Charles County Visitor Guide - Flipbook - Page 19
SCAN HERE:
O U T D O O R R EC R E AT I O N
Follow the Potomac River
one hour south of D.C. and find yourself in Mallows Bay,
a Piscataway heritage site and the first National Marine Sanctuary designated in Maryland.
But don’t be fooled by the serene atmosphere — there’s plenty of captivating history and
wildlife to discover both above and below the water.
Navigate through History
The best way to experience Mallows Bay is by
kayak, whether you bring your own or sign up for
a tour with one of our knowledgeable local guides.
Get goosebumps as you paddle with care through
nearly 200 shipwrecks — the largest collection
of shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere! While
some date back to the Revolutionary War, most
of the sunken boats (known as the “Ghost Fleet”)
are World War I-era wooden steamships and
were burned and abandoned after being deemed
unnecessary for the war effort. Many of these vessels are still visible today, but it’s worth peering
through the waters to see what lurks beneath.
Though referred to as “ghosts,” these shipwrecks
now play an essential role in the ecosystem of the
Chesapeake Bay. You’ll be amazed to find a lush
variety of trees and plants flourishing on top of the
distinctive islands of rotted wood and steel, which
are now home to birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
Birdwatching at Mallows Bay
Think birds aren’t your thing? There are few
things more awe-inspiring than spotting bald
eagles overhead or watching a great blue
heron (pictured) glide gracefully over the
water. Get the kids involved by making a
game out of counting osprey nests among
the shipwrecks! A visit to Mallows Bay is
sure to convert you into a novice birder.
An Ever-Changing Landscape
You’ve never seen anything like Mallows Bay before, and you’ll
never see it quite the same way again. The environment here is
always changing — from the surroundings as the seasons turn to
the condition of the ships to the new life growing around them.
Luckily for you, this special place is always open for exploration.
18 Square Miles Of Haunting Beauty
In 2017, The Ghost Fleet of the Potomac was deemed a National
Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Welcome Center: 301-259-2500
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