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    Patuxent Research Refuge

    4.4 (8 reviews)

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    Merganser pond trail
    Krisa T.

    I never knew this area was accessible to the public. Since it has research in the name, I believed it to be a restricted facility. After playing around with google maps, I discovered there were hiking trails all across the refuge. The odds are always in my favor when I decide to hit the trails because it was a favorable 60 degree with the sun out in the midst of winter and that was the enjoyable part. My initial goal was to take on the Forest trail, which is about 2.5 miles, that is located in the North tract of the refuge. When we arrived, the trail was closed. Other trails nearby were also closed. There were several people walking along paved roads so we decided to go with the flow. I thought there were more trails to explore but every time we tried to pursue it, it was closed! I discovered that the park was also a hunting ground so most of the roads and shortcuts were closed off and inaccessible which was a total bummer. One trail we did manage to trek through was Merganser pond trail, about 1 mile. It is not too far from the the mini parking lot and visitor center. I liked that it was open to walk through but our shoes were a complete mess by the end of it. It's a very easy trail to complete. It looks like the place to go during the spring and summer with a variety of plants and flowers to see. I will go again to check it out and finish what I set to do, dominant those trails. I also want to check out the South tract. From other reviews, I might have more luck there.

    Leanne L.

    Found this wonderful refuge to enjoy a fall day. Patuxent Research Refuge is a great place to go exploring. The trails are labled with all the interesting species of plants and animals. I never knew there were bob cats in the area.

    View from the trail around the lake, South Tract
    Dee B.

    Many, many moons ago I'd visited the refuge with a hiking group, which was more interested in moving than enjoying the surroundings. During the pandemic I am exploring parks and other places for much needed forest bathing and exercise, and realized I needed to revisit the refuge. I am so glad I did because it's a lovely place! Given that the place only had one Yelp review, it is clearly an underappreciated spot. I arrived around 9am on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and there were no more than a dozen cars in the parking lot. One drawback to the place: getting one's bearings is a bit challenging. The maps online were a bit confusing, and trailheads aren't marked. Fortunately the trail around the larger lake was relatively clear once I found it. The trail was muddy in spots, so I was grateful I had hiking boots. The views of the lake were great, and the woods were peacefu and I could hear many birds singing. As far as forest bathing goes, the refuge was perfect. I'm also interested in exploring the North Tract, so that is going on my list of places to investigate. If there's one thing we have in abundance here in the DMV (other than lawyers), it's green space--and remembering that makes me grateful to live here.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Patuxent Research Refuge - publicservicesgovt - Updated May 2026

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