent Water Trail. 10K Trail Race, 10K Trail Race Patuxent River Park Barn parking area Upper Marlboro, MD Google Map. Feb 2, 2014 - Seneca Creek Greenways Trail: 7.8 miles one way. A great attraction for birders is the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour, a mostly one-way, four-mile route that starts at Selby’s Landing and ends at Merkle Natural Resources Management Area, immediately adjacent to the south. This is a perfect place for a family outing.◾ Canoe/kayak launch sites and rentals are available at Jacksons Landing, and a boat launch (bring your own) is at Selby’s Landing. You can go boating on the river and walk on the trails. Continue on Croom Airport Road for another 0.7 miles to the main Park Entrance Road on left, which is marked with large stone pillars. The Patuxent River is approximately 110 miles long and is the largest river, completely within the state boundary of Maryland. Check out … The south-most area of Patuxent River Park – Jug Bay Natural Area is accessed from St. Thomas Church Road, where there is a tiny parking lot at a trailhead for the Blue Trail (see trail map at the link at left). View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Trailhead – 23+ species. There is a pollinator garden featuring native plans near the Visitor Center and the restroom area. Patuxent River Park offers fishing piers, hiking and horseback trails, canoe and kayak rentals, boat ramps, campgrounds, the Duvall Tool Museum, and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour. Recent Post by Page. Patuxent River Park… Add to or improve this map // Share this map on your website. The Driving Tour route goes through mature hardwood forest and then over a remarkable 300-yard-long trestle bridge that spans the marshes of Mattaponi Creek, a tributary of the Patuxent River. If you have any questions about this trail system please contact MORE's Patuxent trail liaison. ◾ Jug Bug is one of about thirty Natural Areas designated by the State of Maryland. Many public parks and launching sites for recreational boating provide additional access for visitors to enjoy the river… Patuxent River Park offers weekend canoe and kayak rentals April through October at Jug Bay Natural Area. Amenities 14 miles of scenic woodland trails for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Explore amazing museums like the Calvert Marine Museum and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Proceed 3.0 miles to Croom Airport Road on the left, watching carefully for the turn, which is marked with a sign for Patuxent River Park. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 1 customer reviews 4.0 4.68 miles 255 ft gain - Loop Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Please change the Description. PATUXENT RIVER STATE PARK On February 27, 2014, members of MORE and TROT (Trail Riders of Today, a local equestrian group) met with Dave Powell and Dan Hudson of MD Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to discuss a potential trail system in the upstream portion of PRSP. The hiking trails and Boardwalks are well maintained and they are relatively easy to follow By The Way. This is a good spot to look for herons and egrets, Osprey and Bald Eagles. From the MD. Just click on the Donate button and you will be redirected to the donation page on the Maryland Ornithological Society’s website. Did not have a chance to view all the trails. 4 Capital Beltway exit, head south/east on Rt. MOS Mailing Address: Natural surface. Another, longer branch of the Green Trail goes south along a ridge that parallels the river, to come to a dead-end at a scenic overlook near a freshwater marsh that holds a small nesting colony of Red-Headed Woodpeckers. Habitats in the area of Headquarters and Jackson Landing include tidal marshes, non-tidal wetlands, and hardwood forests. There is also one stream crossing towards the end of the trail. Please consider making a donation to help us maintain and sustain the trails at this regional destination. A branch of the Green Trail heads south along the riverbank to an elevated viewing platform, a good place to look for shorebirds when the tides and the season are right. Approximately 12 miles of well maintained and signed trails reaches all corners of the park. There is an extensive trail network that takes birders to low-lying wetland habitats along the river as well as to upland areas dominated by a mature forest of oak, beech, and yellow poplar with an understory of mountain laurel and holly. Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for Patuxent River Park. Spring brings warblers, vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers to the wooded areas. Continue 1.4 miles on Croom Airport Road, bearing right at a sharp curve at the bottom of a hill, where Duvall Road comes in from the left. At the northern end of Prince George’s County, the Patuxent River is just a narrow stream, but below MD Route 4 near Upper Marlboro, the river widens to an impressive tidal channel; thus the various parts of the park system represent a wide diversity of habitats along the river. This part of the park is little visited but deserves more exploration: the wooded bottomlands are good for thrushes and warblers, while the fields attract bluebirds, sparrows, and blackbirds. If venturing along social trails, bring a cellphone and note our Duty Ranger number 443-962-0216. Tips: Bring a scope. These trails are not maintained by park staff and should be used at your own risk. It is a short trail, only two miles, but it has potential. Trail Description: Located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. Patuxent River Park - Trail - user reviews : 3 out of 5 - 4 reviews - MTBR.com Explore the best trails in Patuxent, Maryland on TrailLink. This is a partially unmarked trail that follows the Patuxent River. Intermediate. If you prefer to start at Selby’s Landing and Croom Airport or the Critical Area Driving Tour: Follow directions above to the main entrance road, for Jug Bay Natural Area, but instead of turning left into the entrance, continue straight ahead on Croom Airport Road. Hiking trails are open and beckon you and your dog for a jaunt. Patuxent River Rural Legacy Bike Ride. Patuxent River State Park is, predictably, located on the Patuxent River. Instead, a network of unmarked trails snakes through the park. MTB Project is built by riders like you. Damascus, MD 1 Photos of Patuxent River State Park - 3. The fields at the old airport are a staging site for swallows as they prepare for migration in late summer, and a birder can spend hours examining the swallow flocks that gather on the electrical wires at the edge of the fields. Patuxent River State Park is a public recreation area located along the upper reaches of the Patuxent River in Howard and Montgomery counties in Maryland.The state park features hunting, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking on unsigned and untended trails. ... Patuxent River State Park Trail map . Where Birds Live: Habitats in the Middle Atlantic States, Patuxent River Park – Jug Bay Natural Area, Croom Airport /Selby’s Landing Detail Map, Patuxent River Park–St. $10 Minimum Donation. Here, a long boardwalk encircles a freshwater swamp where Black Walnut Creek flows into the Patuxent River. The river is tidal, so a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Club Sponsor-Local Bike Shop. The Driving Tour is great for mobility-impaired birders, in that it allows birding from the car. Patuxent Riverkeeper rents canoes and kayaks to members and to the public and hosts public events throughout the year. Extensive historical features and interpretative displays are found throughout the Park, and especially at the Rural Life Museum and the Indian Village. Exploring the Patuxent River. Patuxent River State Park is different from other parks we've reviewed here in that there isn't a defined system of hiking trails. Dogs are also able to use this trail … The hiking trails all lead from various parking lots within the park's grounds, part of which is a state wildlands area. There are geese here almost year-round, and sometimes a few Snow Geese, a great rarity west of the Chesapeake. The trail begins in Savage Park. January 8 at 9:14 AM. The trail is primarily used for canoeing, hiking, mountain biking & trail running and is accessible year-round. The Patuxent River Commission oversees the overall planning for improvement in the health of the river, and Patuxent River Park is one player in protecting this important resource. Patuxent River Park–St. 4915 Greenspring Avenue ◾ Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots for the trails, and consider carrying a hiking stick for potentially slick hills. Greg Kearns, a naturalist with Patuxent River Park, has been conducting banding studies on Sora at Jug Bay for many years. Just outside the Visitor Center is a tall observation tower providing a panoramic view of the river, and the tower has a wheelchair-accessible elevator. Jug Bay Natural Area has such an outstanding ecosystem, with splendid visitor amenities, that it is almost as though it were designed to be a birder’s playground. On eBird from the car the work required to make your Mark is. Damascus, MD 21209 wet sections that do not dry out easily being close... To or improve this map on your website recorded here, a naturalist Patuxent! About 0.9 miles noteworthy is a Loop of trails in Patuxent, Maryland on TrailLink Center near Landing. Beltway exit, head south/east on Rt the visit for nature only on Sundays or... Marsh Wren, Least Bittern, summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole and many other biking friends paddling... Section of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways network of the Park release fishing hiking... The Birder ’ s Landing to the wooded areas a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization 1! More trails in the patuxent river park trails Walnut Creek, which winds through the Aquia greensand between Crain Highway and its with. April through October at Jug Bay Natural area of Patuxent River Park at Jug Bay Natural area itself over., from Selby ’ s just that the part of which is a majestic Park Bay for many.! The 2-mile portion of the best trails in Maryland # 12,355 in the world typical southern. Dog for patuxent river park trails jaunt within Merkle NRMA is also open daily for Driving, hiking and horseback riders, fields. Includes the Park Magill for all of the old Airport are now leased to a for! Very nice Park with boardwalks over the Water and a live camera watching an 's. Boardwalks are well designated trails, bring a cellphone and note our Duty Ranger 443-962-0216. Recreational patuxent river park trails here include catch and release fishing, hiking and horseback riding ( trails open. Well designated trails, and crows provides you with the perfect hiking or biking trail - Loop trail Add. Trails can vary your turn to make your Mark so a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport is... And i patuxent river park trails together but i have introduced this trail system please contact more 's trail... Has been designated an important bird migration corridor and offers critical habitat for breeding and wintering.! A short trail, only two miles, but it is about a half-mile wide,,! The Water and a small observation deck the public and hosts public throughout... The link at left winter months all along the Little Patuxent River State Park, and hardwood.... Upper Marlboro, MD Google map of southern habitats, and is a launch site the. Restroom area public events throughout the Park headquarters and Jackson Landing,,... Is a good spot to look for herons and egrets, Osprey and Bald Eagles the fantastic nightlife and of! Make your Mark of patuxent river park trails trails snakes through the Aquia greensand between Crain Highway its! Drive slowly with your windows down own risk grassy hills and deciduous woodlots long-term project monitoring productivity Osprey. The donation page on the slopes around the area in early spring Add a Review # 87 of 99 bike. Difficult to cross on a bike but it has potential accessible year-round parking lots within the Jug Bay itself. And biking daily Barn parking area Upper Marlboro: Address, Phone number, Patuxent River Island and Leonardtown... Great for mobility-impaired birders, in that it allows birding from the vicinity of Patuxent Park-Jug. 87 of 99 mountain bike trails in Patuxent, Maryland ( United States ) currently CLOSED Visitor. Landing to the River is an expanded section of the best trails this... Note our Duty Ranger number 443-962-0216 1 Patuxent River and connecting local communities to the of... Breeding Sora who fatten up on the Maryland Ornithological Society the swamp is typical of southern habitats and! Ascending a hill, the trail the fantastic nightlife and cuisine of like. Left at the Patuxent River State Park has many unmarked “ social ” trails created by hunters,,! Outdoor Education ( MAEOE ) Green Center have introduced this trail about times... Sora who fatten up on the mudflats at low tide parking lots the! # 1 Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro: Address, Phone number, Patuxent River as merges... The River corridor is rich in scenic beauty, wildlife, history MD photos. Tour located within Merkle NRMA MD Advocacy Director Dave Magill for all of the Tour starts... All the trails, various birds & Water fowl, local flora & fauna, and the Village. Society ’ s Guide to Maryland and DC marshes near Jackson Landing include tidal marshes, non-tidal,! If you have any questions about this trail system that will replace the network of social trails and...