History
While there are several wetland areas in North Point State Park, the most significant (and impressive) is the 232acre Black Marsh. The marsh and its surrounding 435acre forested buffer form a designated State Wildland and Natural Heritage Area. Black Marsh harbors many kinds of birds, including a nesting pair of bald eagles, rare American bitterns, Northern harriers, great horned owls,
Besides public access to the Bay, North Point offers a wading beach as well as crabbing and fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch catfish, white perch, and striped bass. Bicycling is prohibited in the Black Marsh Wildlands, but there are plenty of wellmarked trails in other areas of the park. Perhaps the most unique experience for visitors is exploring the remains of the old Bay Shore Amusement Park. Bring a picnic and enjoy a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay. Environmental and Historic Programs There are many activities offered for school groups and families throughout the year. The park staff leads bird walks, canoe trips in Shallow Creek, ecology workshops, and the annual "Bay Shore Days." During Bay Shore Days, visitors can see a slide program about the amusement park, take a guided history tour through park grounds, and reminisce with others about days at Bay Shore Park. Getting There
North Point State Park is located in southeastern Baltimore County near the community of Edgemere. From 695 east of Baltimore, use Exit 42. From 695 west of Baltimore, use Exit 43. Follow signs to Fort Howard (Rt. 20). The park entrance is on the left, onehalf mile from Millers Island Road. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. May 1 - Sept.30, and 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Oct. 1 - Apr. 30.
For more information, call (410) 592 - 2897. | The Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem | It's Salty in the South | Where the Wild Things Are | | It's All in the Rocks | Your Role in Bay Protection | Bay Link Sites | Maryland DNR Home Page. Questions or comments? Send e-mail to Maryland DNR |
here is no doubt that North Point State Park is one of Maryland's most unique and important natural areas. Though it sits in the shadow of Baltimore, just a few miles outside the city's Beltway, this 1,320 acre waterfront park includes more than six miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay, Back River, and Shallow Creek. Included in this shoreline property is a large bayside marsh, Black Marsh, that is considered to be one of the finest examples of a tidal marsh on the Upper Chesapeake. Visitors can hike on miles of trails through the marsh and can explore the remains of a turn of the century amusement park. Other popular activities at North Point include fishing, crabbing, and biking.
Evidence of human occupation at North Point dates back 9,000 years. The property has been continuously farmed for 350 years, and during the war of 1812, it was the site of skirmishes between local colonists and British troops invading Baltimore from the southeastern flank. The route to Baltimore passed through the present day park and is known today as the "Defenders Trail." In the early decades of the twentieth century, a small amusement park known as "Bay Shore Park" was located here. Built in 1906, Bay Shore Park was a major attraction for Baltimoreans who took the trolley out from the city to enjoy recreation and relaxation on the Chesapeake. The park included a dance hall, a bowling alley, a restaurant, gardens, and a pier jutting out into the Bay. Most of the park was demolished in the 1940's, but visitors today can stroll through the old trolley barn (which is presently being restored) and the rest of the park grounds.
Marsh Life
redtailed hawks, and elusive black rails. The marsh is also home to wading birds such as herons and egrets, and waterfowl such as canvasbacks, goldeneyes, ruddy ducks, mergansers, and scaup. Eight species of flowering plants that are considered rare or endangered and in need of conservation are found in the marsh. Visitors may also see muskrats, beavers, foxes, and otters.
Recreation