St Mary's River State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

Mary's River State Park is located in southern Maryland, spanning over 2,000 acres of natural beauty. There are several compelling reasons to visit this park, including its diverse range of outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, and rich historical heritage.

One of the main attractions of St. Mary's River State Park is its excellent hiking trails. The park offers over 20 miles of well-maintained trails, providing opportunities for hikers of all skill levels to explore the park's picturesque surroundings. These trails wind through dense forests, along the peaceful river, and offer breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay.

For nature enthusiasts, St. Mary's River State Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and woodpeckers. Additionally, the park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of plant life, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

History buffs will also find points of interest at St. Mary's River State Park. Calvert Cliffs, located within the park, are famous for their fossilized remains dating back millions of years. Fossil hunting is a popular activity, and visitors often discover ancient shark teeth and other prehistoric relics along the cliffs.

Moreover, the park boasts a rich cultural heritage. A significant attraction is the restored Indian Village, which showcases the life and traditions of Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The village offers insights into the history and culture of the Piscataway people, providing visitors with a unique educational experience.

Regarding the best time to visit St. Mary's River State Park, the spring and fall seasons are particularly pleasant. The park's scenic beauty is enhanced by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers in spring and the striking foliage in autumn. The weather during these seasons is generally mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

To ensure the accuracy of this information, it is advised to verify details across multiple independent sources.

       

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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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