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| Birding in Charles County | |
|---|---|
| Location | Chapman's Landing, 301-743-7613 Chapman's Forest Mt. Aventine Mansion MD Route 210 to Chapman's Landing Road, west on Chapman's Landing Road. Mt. Aventine is located on the northwest side of Chapman's Landing Road, approximately 1.8 miles southwest of 210. Park outside the white wooden gate. |
| Description of Area | No formal trails, but abundant walking areas along forest paths, pastures (with horses), old roads and fence lines. No potable water. The Potomac River forms the property's entire northwest boundary. Excellent viewing area for raptorials. |
| Other Features | Mt. Aventine Mansion, built in 1840 Cemetery with graves dating back to the early 1800's Great views of the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline |
| Location | Chicamuxen Watchable Wildlife Center, 301-743-4705 Stump Neck Road, off Route 224, Nanjemoy, Maryland |
| Description of Area | A trip to the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Watchable Wildlife Center is a trip especially designed to soothe the soul. The 30-acre facility is tucked away on a peninsula surrounded by the Potomac River, Chicamuxen River and Mattawoman Creek. |
| Other Features | It contains about 20 acres of wetlands and harbors rare and endangered species, such as the Louisiana Thrush. There is a mile long path with benches and small bridges over wetland areas. |
| Location | Cobb Island U.S. 301 south to MD Route 257, to MD Route 254 |
| Description of Area | This island, bordered by the Potomac and Wicomico Rivers, is a haven for bird watchers, as well as fishing, boating and seafood lovers. There are no trails but lightly traveled roads offer good access to birding areas. |
| Other Features | Beverages and fine food are available at island restaurants. Fishing and boating are also very popular in this area. The area is also known for its quaint architecture. |
| Location | Doncaster State Forest, 301-934-2543 MD Route 6, 13 miles west of La Plata |
| Description of Area | This 1,445 acre forest area offers birders the opportunity to observe birds while hiking and while on horseback. |
| Other Features | The forest is in a remote location and visitors need to bring beverages and other needs with them. |
| Location | Friendship Landing U.S. Route 301 to La Plata, west on MD Route 6 (Port Tobacco Road) to Durham Church Road. This ends up at the boat ramps at Friendship Landing. |
| Description of Area | For the canoeist, or small boater, the creek offers miles of scenic marshes which abound with wildlife. The winding creek with many high banks offer protection from strong winds and are nesting sites for the Bald Eagles who call Nanjemoy their home. |
| Other Features | The ramp and dock area are designated as a "Free Fishing Zone," meaning that no fishing license is required. |
| Location | Gilbert Run Park on MD Route 6, seven miles east of La Plata 301-932-1083 or 301-932-3470 |
| Description of Area | This 180 acre park has a 60 acre freshwater lake which supports many activities including fishing and boating. Several trails of various lengths take off from the parking areas. Potable water is available. |
| Other Features | Fishing, row boating, paddle boating, hiking and picnicking. |
| Location | Mallows Bay This area can only be reached by shallow draft water craft. It is on the east side of the Potomac River about six miles down river from Smallwood State Park or two miles up river from Purse State Park. It is a significant distance in open water, subject to wind and waves, but worth the trip for the avid boater. |
| Description of Area | Located on the western border of Charles County, on the Potomac River lies a one-mile long cove known as "Mallow's Bay." Within the confines of this forgotten corner of Maryland is one of the largest "graveyard of ships" in North America. Vessels date from the period of the American Revolution to World War I, and even after. Here 235 wooden ships of the U.S. Shipping board Emergency Fleet, intended to carry troops and supplies to Europe during the Great War, were brought to be salvaged, a task never fully completed. Many have literally become islands, with their own mini-ecosystems, converting the bay into one of the most unique nature areas of the state. |
| Other Features | It is also one of the best inland bass fishing waters on the eastern seaboard. |
| Location | Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area, 301-743-5161 On Route 225, seven miles west of La Plata. |
| Description of Area | Park in the lot just outside the gate to explore the 834 wooded acres, including a 23 acre lake. This is considered a prime location for bird watching and nature photography. |
| Other Features | Ideal for fishing and hunting. Gun range available. Three green-tree reservoirs for fishing. |
| Location | Popes Creek Route 301 to Popes Creek Road |
| Description of Area | Popes Creek, along the shores of the Potomac River is a favorite stop over for herons. |
| Other Features | Home of great seafood restaurants. |
| Location | Purse State Park, 301-743-7613 Parking lot is on east side of MD Route 224, 1.8 miles below Liverpool Point Road. |
| Description of Area | The 90-acre reserve remains virtually unimproved. Despite its proximity to Washington, D.C. the park is in a remote area which includes gently rolling, wooded countryside, marshlands and pools surrounded by moss-covered rock walls and stunted trees. From the parking area, one has a short half mile westerly walk to reach the Potomac River. Woodland trails are also available on the east side of Route 224. |
| Other Features | Purse is the perfect spot for finding fossils from the Miocene era in the surf. No potable water is available in the area. During hunting seasons the area is also used by waterfowl and upland game hunters. |
| Location | Smallwood State Park, 301-743-7613 MD Route 224, Marbury |
| Description of Area | The 630 acre park borders Mattawoman Creek less than a one from its confluence with the Potomac River. The protected waters offer excellent opportunities to observe birds from water craft. Short trails, bridges, piers and park roads offer many viewing opportunities for upland and water species. |
| Other Features | The state park has a campground, marina and the historic colonial home of General Smallwood. Pavilions and other amenities are also available. |
| Location | Zekiah Swamp, 301-645-0540 This famous swamp flows through the county from Cedarville Natural Resource Center to the headwaters of the Wicomico River. Access points are public road crossings along the route of the swamp and river. The lower portions are accessible by canoe if one is not discouraged by frequent portages. |
| Description of Area | A 20-mile long, 3.4 mile wide wooded bottomland swamp which is rich in wildlife. It originates near Cedarville Natural Resource Center and flows through the county to the main headwaters of the Wicomico River. Camping is available in Cedarville. |
| Other Features | At some point it is thought that John Wilkes Booth crossed the Zekiah Swamp in his escape after Dr. Samuel A. Mudd set his broken leg. Many other historical sites are within easy driving distance of the various parts of the Zekiah Swamp. |
| Location | Ruth B. Swann Memorial Park MD Route 210 to the sign for the park, just south of Bryan's Road. |
| Description of Area | The park borders the historic Pomonkey Creek and the Potomac River. |
| Other Features | A combination of active and passive recreational activities are available here, including soccer, baseball, and picnicking, in addition to bird watching. The Bryans Road Branch of the Charles County Public Library is located in the area. |
ResourcesRecommended Gear and Safety Tips
- Charles County Birding Guide, 1-800-766-3386
- Small first aid kit
- Water and a snack
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Adequate footwear
- Compass
- Rainwear
- Check for ticks upon returning
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