Things to Do in Patuxent River State Park

Patuxent River State Park spans 6,700 acres along the headwaters of the Patuxent River in Howard and Montgomery counties. It features rolling woodlands, expansive meadows, and diverse natural areas. The park protects the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River watershed.

Patuxent River State Park offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The park features 4 routes across these sports, catering to various interests and fitness levels.

Yes, the park offers trails suitable for beginners and those seeking easier options. The White Trail is an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) route, and the Orange Trail is an easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) route. For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Patuxent River State Park guide.

The park features scenic, wooded trails along the river. Popular routes include the Red Trail Loop (moderate, 4.2 miles / 6.8 km), White Trail (easy, 2.8 miles / 4.5 km), Blue Trail (moderate, 5.1 miles / 8.2 km), and Orange Trail (easy, 1.7 miles / 2.7 km). More details can be found in the Hiking in Patuxent River State Park guide.

Yes, the park offers routes with mostly paved surfaces that traverse wooded areas and active farmlands. Popular touring cycling routes include a 10.9-mile (17.5 km) scenic view loop from Howard Chapel Cemetery and a 27.2-mile (43.8 km) scenic view loop from Glenelg High School. Explore options in Road Cycling Routes in Patuxent River State Park.

The park offers various family-friendly options, particularly with its easy hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation. The South End of the park is popular for hikers and features a nature center. For specific routes, consult the Family-friendly hikes in Patuxent River State Park guide.

The park is characterized by rolling woodlands, expansive meadows, and diverse wildlife along the upper Patuxent River. It encompasses 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. A portion of the park is designated as a state wildlands area, emphasizing its pristine natural state.

No, Patuxent River State Park is free to enter. There are no parking or recreational use fees required to access the park.

Patuxent River State Park has been explored by more than 1,000 visitors on komoot. The available routes have an average rating of 3.74 out of 5 stars. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Komoot offers several guides for the park, including Hiking in Patuxent River State Park, Road Cycling Routes in Patuxent River State Park, and Running Trails in Patuxent River State Park. There are also guides for easy and family-friendly hikes.

The official website for Patuxent River State Park is dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patuxentriver.aspx. For direct inquiries, the local phone number is 301-924-2127, and the Duty Ranger can be reached at 443-962-0216.