This is the North Tract public entrance to the Patuxent Reseach Refuge (close to Fort Meade). There…read moreis a South Tract entrance deeper into Laurel. Very nice place to bike, hike, explore. There are many displays with information suitable for school age kids and students of all ages. The staff and volunteers are knowledgable and friendly. We went primarily to ride our new gravel bikes. There is paved road (Wildlife Loop, except it isn't a full paved loop). There are multiple multi use, unpaved trails. They are of various degrees of difficulty. We are just starting, so only went a mile or so up each. We will keep coming back and working on our skills and confidence. It's not totally flat, but not too difficult if you know how to use your bikes gears. From our limited experience the weekends are busier. We went on a weekday and it was mostly empty. Parking lot (with bike racks on rear) can be a little tight at the visitor center.

Updated review. I…read moreabsolutely love Piney Orchard Nature Trail! It's my go-to jogging destination because of how peaceful and serene it is. On any given day, you can spot a wide variety of bird species, which adds to the tranquility of the surroundings. The trails through the woods are well-maintained and offer a wonderful escape into nature. I especially enjoy the paths that lead to the fresh water ponds, where you can admire the beauty of the area while getting some exercise. If you're looking for a relaxing and scenic place to jog or simply unwind, Piney Orchard Nature Trail is the perfect spot!

This is such a sweet little enclave of trees and flowers and birds and people walking dogs and…read morecrackling leaves. I've been here to walk 4-5 times, in different seasons, and each has its charm. In the spring, you will see myriad flowers in bloom, hear the lovely song of little streams and birds trilling. Winter is very different, with frosty pine cones and leaves to photograph, and everything so still. Fall is lovely! I saw two does with their mostly grown fawns, and encountered a baby rattlesnake! That surprised me greatly as I've never seen or heard of them around here. I confess that fall is my favorite season; I love the bluest skies and the aroma of leaves. I prefer not walking on asphalt too much, so as soon as I can (where the duck loop cuts off and so does the vernal trail) I cut down to the sand/dirt path along the water. Both trails, asphalt and dirt, eventually end up at a sort of trail end. The other day when I was here, since there was no water in the stream, I crossed over to see if I could go any farther - ermmm not really. There are numerous access points from the neighborhood that borders the preserve, so lots of folks seem to walk their dogs close to home. The water was extremely low since we've had very little rain; I was surprised at how far the mud banks extended into the lake. There are NO services whatsoever! Go potty before you get out to walk!

Bring your gear and your map and pick a trail and start to explore. I've got this thing about parks…read moreand I'm determined to see all of the local parks so finally I can check this one off the list. I literally saw only one person but that's what you want when your on a personal excursion. I still have one trail I need to explore but it was flooded due to the rain we just had. If you are a fisherman, there's plenty of water but unfortunately I didn't catch a thing but that's ok, the views more than made up for it. The gates were locked so I had to hike everywhere....I didn't get to see the kayak launch but don't worry, I will get there next time. Bring a chair, and some patience...and maybe don't come on a day after the rain lol

I rarely rate a park/trail/nature below five stars. It is Mother Nature so far be it from me to…read morerate it below five. However, this nature/walking/running/biking trail was man made. It follows the high tension electrical wires that run along, fittingly, Electric Avenue. Along the route are small parks, lakes, and a few nature trails. Most of the trail goes through the back yards are well-maintained homes and farms. The entire paved (bituminous...black because it contains bitumen or asphalt) portion of trail is approximately six miles between Glenn Dale Road and and Bowie. The trail used to be a state-of-the-art electric commuter train railway (the eponymous Washington, Baltimore, & Annapolis Railroad...from 1908-1935). Some tracks were incorporated into the trail past Race Track Road in Bowie. Today the trail is used by pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists to burn some calories. The hills are not too steep but will challenge you. The folks are friendly and the trail is well maintained. Would that there were more restrooms. In Glenn Dale there is a community center we're one may use indoor facilities. Parking is available at three major points: 1) Glenn Dale Road, 2) Glenn Dale Splash Park, and 3) Race Track Road. This is my favorite walking spot in Glenn Dale. Not too crowded but the bicyclist sometimes think they are riding in a Tour de France peloton. Some groups use the trail for group rides and on those days just watch out. There are many thrilling tunnels and wooden bridge crossings all of which are solid and sound structures the exact opposite of death traps. The trail is almost a straight line with much signage and many markers. It would be almost impossible to get lost. Wildlife is plentiful too. Birds of all stripes and feathers, even woodpeckers that you can hear jackhammering away on trees. Hares and turtles. Deer and foxes. Amphibians and small rodents. You know, things found in woodlands, forest, and marshlands. There are many horse farms and other farms along the route that account for the sounds of roosters crowing in the morning and the moo of cows. People with dogs usually are good about following leash laws. Overall just an eclectic mix of all manner of flora and fauna. Four stars due to the high tension lines that scare me because I always think one is going to fall or that the magnetic energy may be harmful to health. Great people, well-maintained trail surface, and Mother Nature in her stunning simplicity.

The B&A trail is a wonderful walking/running/biking trail that stretches, obviously, from Annapolis…read moreto Baltimore. I accessed the trail in Annapolis. It was a bit confusing as the Annapolis parking lot was probably a half mile away from the trail. It was easy for me to just ride my bike there but I would be hesitant to bring kids and have them ride on the shoulder of the road where cars were speeding by at 60 mph. Once on the trail, i seriously enjoyed every second of my ride. The trail was wide enough that it was not a problem to pass other exercisers. Everyone seemed to know to stay to the right and pass to the left. It was not overly hilly and the trail was well maintained with no cracks/ potholes. Every few miles there were cute little picnic tables near coffee shops and cafes where riders were meeting up for meals. I didn't stop as I was well fueled during my ride but I will plan to do that next time I ride.

Beautiful, remote peninsula that goes out where the temperature is much cooler on a hot day because…read moreof the breezes from the water. This was in April so the water was still cold from the winter, but I still can imagine relief on a hot day.

Bottom Line: An Anne Arundel County park a bit off the beaten path with limited access during the…read morepeak-season but lovely views of the Bay year round. Thomas Point Park in Annapolis is a county park that offers beautiful views of the Thomas Point Lighthouse, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the bay in general. There is a pavilion that can be rented and a day camping area but I believe what makes this park so popular in the summer months is that its a good fishing spot. As the name implies, the park is on a point of land that jets out into the bay offering great views of the water year round. From November through March visitors can drive into the park without paying a fee. But if you are wanting to drive into the park April though October then you need to obtain a permit and I think they can be a bit tricky to come by. Permits are sold at Quiet Waters Park and sold on a limited first come, first served basis. A limited number of daily permits are sold each morning and a total of 75 monthly permits are sold each month on the last Thursday of the prior month. So yeah, a little tricky but its understandable that admission to this small park, which is accessible through a residential neighborhood, needs to be limited.

What a great space for the scenery, fresh air and spacious atmosphere. I came here for the annual…read more"Unwine Festival" and I had a blast. A great space for large events and family gatherings. I can't wait to see whatever festive events will come in the future.

An underrated, hidden gem in Upper Marlboro - Croom area in PG County. I would go here way before…read moreRosaryville State Park in Upper Marlboro or Cedarville State Forest in Brandywine. This park has a beautiful, long drive way with nice trees especially during fall time with fall leaves and foilage going towards the entrance which is tucked away and far off from 301 main road. The park has a nice elevator/stair wooden lift that can take you to the top to see the Patuxent river. I would not recommend though if afraid of heights, but it is a nice view. The park is peaceful. Pretty trails with forests and boardwalks with water on each side. I would not advise coming here after a storm/rain, but it is scenic and nice for walking and can definitely test your balance, just make sure not to slip and fall from boardwalk into the water. My only gripe is the volunteer at the visitor center was not particularly nice, welcoming, and did not want to help/guide us. She was a bit standoffish and unapproachable, but that did not stop us from having fun and enjoying the trails and scenery.

Our Annapolis retired women's group met at South River Farm Park today for our monthly hike. It…read morewas a nice outing. There is some (limited) parking and a porta potty at the parking lot. The trails are well marked, with both signs and blazes on the trees. It is all generally shady. We did the Poplar (yellow) trail and also the red trail. There are some views of the water, plus some swamps and ponds along the way. In a couple of places, they have installed rope railings where there is a slight incline. It's a nice local park.

The Susan Campbell Park is a minute park inclusive of the Annapolis City Dock along the Waterfront…read more On some mornings, you can join the outdoor yoga classes offered. Special events are also held here. For those who just want a leisurely stroll along the Annapolis Harbor and look out into the Chesapeake Bay, this is a perfect spot. There is paid parking and once you stroll around the park or sit and enjoy the view, you can choose one of many bars / restaurants in the nearby proximity. In three minutes, you can walk to the U.S. Naval Academy. Along the outskirts of the park, you can take a water tour aboard the Harbor Queen. As the park is in the heart of Annapolis, it is worth seeing.

This park is a wonderful place to sit and eat and it's one of my favorite spots in Annapolis.read more