Birding

  1. American Chesnut Land TrustAmerican Chestnut Land Trust
    South Trail: 2650 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic 20676
    North Trail: 676 Double Oak Road, Prince Frederick 20678
    PF2Bay Trail: 105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick 20678
    Phone: 410-414-3400 Email

    Twenty-two miles of serene public hiking trails in three locations make this a great place to hike and explore. Guided canoe trips, guided hikes and a volunteer-run donation farm program round out the opportunities for people to connect with the land.
  2. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts CenterAnnmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
    13470 Dowell Road, P.O. Box 99, Dowell, MD 20629
    Phone: 410-326-4640 Email

    Located just outside Solomons, Annmarie Garden features a walking path meandering through woods past works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution along with other artful surprises, a children’s natural play space and native gardens. The center hosts exhibits, a unique gift shop, Nature Nook and the artLAB, a creative re-use space. All ages will enjoy events and festivals, hands-on activities, public art programs and a beautiful setting. Pet friendly (leashed) excluding special events.
  3. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp SanctuaryBattle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary
    2880 Grays Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

    This 100-acre ecological sanctuary includes the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees in America. A nature trail features an elevated boardwalk. The Nature Center houses live animals and exhibits. Classes, demonstrations, field trips and special programs are offered throughout the year. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. No pets allowed. Hours vary by season.
  4. Breezy Point Beach and CampgroundBreezy Point Beach & Campground
    5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
    Phone: 410-535-0259 or 410-535-1600, x2225

    This bay-front park features swimming, fishing, picnicking and seasonal and daily camping. All daily campsites are bay-front. It is the perfect getaway for day trips, a weekend away or a week-long escape. Bathhouse, restrooms and concession stand available. No pets allowed on beach or in campground.
  5. Calvert Cliffs State ParkCalvert Cliffs State Park
    10540 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657
    Phone: 301-743-7613 Email

    Hike through this 1,460-acre wooded state park to the majestic Calvert Cliffs on the Chesapeake Bay. Formed over 15 million years ago, the cliffs contain more than 600 species of fossils. Ideal for hiking, picnicking, fishing and fossil hunting. Two-mile walk to the beach. Large tire playground. Information available for pavilion rentals, youth camping or hunting. Limited wheelchair access.
  6. Chesapeake Beach Railway TrailChesapeake Beach Railway Trail
    Access behind Chesapeake Beach Water Park
    4079 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
    Phone: 410-257-2230

    The Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail is located partially on the right of way of the long abandoned Chesapeake Beach Railway. The creek is a significant watershed that empties directly into the Chesapeake Bay. The trail offers scenic views of Fishing Creek and hundreds of acres of surrounding marsh and forest and includes two bridges across the creek and several timber walkways over the creek or marshland. Wildlife is abundant and visitors to the trail are quite often treated to bald eagle sightings.
  7. Flag PondsFlag Ponds Nature Park
    1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, Lusby, MD 20657
    Phone: 410-586-1477 or 410-535-5327

    The park includes sandy beaches, freshwater ponds and views of Calvert Cliffs, along with hiking trails, fossil hunting, observation platforms, wetlands boardwalk, fishing pier and visitors center with wildlife exhibits. Picnic tables and grills are provided. Limited wheelchair access. Reservations are required for groups of 30 or more. Dogs on leash permitted. Hours vary by season.
  8. Jefferson Patterson Park and MuseumJefferson Patterson Park & Museum
    10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685
    Phone: 410-586-8501 Email

    Nearly 70 archaeological sites on the property reflect more than 8,000 years of human occupation. Included are a visitor center, exhibit barn, gift shop, hiking trails, a re-created Indian Village and canoe/kayak launch. Also on the grounds is the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. Call about scheduling a tour of the facility.
  9. Kings Landing ParkKings Landing Park
    3255 Kings Landing Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639
    Phone: 410-535-2661 or 410-535-5327

    This 260-acre park on the Patuxent River and Cocktown Creek offers a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, swimming pool ($), picnic shelters, wetlands boardwalk, horse ring and Tom Wisner Hall for meetings and receptions. Reservations required for groups of 30 or more. Dogs on leash permitted.
  10. Wetlands Overlook ParkWetlands Overlook Park
    4020 11th St., North Beach, MD 20714
    Phone: 301-855-6681 or 410-257-9618

    This small nature park is perfect for observing wetlands wildlife and the migratory fowl that rest there during flights up and down the Atlantic seaboard. The park includes a pier and two gazebos. The area has a small visitor center with public restrooms.