Charles County Visitor Guide - Flipbook - Page 23
A Park For Every
SCAN HERE:
Adventure
Birdwatching • Port Tobacco River Park
Make sure to pack your binoculars — you’re bound to spot a variety of birds while walking the paths of Port Tobacco River Park.
Head to the bald eagle nest viewing platform and keep your eyes
peeled for Chandler and Hope, the park’s resident bald eagle pair.
Hiking Through History • Chapman State Park
Choose between a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels at
Chapman State Park. Don’t miss Mount Aventine, a stunning pre-Civil
War structure with an equally beautiful view of the Potomac River.
Take a tour of the house before hitting one of the many trails accessed
by heading down the hill towards the water. Tours are available on
Sundays between April and October.
Pedal Boats & Playgrounds • Gilbert Run Park
Tucked in the woods between La Plata and Charlotte Hall, Gilbert Run
Park is an oasis for all ages. Rent a pedal boat around the expansive
freshwater lake, let the kids run wild at the shaded playground, watch
for wildlife along the nature trail, and gather for a meal around one of
the provided grills. Don’t forget to check out the new zip line feature
next to the sand volleyball courts!
Horseback Riding • Maxwell Hall Park
Saddle up for some four-legged fun along one of the six horse trails
offered at Maxwell Hall Park. Depending on the trail, you might
ride through open fields, wooded areas, or along the shores of the
Patuxent River. Ready to test your skills? Try the Orange “judged
trail course,” which features 11 obstacles, or leap over eight
cross-country-style jumps on the Yellow trail. You’ll feel as though
you’ve traveled back to colonial times as you canter through
untouched land and take in the views of historic Maxwell Hall House,
built in 1768.
Note: Maxwell Hall equestrian trails are only open to members. Memberships can
be purchased year round on the parks website. Hikers and birders may use the trails
free of charge.
Fishing • Smallwood State Park
Drop a line at Sweden Point Marina along Mattawoman Creek, and
you might catch largemouth bass, carp, catfish, or white or yellow
perch. Fish from the shoreline, use the boat launch, or reserve one
of the 50 slips at the marina. Visit the General Store at the marina
to load up on ice, tackle, and snacks before your day on the water.
Fun fact:
The Potomac River is a
well-known bass fishery. The park
hosts annual Major League Fishing
tournaments where anglers compete for a large cash prize.
Welcome Center: 301-259-2500
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