Saint Mary’s River State Park: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike

Saint Mary’s River State Park: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

St. Mary's River State Park in Callaway, Maryland, is a hidden natural gem of Southern Maryland, protecting the pristine headwaters of the St. Mary's River watershed. The park is uniquely divided into two distinct sites, offering an expansive sanctuary where dense woodlands, rolling fields, freshwater swamps, and winding streams converge. This rich mosaic of habitats fosters incredible ecological diversity, making it a thriving haven for a vast array of native plant and animal species.

The crown jewel of the park is the breathtaking 250-acre St. Mary's Lake, a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility away from more crowded trails. Encircled by a scenic, well-maintained 8-mile loop trail, the park invites hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers to explore its untouched shoreline. Located just north of historic St. Mary's City and near Lexington Park, this peaceful retreat remains a true insider secret among local hikers.

Deeply rooted in the region's heritage, this land carries a history that stretches back millennia. Long before English colonists arrived in the 17th century, the area was home to several Native American tribes, including the Piscataway-Conoy, Algonquin, and Susquehannock peoples. For over 3,000 years, these communities relied on the fertile river valley, leaving behind a rich archaeological legacy. Discoveries of ancient pottery, arrowheads, and stone ax heads along the riverbanks stand as a timeless testament to their enduring connection to this landscape.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot.
The GPS Coordinates are 38.251463, -76.541585
The street address is 21250 Camp Cosoma Road, Callaway, MD 20620

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 380 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: The day use service charge is credit-card only, $3/vehicle for Maryland residents. Out-of-state residents add $2.
A leashed, well-behaved Fido is allowed on this hike

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.