Bacon Ridge Natural Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Bacon Ridge Natural Area is a 900-acre protected forest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers due to its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The area is known for its mixed hardwood forests, meadows, and wetlands that provide a habitat for various bird species, including the bald eagle, the osprey, and the red-shouldered hawk.
Visitors to Bacon Ridge can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the numerous trails that cross the area. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it suitable for all types of visitors. The natural area also features several ponds, streams, and other natural water sources that provide a refreshing break from the trails.
One of the most interesting features of Bacon Ridge is the cedar forest, which is the largest of its kind in Maryland. The cedar forest is home to many rare plant species, including the Virginia pine, the eastern red cedar, and the American sycamore.
The best time to visit Bacon Ridge Natural Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most colorful. However, the area is open year-round, and visitors can still enjoy its many attractions during the summer and winter months.
In conclusion, Bacon Ridge Natural Area is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Maryland. Its diverse ecosystems, scenic trails, and interesting features make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Waterbury Recreation Area
Generals Highway Corridor Park
Herald Harbor Park
Crofton Park
Towsers Branch Park