Saint Mary’s River State Park: A Hidden Gem! A Moderate 8-Mile Hike
Details
Hike in Saint Mary’s River State Park: Hidden Gem! Moderate 8 Miles
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Mid Atlantic Hiking Group does not require proof of vaccination. Not all hikers may be vaccinated. Carpools only with masks.
If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 5 days, then please do not sign up. Also inform the hike leader if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 5 days from the hike.
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NOTE 1: Do NOT GOOGLE St. Mary's River State Park. Use the link below, or enter the address. Otherwise, you may be more than half an hour away from the trailhead.
NOTE 2: There is an electronic gate. Unless you have a Swipe Card Pass be prepared to use a credit card to open it. You cannot open the gate with a paper pass or cash. Even that Swipe Card Pass may not let you in.
"Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. With such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species." From the park's home page
Boasting more than 8 miles of pristine trails, St. Mary's Lake is a fantastic destination. Southern Maryland does not usually conjure up images of great hiking destinations. However, near Lexington Park, north of St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, is a small treasure not too many hikers know about. - The park is located on the headwaters of the St. Mary's River, and is divided into two sites. This 8-mile trail encircles the 250 acre St. Mary's Lake.
Prior to the landing of England's colonists and as far back as 3,000 years ago, several Indian tribes, including the Piscataway-Conoy, Algonquins, and Susquehanocks, called this area home. Evidence of their existence can still be found along the banks of the river in the form of arrowheads, pottery, and ax heads.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Lexington Park
Length: 8 total miles
Natural Features: Beautiful scenery around the lake. Variety of habitats, ranging from wooded acres and grassy fields, to swamps and streams.
Elevation Gain: 380 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy to moderate with flat, winding trails.
Season: Open sunrise to sunset daily
Topo Map: Saint Mary's River State Park Topographic Map
Park Fee
The day use service charge is $3/vehicle year-round. Out-of-state residents add $2.
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:50 a.m.
Hike is at 9:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer supported organization that values:
1. Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette - http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/hike-and-trail-etiquette.html
2. Leave No Trace principles - http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/leave-no-trace.html
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team - https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/pages/9595722/How_To_Join_Our_Leadership_Team!/
Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible - http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html
Tax ID: 47-5141831
A Leashed FIDO is Welcome On This Hike!
Christa: 410.610.6254
• Click Here (https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/about/) to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.
