The GUIDE - Summer 2024 - Flipbook - Page 7
EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS
Playgrounds
Trails
Enjoy hours of fun at any one of the many playgrounds with equipment
that is contemporary, encourages innovative play, and meets all industry
standards for safety compliance. The playground at Laurel Springs Regional Park is designed to accommodate children with special needs. Public
playgrounds are available year round at the following locations:
Whether you walk, jog, hike, ride a horse or a bike, we have a trail for you.
Pets are welcome on all trails but must be on a leash.
Bensville Park, Cobb Island Playground, Gilbert Run Park*,
Laurel Springs Regional Park, Oak Ridge Park, Pisgah Park,
Robert D. Stethem Park**, Ruth B. Swann Memorial Park,
Southern Park, and White Plains Regional Park
*Parks are closed Dec-Feb
**Park only open during scheduled events
Boat Ramps and Fishing Opportunities
Friendship Farm Park (Free • Open year-round dawn to dusk)
Single-lane boat ramp with access to the main stem of the Potomac and
the extensive immediate protected waters of Nanjemoy Creek. Kayak
launch available.
Gilbert Run Park (No launch fee • Open Mar-Nov with seasonal hours)
Access for electric motors only to the 60-acre Wheatley Lake with fishing
for Bass, Bluegill, Trout, and Catfish. Ramp for electric motors only. Canoes,
pedal boats, and kayaks welcome and aavailable for rent. Fishing supplies
and concessions available.
Hatton Creek (Free • Open year-round dawn to dusk)
Single-lane ramp with access to the Wicomico River. Directions from La
Plata: take Rt. 301 south. Left on Rt. 257 towards Cobb Island. Left on Hatton Creek Road. Follow to end.
Mallows Bay Park (Free • Open year-round 5:30am-dusk)
Single-lane ramp with protected access to the Potomac River. Recommended for small watercraft (shallow water). Kayak launch available. Directions from La Plata: take Rt. 6 west. Right on Liverpool Pt Road. Right on Rt.
224. Left on Wilson Landing Road. Follow to end.
Marshall Hall (Free • Open year-round dawn to dusk)
Double ramp situated above Greenway Flats in Mount Vernon area of the
Potomac River. Directions from Rt. 210 (Indian Head Hwy South). Make right
turn onto Rt. 227. Follow to end.
Dog Parks
White Plains Regional Park and
Turkey Hill Park
Locations offer public off-leash areas
where dog owners and their pets can
enjoy safe, legal areas in which dogs
can run, play, and socialize. Dog owners enjoy the dog parks just as much
as their four-legged friends! Each one-acre park has two separate fenced-in
areas. The large area is designed for general dog play. The smaller area is for
smaller dogs, puppies (must be at least 4 months old) or for shy dogs not
quite ready to socialize in the larger general play area. Plastic pick-up bags
are provided by the park for visitors to clean up after their dogs. Drinking
water is available at White Plains location only (not during winter months).
Open Hours: M-Su 8:00am until Dusk
(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)
301-932-3470
• Register online at www.CharlesCountyParks.com
Bicycle and Hiking Trail
Indian Head Rail Trail
This 13-mile recreational trail connects White Plains with the Town
of Indian Head. The smooth paved
surface offers excellent opportunities for cycling, walking, running and
excellent wildlife viewing. Parking areas/trail access points are available at
Theodore Green Blvd. in White Plains,
Middleton Road, Bensville Park, Rt.
224/Livingston Road, and the Village
Green in Indian Head. Open yearround during daylight hours.
Hiking Only Trails
Gilbert Run Park Trail
This 1.6-mile nature trail travels along the edge of the 60-acre Wheatley
Lake. Features include fishing pavilions, beaver colony observation deck,
boardwalks and bridges. Open Mar-Nov.
Laurel Springs Park Trails
Winding around the edges of the athletic complex, this 1.6-mile trail is
ideal for jogging or a quick lunch hour stroll. Open year round.
Pisgah Park
The park offers a .75-mile paved walking trail with workout stations spaced
along the trail. Open year-round.
Port Tobacco River Park & Tom Roland Natural Resource Area
Charles County's newest park boasts 3 miles of walking trails which offer
excellent views of local wildlife. Open year-round.
Equestrian and Hiking Trails
Friendship Farm Park Trails
Seven miles of recreational trails providing access to 382 acres of forest
and farmland. Explore the outstanding natural resources and serenity that
surround Nanjemoy Creek. Features include interpretive signs, benches,
wildlife viewing, and observation decks. Open year-round for hiking. Open
Apr-Oct for equestrian activity.
Oak Ridge Park Trails and Show Rings
This 7-mile trail network offers equestrians and hikers a wide variety of trail
options. Features include hilly terrain, creek crossings, bridges, flat open
areas and two show-quality riding arenas which are open to the public
except during special events. Open year-round.
Maxwell Hall Park Trails
Fourteen miles of trails for hikers and horses have features including flat
wide-open riding, “intense” and hilly wooded terrain, cross country jumping course, trail obstacle course, and beachfront riding along the Patuxent
River. Hikers and birders may use trails free of charge. A $25 annual membership is required to ride at the facility. Open year-round.
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