Nature Preserve Scotts Run

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Churchill Road Park Scotts Run Stream Valley Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Maryland.

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Summary

The preserve is a great place to visit for those who love hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various species of birds.

One of the most popular points of interest in Scotts Run Nature Preserve is the waterfall, which is a stunning sight to behold. Visitors can also explore the many trails that wind through the preserve's forests and meadows. In addition to the waterfall, other points of interest include the Potomac River, which runs along the western edge of the preserve, and the historic ruins of the Scott family's 18th-century mill.

Interesting facts about Scotts Run Nature Preserve include that it was once the site of a thriving industry, with several mills operating in the area during the 19th century. The preserve is also home to some of the oldest trees in the state, with some of them dating back more than 300 years.

The best time of year to visit Scotts Run Nature Preserve is in the fall, when the leaves on the trees change colors, creating a beautiful display. Spring is also a great time to visit, as the area's wildflowers are in bloom.

Overall, Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and diverse wildlife, it is a true gem of Maryland's natural landscape.

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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.

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