[Calvert Cliffs State Park Trail Guide]
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Trail Guide
Hiking * Wildlife Viewing
Formed over 15 million years ago, the Calvert Cliffs span 30 miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay in Southern Maryland. Visitors can view these magnificent cliffs from Calvert Cliffs State Park. Designated as State Wildlands, 1,079 acres of the park are preserved for protection, restoration, hiking and nature appreciation. This day use park features a sandy beach, unique fossils, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails. Ideal for birding and wildlife viewing, these trails display steep slopes and narrow ridges that are uncommon within the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

Natural Heritage

At one time, a warm, shallow sea covered all of Southern Maryland. When the sea receded 20-25 million years ago, marking the end of the Miocene period, cliffs were exposed and began eroding. Today these cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species, including sharks, whales, rays and seabirds that were the size of small airplanes.

As early as the 1600s, people came to the base of the cliffs in search of their fossils. Over 600 species of fossils have been identified from Calvert Cliffs. Whale ear bones and skulls, crocodile snouts, fossilized pinecones and the dental plate of a ray have been discovered washed up on the beach. The fossils that draw the most visitors are the shark's teeth that are often found. The teeth come from a variety of sharks, including the extinct mako, snaggletooth, requiem, sand, extinct tiger and cow sharks. Be sure to search for shark's teeth on the beach only. Do not enter the unstable cliff area.

Swamp Life

Early morning visitors to this tidal swamp may catch a glimpse of a wide variety of songbirds and hear the low moan of the bullfrog. Its familiar, deep call carries for more than a quarter of a mile. The swamp is also home to the smaller green frog. Visitors can search for evidence of beavers among the variety of aquatic plants that include tickseed sunflower, broad-leaved arrowhead, spatterrock and arrow arum. Sweet pepper bush also thrives in this moist environment.

Recreation

In addition to the beach and wooded trails, a small recreation area if located in the park. Near the parking area, you will find picnic tables, a group picnic shelter and a large recycled tire playground. Call the park at 301-872-5688 to make a picnic shelter reservation.

Trails

Please Play Safe!
Calvert Cliffs State Park is a natural area with certain hazards such as rocky and slippery trail surfaces, hazardous, unstable cliffs and venomous snakes. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.

  • Yellow Trail .7 mile - moderate
    This trail is forested by a variety of trees, including sweet gum, maple and hickory. As you pass through a loblolly pine plantation, you will begin hiking on a pipeline right-of-way. When you re-enter the woods, you will notice a vast array of holly trees and mountain laurel.

  • Blue Trail 1.1 miles - moderate
    This longer trail offers pleasant hiking in wooded terrain. Tree species observed are sassafras, oak and black locust, which are all typical of Southern Maryland.

  • Red Trail 1.8 miles - moderate
    The most popular trail in the park, the Red Trail offers direct access to the beach. Taking this route, located directly in front of the parking area and along the fishing pond, you will wind your way to a breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay. Following the trail is Grays Creek that eventually widens into a marshland. From the viewing platform you may see evidence of beavers. Continuing on the trail will bring you to the sandy beach where many fossils have been found. Be careful not to enter the restricted area, as the cliffs are unstable. This trail is open only to hikers.

  • White Trail 1.7 miles - moderate
    In the woodland section of the park, enjoy the serenity of this lengthy nature trail. Quiet hikers will often have the opportunity to observe wildlife such as whitetail deer and red fox. The unique steep slopes and narrow ridges, unusual within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, can be seen while on this trail. This trail winds through a hunting area so use caution by wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons.

  • Orange Trail 2.4 miles - moderate
    Enjoy the diverse landscape as you travel along the most northern trail in the park, which runs through the State Wildlands area. Stop for a rest on the Eagle Walk, a bridge constructed by Eagle Scouts. The bridge was built to gain access across the Thomas Creek Bog. Take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views of the forest. This trail winds through a hunting area so use caution by wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons.

  • Silver Trail .7 mile - moderate
    Enter the forest just beyond a grassy knoll and become engulfed by white oak, birch and dogwood trees. The flat terrain of this short trail provides the perfect environment for bird watching. This trail winds through a hunting area so use caution by wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Hunting

Approximately 550 acres are open seasonally for hunting of upland game, turkey and deer. Upland game species include squirrels and rabbits. Turkey hunting is permitted only during the spring gobbler season. Deer hunting is permitted during the seasons established by DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Division. All hunters must register at the parking area. For more information about hunting in Maryland visit the Hunting Guide on DNR's website at: www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide

Youth Group Camping

Youth group camping is offered at Calvert Cliffs State Park. There are six sites available for reservation from April 1 to the end of November. Contact the park for details at 301-872-5688.

Pets are not permitted at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Guides and Outfitters

To obtain information about outdoor adventures in Maryland or guides and outfitters in your area, contact the park office at 301-872-5688. For self-guided outdoor trip itineraries in Calvert Cliffs State Park visit DNR's Nature Tourism website: www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures

Leave No Trace

While you are enjoying the park, please help us protect its natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. Leave No Trace logo
  • Leave what you find. Allow others to discover these wonders. If you take fossils, take only what you can put in your hands.
  • Keep wildlife wild by not feeding them and keeping your distance.
  • Plan ahead and prepare. Always bring snacks, water, sunscreen, a first aid kit and trash bags.
  • Choose the right path by walking in single file on the designated trails. Shortcutting trails causes erosion, degrades natural beauty, replaces native plants with weeds and disturbs wildlife.
  • Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit: www.lnt.org

Directions

From Washington, D.c./Baltimore: (Travel time approximately 1-1.5 hours) Take Route 301 south to Route 4 south. Travel approximately 36 miles. Make a left onto Route 765 (approximately 14 miles south of Prince Frederick). Follow Route 765 and signs to the park entrance. Their address is 9500 H.G. Truman Parkway, Lusby, Maryland 20657.

Calvert Cliffs State Park
c/o Smallwood State Park
2750 Sweden Point Road
Marbury MD 20658
301-743-7613
E-mail: Park-Smallwood@dnr.state.md.us
TTY users call via the MD Relay

Calvert Cliffs State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. A $5 per car service charge is required to enter the park. Please report any problems to a park employee or call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275.

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale from Calvert Cliffs State Park headquarters by calling 301-743-7613.

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