Toilets : Yes Jug Bay Natural Area is one section of the Patuxent River Park system, a noteworthy string of county park properties along the Prince George’s side of the Patuxent River, operated by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation/Maryland-National Capitol Parks and Planning Commission. The tide calendar is available worldwide. M-NCPPC works cooperatively with federal, state, and local agencies, and conservation organizations to ensure the Patuxent River remains one of Maryland’s premier river greenways. 2021 annual and daily boat trailer permits available in person at the Visitor Center and online (2021 Boat Trailer Annual Permit). The tour starts at Patuxent River Park and continues into Merkle Natural Resources Management Area, crossing the Mattaponi Creek. Birding Events; YMOS; New to Birding? Goose Creek Campground at NAS Patuxent River (not the Solomons Rec Center) is an awesome place. Description: The Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area maintains over 7,000 acres of forest and wetlands.Approximately 12 miles of well maintained and signed trails reach all corners of the park. Please Read These Important COVID Announcements & Reminders: The Visitor Center… The Jug Bay Natural Area of Patuxent River Park provides some of the best birding in Maryland. Camping : Yes. The Patuxent River is the most important freshwater tidal estuary in the Chesapeake Bay region. Primitive tent camping is available on a year round basis by reservation. The Patuxent River is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in the state of Maryland.There are three main river drainages for central Maryland: the Potomac River to the west passing through Washington, D.C., the Patapsco River to the northeast passing through Baltimore, and the Patuxent River between the two. A limited number of blind sites along the river are leased on a seasonal basis. Trail Description: Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park properties. Add Your Recommended Routes. Jug Bay is excellent to explore by canoe or kayak along the Patuxent Water Trail. At Jug Bay the Patuxent River meanders through the most extensive tidal freshwater wetland in Maryland. Patuxent River Park, Prince George's County Printable Version of Patuxent River Natural Area Bordering Jug Bay and extending south along the Patuxent River, the trails and boardwalks of Patuxent River Park provide easy access to the renowned tidal marsh system and the forested habitats of the region. Although the site is several miles from the coast and has the appearance of a typical inland river the tide here rises and falls more than 2 feet, exposing broad mudflats at low tide. On the opposite side of the Patuxent River, additional lands are protected through the Patuxent River Park system in Prince George’s County. Site Access (days & hours) : Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (JBWS or Sanctuary) is located within the tidal reaches of the Patuxent River, in southern Anne Arundel County. The Patuxent River is the most important freshwater tidal estuary in the Chesapeake Bay region. The RV sites have water and electric access and fire rings. Turn left on Croom Airport Road and continue for 2 miles. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Intermediate. In our blog entry on that hiked, we noted that the area was still bare of vegetation from winter, and we expressed the hope to get back shortly when the area was greener. We are partnering with Agents of Discovery, a free educational mobile game for families, to encourage kids to learn and explore the surroundings of the Jug Bay Natural Area. Patuxent Wetlands Park is about 3.5 miles north of Jug Bay. This wider than typical section of the Patuxent is protected on both sides by park, contains significant marshes and is the main facility for park administration. Length 3.7 miElevation gain 131 ftRoute type Loop Kid friendly … This collection of late 19th century and early 20th century buildings tells the story of life in southern Maryland. Patuxent River Park Jug Bay Natural Area - Upper Marlboro, MD: Directions: From Washington DC:. Kearns has worked on restoring the wetland ecosystem at Jug Bay for over 30 years, helping bring back wild rice, an important food source for migrating birds. Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park, the largest freshwater tidal wetland in Maryland. These are the tide predictions from the nearest tide station in Hills Bridge (Route 4), Patuxent River, Maryland, 2.24km NNW of Jug Bay/Patuxent River. Thank you for your patience. There are well designated trails, various birds & water fowl, local flora & fauna, and wildlife. Jug Bay is excellent to explore by canoe or kayak along the Patuxent Water Trail. This collection of late 19th century and early 20th century buildings tells the story of life in southern Maryland. Croom, MD. Turn left onto Croom Airport Road and continue for 2 miles. Patuxent River Park - Jug Bay is a majestic park. The park provides facilities for camping and picnics. Turn left onto Croom Airport Road. Jug Bay Natural Area is a component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland, a nationwide network of diverse coastal estuaries that serve as laboratories for scientific research, education, and monitoring. 16000 Croom Airport Road Trail work at Jug Bay Natural Area will be taking place over the next few months and may result in some trail closures. All trails, some public restrooms, boat ramps, and soft launch sites are open. Inside the Visitor's Center is an abundance of information brochures and a live camera watching an osprey's nest. The park is home to the Patuxent Rural Life Museum. Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park. Patuxent River Park manages three boat ramps and seven canoe/kayak launch sites along the Patuxent River. Back in March 2012, we hiked in the Jug Bay Natural Area of Patuxent River Park. This loop hike samples many of the highlights that can be found in the Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area. Patuxent River Park A notice to our patrons The Park offices, Visitors Center, and pavilion are closed to the public. Check at Visitor Center for application and fees. Jug Bay has two standard boat ramps, but no overnight tie-ups or fuel facilities. The marshes boast one of the largest stands of wild rice in Maryland, attracting large numbers of migrating Sora Rails and waterfowl in the early fall. Follow Croom Airport Road to Park Entrance Road on the left. More than 250 species have been recorded here, more than 100 of those confirmed as nesting. In 1968, it was designated one of Maryland's scenic rivers. Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park. Jug Bay Green Trail is a 3.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Upper Marlboro, Maryland that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Jug Bay Natural Area is … The park offers guided trips, as well as daily and hourly canoe and kayak rentals. You will also find Prince George’s County’s first registered Nature Exploration Area within our Park!The park is home to the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. The park is also a site on the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, a partnership of parks, refuges, museums, historical communities, and trails where visitors can experience and learn about the Chesapeake Bay. Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park is part of the Patuxent River Park and is managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Turn left on Croom Station Road and continue for 1.6 miles. There are two fishing areas at Jug Bay that offer good tidal fishing year-round. August 16, 2015 - Perimeter walk around the Jug Bay area of Patuxent River Park in Croom, MD. And, in response to that designation, more than 6,000 acres of land are protected around the river. Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for Patuxent River Park. This collection of late-19th century and early 20th century buildings tells the story of life in southern Maryland. From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 11A, (Pennsylvania Avenue), Route 4 east for 8 miles. Jug Bay is excellent to explore by canoe or kayak along the Patuxent Water Trail. We, the Patuxent River Commission, envision a Patuxent River ecosystem as vital and productive in 2050 as it was in the 1950s. The park offers a wide range of amenities for the public. The app is available in the Apple and Google Play stores. To access the Critical Area Driving Tour: take Croom Airport Road, off Croom Road to Patuxent River Park. Wheel Chair Access : Yes There are four small group sites (A-D), which accommodate groups of up to 15 at each site, and two sites near the river (Canoe Camp & Selby's Camp), which accommodate groups of up … I picked Jug Bay for my maiden voyage on the river. This 2,000 acre tract of land is comprised of various natural habitats that buffer the Patuxent River and provide a critical link in conserving the area’s natural resources. View the Patuxent Water Trail map for details. This website was created by Patuxent Riverkeeper who's mission is to preserve, protect, & replenish the Patuxent River. Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary (18) 1.9 mi. Located in Croom, Maryland, southeast of Upper Marlboro. Patuxent River Park Jug Bay Natural Area- Upper Marlboro, MD The Jug Bay Natural Area of Patuxent River Park provides some of the best birding in Maryland. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Turn left onto Croom Station Road and continue for 1.6 miles. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. The Patuxent Water Trail is generously supported by the following agencies and community partners: http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Jug_Bay_Natural_Area.htm. It is tucked back in the woods and offers a lot of waterfront sites for both RVers and primitive campers. From I-495, take Exit 11A, (Pennsylvania Avenue), Route 4 east for 8 miles. The Jug Bay Natural Area offers primitive tent camping; no RVs or tent trailers. Patuxent River, Blue, Yellow, Green and Brown Loop is a 2.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Upper Marlboro, Maryland that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Boardwalks provide easy access to the Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area to explore the bio-diverse communities of the river. Visitors can also enjoy the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour, a four-mile roadway that connects the park with Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary.Naturalist-led education programs are available on a seasonal basis. M-NCPPC works cooperatively with federal, state, and local agencies, and conservation organizations to ensure the Patuxent River remains one of Maryland’s premier river greenways. Refer to the 2021 Tide Table Chart to better prepare for your time on the water. Website :  http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Jug_Bay_Natural_Area.htm, Address & Directions from a Major Highway: Take Route 301 south for 1.7 miles. Calendar. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is operated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation, with major assistance from the non-profit Friends of Jug Bay. United States ; Maryland (MD) Upper Marlboro ; ... Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (18) 2.2 mi. Traveling south on Route 301, beyond the Route 4 intersection, turn left onto Croom Road (Route 382). There are over 14 miles of scenic woodland trails for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. The Chesapeake Bay is literally across the street. Boardwalks through the tidal marshlands of the Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area, viewpoints across the Patuxent River, and well-maintained … The park offers guided trips, as well as daily and hourly canoe and kayak rentals. Turn left onto Croom Road (Route 382) and continue for 1.5 miles. The Patuxent River flows 110 miles from Parrs Ridge in Carroll County, all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. The tide conditions at Hills Bridge (Route 4), Patuxent River, Maryland can diverge from the tide conditions at Jug Bay/Patuxent River. Jug Bay Tour 6.5 mi 10.5 km • 298' Up 90.69 m Up • 292' Down 89.06 m Down. Programs for educators and the general public includes environmental and historical education programs, guided canoe and kayak trips, and pontoon boat tours. Nice forest, river views. Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-8395. : Jug Bay is one of the most important freshwater tidal estuaries in the Chesapeake Bay region. At the entrance, either continue straight to Group Camp Area or turn left and proceed 1.7 miles to the park office. Nature & Wildlife Areas. It is one of four sections associated with the Sanctuary: Sanctuary Proper & Wetlands Center, Glendening Preserve, Patuxent Wetlands Park, and Wootons Landing. Turn left on Croom Road (Route 382) and proceed for 1.5 miles. 16000 Croom Airport Road Upper Marlboro MD 20772, THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION, Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex. Call to verify if your activity requires a reservation. Our amenities will give you a truly unique outdoor experience. Turn left on Croom Station Road and continue for 1.6 miles. No public transportation is available. 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