Park Quest 2021 Patuxent River State Park

The Birds of Patuxent

Trail surrounded by ferns

Quest information


This quest will involve following a map to various stations in the Park. Each station will have information about a various bird species but does not need to be completed in order. You may find a life-size cut out of a bird found in the area, potential signs of bird activity, a QR code to listen to the sounds of each bird, or you might even get lucky and see the bird in real life!

Participants will learn about each bird and descramble each bird’s name in order to figure out what is the name of the bird of the year. Participants can start at the nature center located just inside the Park.

The map and worksheet are available above under "Quest information" and printed copies available at the nature center as well. Nature Center Address: 23222 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville, MD.

  • Amenities: A vault toilet is located at the parking lot. Please remember to bring your own water, bug repellant, and sunscreen your protection.
  • Availability: May 1- Oct 31
  • Location: Patuxent River State Park, 23222 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville, MD
  • Approximate Length of Time the Quest should take to complete: 1.5 hour
  • Length of Hike for Quest: About 2 miles
  • Wheelchair or Stroller Accessible: No
  • Pets Permitted: Yes

Visitor center and Flowering Tree Trailhead sign


Patuxent River State Park is a 6,800-acre park comprising the upper fifteen miles of the Patuxent River and contains land within both Howard and Montgomery Counties.

The park’s Nature Center is accessible from the Georgia Avenue parking lot, as well as a vault toilet. The Nature Center does not currently have regular operating hours but does not need to be open in order to complete this Park Quest. The Flowing Free Trail system is also accessible from this parking lot, and offers about two miles of trails.

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach a Park Ranger at 443-962-0216 or 443-534-5837.

Driving Directions:

  • From East: Take I-70 westbound until Exit 76 for Rt 97. Take Rt. 97 South to the park entrance. Entrance will be on your right immediately after crossing over into Montgomery County.
  • From West: Take I-70 eastbound until Exit 76 for Rt 97. Take Rt. 97 South to the park entrance. Entrance will be on your right immediately after crossing over into Montgomery County.
  • From South/D.C.: Get on I-495 going north. Take Exit 31 for MD Rt. 97 North. Go north until you reach park entrance, approximately 17 miles. Entrance will be on your left after passing through Sunshine.

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