County Home Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

County Home Park is a beautiful and historic park located in the heart of Maryland.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors due to its natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance. The park covers over 180 acres and offers visitors a wide range of activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and camping.

One of the main points of interest at County Home Park is the historic Banneker-Douglass Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Maryland and features exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs.

Another notable attraction at County Home Park is the Patuxent River, which runs through the park and offers visitors the opportunity to go fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and river otters.

In addition to the museum and river, there are also several hiking trails at County Home Park, including the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail, which is named after the famous environmentalist and author. This trail offers stunning views of the park's natural beauty and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Interesting facts about County Home Park include its history as a former county farm and home for the poor. The park's historic farmhouse, which dates back to the 1800s, has been restored and is now used as a visitor center and museum.

The best time of year to visit County Home Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are popular times for hiking, fishing, and camping, while fall is a great time to see the changing leaves and enjoy the park's beautiful scenery. Winter is also a popular time for outdoor activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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
View more

Featured Parks