A Timeless Adventure
Point Lookout - St. Mary's Historic PeninsulaPoint Lookout is a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. It attracted attention from the outset of English colonization in America. Captain John Smith explored the Point in 1612. During the American Revolution, and again in the War of 1812, Point Lookout was the subject of British raids and served as an American lookout post.
In 1857, William Cost Johnson's plans to develop Point Lookout as a resort were changed with the onset of the Civil War. The federal government erected Hammond Hospital at the tip of the Point. The following year, after the Battle of Gettysburg, Union authorities began sending Confederate soldiers to Point Lookout for incarceration. Because of the surrounding waters, Union troops had to maintain security only at the bottleneck of land along the peninsula. More than 52,000 Confederate soldiers passed through the prison. Over 4,000 of them died from exposure, disease and starvation. Today, much of the remains of the Civil War facility lie under the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, but the park's visitor center contains a number of personal artifacts recovered from the site.
Point Lookout sponsors historic programs and demonstrations throughout the year. The visitor center and museum are operated seasonally, offering programs in both nature and the Civil War.
Explore the Marsh and Waters of the Chesapeake Bay
Point Lookout State Park offers a variety of paddling experiences that include one-to-two hour paddles to all day excursions with overnight camping options. More than seven miles of water trails surround a 1,046-acre peninsula that hosts a beautiful refuge with few disruptions. Limitless vistas over shallow bays, marshes and seemingly endless waters impart a sense of space and solitude. Some of the waterways are protected from wind and current, providing ideal conditions for the novice, as well as the experienced paddler. The remote location and natural setting of Point Lookout State Park create a peaceful haven where visitors can encounter a diversity of wildlife and explore the wonders of a marsh habitat typical of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Underwater Inhabitants
In both the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, anglers can fish for striped bass, sea trout, spot, croaker, flounder and bluefish. Whether you are bottom fishing, trolling or fly-fishing, the waters surrounding Point Lookout provide an unparalleled fishing experience. The renowned Chesapeake Bay blue crab is abundant at Point Lookout throughout the summer. The park offers three fishing areas which are available 24 hours, including a 710-foot, accessible fishing pier. Please review the current fishing regulations available at the park office. For more information about fishing in Maryland visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries
Winged Residents of the Marsh
Point Lookout is located at the southern most point of St. Mary's County. The peninsula's south-pointing funnel of land attracts a large concentration of migrating birds in autumn, especially hawks and warblers.
Other waterfowl such as horned grebe, red breasted merganser, oldsquaw, common goldeneye and bufflehead, winter at Point Lookout State Park. Waterfowl less common around the Bay region, but plentiful at Point Lookout, include canvasbacks and black ducks. Although most waterfowl migrate north in spring, some remain through the summer such as Canada geese and mallards which use the park's protected marshes to raise their young.
Shore and marsh birds, including the great blue heron, cattle egret and snowy egret, are year round residents. Brown pelicans reside in the park in early spring through summer. These birds hunt for minnows and small fish in the shallows at the water's edge. Osprey and bald eagles are ever-present, along with many species of gulls, including herring and laughing. A birder's checklist is available at the park visitor center to enhance your experience.
Hundreds of migrating monarch butterflies can be seen at Point Lookout August through September. These brilliantly marked orange and black butterflies migrate south for the winter, just like the birds. They congregate at Point Lookout to rest before they cross the waters.
Amenities at Point Lookout
Camping
Point Lookout State Park offers over 143 campsites including a number of handicap accessible sites. Full hook-ups are offered at 25 sites, and an additional 27 have electric hook-ups to accommodate tent or vehicle campers. Camping areas feature a central bathhouse with shower and toilet facilities, potable water, and dumping stations. Youth group camping is also available. Pets are permitted in designated campsites and must remain on a leash at all times.
Six cabins are available for rent. Each cabin sleeps four and includes a full size bed, set of bunk beds, heat/air conditioning, electrical outlets, picnic table, fire rung and grill. There is also a cottage that accommodates a maximum of six persons and has the same amenities as the cabins plus a full kitchen.
Picnicking and Swimming
A picnic area with grills, tables and playground equipment is available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also a large picnic pavilion which can be rented. Reservations for the pavilion must be made in advance. Swimming is available at the designated swim area from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty. Facilities include showers and restrooms.
The picnic pavilion, camping facilities and cabins can be reserved spring through fall by contacting Park Reservations at 1-888-432-2267 or by visiting http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us. The Park Reservations service is available year-round. Call the park at 301-872-5688 for more information.
Boating, Guides and Outfitters
The park is equipped with boat ramps and 30 boat slips. Rental canoes, rowboats and motorized boats are available seasonally for park users at a reasonable cost. To obtain information about guides and outfitters in the region, contact the park office at 301-872-5688. For self-guided hiking and paddling itineraries at Point Lookout State Park visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures
Wildlife Viewing Ethics
- View wild animals from an appropriate distance. If animals change their behavior when you approach, you are too close.
- Stay clear of nests, dens and rookeries.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals.
- Do not use calls or whistles, or try to rouse animals in any way.
- Limit your stay to minimize stress on the animals.
- Do not allow pets to interfere with wild animals.
Leave No Trace Ethics
Please practice the following stewardship principles of Leave No Trace:
1) Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know your route and the limitations of yourself and your group.
- Carry the proper equipment and clothing.
- Notify someone of the time you intend to return.
- Use designated campsites.
- Leave camping and picnic sites cleaner than you found them.
- Keep groups small and avoid trampling plants.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations securely.
- Keep campfires small. Burn all wood and coals to ash, and put out completely with water.
- Do all cleaning and washing as far away from tidal water as possible.
- Scatter dish water and use biodegradable soaps.
- Clean fish at designated areas away from campsites.
- Dispose of trash in proper recepticals.
- Respect our natural and cultural heritage - leave rocks, plants, artifacts and trees as you found them.
- Keep noise to a minimum - enjoy the music of nature.
- Respect private property and the privacy of others.
For more information visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website at: www.lnt.org or contact them at 1-800-332-4100.
Getting to Point Lookout
From the Baltimore area, take I-97 to Route 3/301 South and continue to Route 4 South. From the Washington, D.C. area, take the Capital Beltway to Route 4 South. From Route 4 South, continue through Calvert County and cross the Solomons Island Bridge. Continue for 3 miles. Turn left onto Route 235 South at the first light. Continue for approximately 24 miles. This will join with Route 5 at flashing red lights. Turn left onto Route 5 and continue south for approximately 7 miles to the park entrance.
The Point Lookout State Park Office is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please report any problems to Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275.
State Forest and Park Service General Information:
- 1-800-830-3974
- Always wear your life jacket when on the water and leave your paddling plans with a friend or loved one.
- Keep your weight centered and as low as possible at all times, especially when entering and exiting a boat. When paddling in wind, stay close to the shoreline and paddle on the lee-side.
- Be aware of obstacles you may encounter along the trails such as trees or sand-bars. Wear protective footwear if you plan to wade.
- Boating safety increases with numbers. Boat with others and carry a spare paddle.
- If your boat flips over, remain calm. Hold onto your paddles and the boat if possible. Try to reach a calm, shallow spot or the shoreline, then empty the boat and re-enter.
- Make sure you are prepared for inclement weather and have the gear that you need. Be alert to possible weather changes. Squalls and thunderstorms are common during the warm months, usually accompanied by temperature drops, increased winds and dark clouds. Get off the water immediately and seek shelter.
- Windy and rainy weather, even in summer, can lead to hypothermia if you are improperly dressed. When it is hot, wear light clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Apply sun block and drink plenty of fluids.
- Be aware of stinging sea nettles and jellyfish in the water throughout the summer.
- Boats propelled by oars or paddles (canoes and kayaks) are required to carry one PFD of either Type I, II, III or V for each person on board regardless of length (Maryland State Law).
- All motorized craft 16 feet to 65 feet must carry a Type I, II, III or V for each person on board plus one extra Type IV (Maryland State Law).
- Children under the age of 7 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD at all times in any boat under 21 feet long.
- In case of emergency, contact the Park Watch 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-825-PARK (7275) or the Sheriff's Department Dispatch (301) +911 and specify that you are in St. Mary's County, Maryland.
- TTY users call via MD Relay
Email: park-pt-lookout@dnr.state.md.us
Plan your outdooradventures on our website at www.dnr.state.md.us
Water Trail Descriptions
Three water trails have been designated within Point Lookout State Park. These trails are not marked or patrolled on a regular basis. Remember, it is your responsibility to have the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit. As you visit and explore the land and waterways of Point Lookout State Park be aware that a majority of the adjacent properties are privately owned. Please respect the rights of these landowners and do not enter their lands without prior permission.
Green Points Trail
This water trail begins at the visitor center and continues along the shoreline within Lake Conoy. The trail ends at the beach beyond the boat launch parking lot. This is a great trail for seeing crustaceans and sea gulls. The trail continues past a small pine tree forest where visitors can sometimes see Bald Eagles perching or raccoons digging in the marsh for mussels and clams. Towards the end of the trail you will pass a camp store and boat launch area for larger watercraft. Use caution around this area as you may not be visible to larger boats. Around the bend and on the left is a small beach. This is a good point to take out or continue on the Heron Alley or Lighthouse trails.
Heron Alley Trail
This is the longest paddling trail in the park. It is also the easiest for beginning paddlers as it travels through a protected area of a beautiful tidal marsh. The trail begins at the visitor center and heads to the right around Periwinkle Point into Point Lookout Creek. The open environment of the creek is ideal for self guided exploring. The trail loops around to a cluster of small islands, the largest of which is known as Treasure Island. Be sure to look beyond the islands for signs of a Great Blue Heron rookery, which is a community nesting area for these birds. Past these islands, along the shoreline, is a small sand bar which changes daily with every tide. Once you get beyond the sandbar, the current picks up. A jetty marks the confluence with the Potomac River.
Lighthouse Trail
This trail is geared more for the experienced open water paddler. Strong currents and wind are typical of this route. When using this trail, park along the causeway and walk to the launch area at the pet beach.
Starting at the pet beach, paddlers launch directly onto the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Follow the trail south along the park shoreline. A short distance from the pet beach you will pass over the remains of the prison pen of Camp Hoffman. The area where the prison once stood is now partially covered by water. Continuing south along the trail, you will see the 24-hour fishing pier. It is advised that paddlers go around the pier in an effort to avoid entanglements with fishing lines. A protruding point south of the fishing pier marks the former site of the Hammond Hospital (also partially under water) which the federal government erected to treat wounded and sick Union soldiers.
Continue to paddle south along the park shoreline to the Point Lookout Lighthouse (a good site for photos). As you round the point and enter the Potomac River, be aware of shifting sandbars just off of the shoreline. Continue north past the swimming beach and rock jettys. Just before the last jetty, and entrance into Lake Conoy, you will pass historic Fort Lincoln. Fort Lincoln is one of the three forts originally built at Point Lookout and the only one that remains. Union troops built the fort to guard against Confederate troops moving towards Point Lookout to free imprisoned Confederate soldiers. The trail ends at the Lake Canoy boat launch.
Hiking Trail Description
Periwinkle Point Trail (Hiking Trail)
This is the only land trail in Point Lookout State Park because much of the park is low-lying land that is affected by an abundance of water and influence of tides. Although most of the Periwinkle Point trail is surrounded by water, the area provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including Periwinkles, blue crabs, fiddler crabs and soft shell clams. Fiddler crabs create a honeycomb of canals and tunnels along the beach and when the tide is low, you can see the crabs scurry over the ground and in and out of their holes.
(Length: 1.7 miles; Total approximate paddle time: 1-2 hours)
(Length: 3.4 miles; Total approximate paddle time: 3-4 hours)
(Length: 3 miles; Total approximate paddle time: 3 hours)
(Length: .75 miles)
For More Information
Point Lookout State Park
P.O. Box 48
Scotland, MD 20687
phone: 301-872-5688
e-mail: park-pt-lookout@dnr.state.md.us
or visit www.dnr.state.md.us
The Maryland Greenways and Water Trails Program
coordinates the creation of a statewide system of greenways and land and water trails.
For more information contact:
580 Taylor Avenue, E-2
Annapolis MD 21401
phone: 410-260-8780
e-mail: lgutierrez@dnr.state.md.us
or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways
The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network
Point Lookout State Park is part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network - a system of parks, refuges, historic sites and museums for experiencing the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Gateways are places to enjoy Chesapeake life and culture first-hand. To learn more about the Gateways Network visit www.baygateways.net
The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental disability. Call toll free in Maryland, 1-877-620-8DNR ext. 8780. TTY users call via the Maryland Relay. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Seven days advance notice is required.
Technical assistance, mapping and design for this publication was provided by the Greenways and Water Trails Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This publication was supported in part by a Recreational Trails grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation and the National Park Service.