![[Rosaryville State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Rosaryville State Park is a 982-acre, day-use park with approximately 10 miles of trails ideal for birding, horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. The trails wind through mixed hardwood forest and field with interesting views of forested wetlands. The park is also home to the historic Mount Airy Mansion, which provides an elegant setting available to the public for special occasions.
Mount Airy Mansion The original Mount Airy Mansion was built in approximately 1660 as a hunting lodge by Charles Calvert, the Third Lord of Baltimore. The dwelling then consisted of one 50-foot room with fireplaces on each end. During the 1750s, the main section of the mansion was added, creating the grand building seen today. Seven U.S. Presidents have visted the Mount Airy Mansion, including George Washington, who attended his stepson's wedding in the mansion in 1774. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was also known to have visited the mansion as a guest of Miss Patterson, the Times-Herald newspaper magnate and owner of the Mansion in 1931. Miss Patterson improved the property, adding a swimming pool, tennis court, guest cottages and a large greenhouse. In 1972, the land of Mount Airy was willed to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Mount Airy Mansion is available to the public by reservation for special events and occasions. Pineapple Alley Catering, Inc. is the manager and exclusive caterer for Mount Airy Mansion. For reservations, please call 301-856-9656 or visit www.mountairymansion.org The entrance road to the mansion is open to vehicular access solely by parties renting the mansion. Nature Appreciation Rosaryville State Park features rolling fields and a mixed hardwood forest of sassafras, oak and black locust commonly found in Southern Maryland. The park's landscape is dominated by edge habitat where these fields and forest converge. Dense vegetation found along these edges creates habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife. Birds, including field sparrows and brown thrashers, enjoy the cover and food provided by the field and forest edge. Moles, rabbits and mice attract birds of prey, such as the commonly seen red-tailed hawk, recognized by its large, broad wings and tail. Larger mammals, such as white-tailed deer, raccoons and skunk are also often seen foraging in the fields and along the forest's border. The American Lady butterfly, distinguished by its uneven brown, yellow and orange pattern is commonly seen in the park. Trails Please Play Safe! Rosaryville State Park is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, rocky and slippery trails and biting insects. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended when exploring these trails. Avoid riding when trails are wet or soft as hoof prints and bike tracks can damage the trails. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Horseback Riding Rosaryville is the backdrop for the Marlborough Horse Trials cross-country course, which ranks with the best equestrian triathlon courses in the country. Since its inception, the horse trials have become a major equestrian and community event in the Southern Maryland region. For more information about these events, call 301-856-9656. Fishing Anglers with a Maryland Non-tidal Fishing License can fish for bass, bluegill, catfish and sunfish in the pond. Consult a Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for additional information or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries Hunting Managed hunts are conducted at Rosaryville State Park to manage and promote the health of the forest's white-tailed deer population. For more information about hunting, call the Southern Region Headquarters or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Pavilions Two picnic pavilions are available with a capacity of 200 persons each, and include grills, picnic tables and electricity. For reservations, please call Pineapple Alley Catering, Inc. at 301-856-9656. Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (More) is a non-profit with over 300 members who are committed to environmentally sound and socially responsible mountain biking. With an 11 year history of trail advocacy, MORE volunteers work in cooperation with the SFPS to maintain hundreds of miles of trails on public lands for the benefit of all users. Club members donate a significant amount of time and resources to improve the trails at Rosaryville each year. For more information about MORE visit www.more-mtb.org Pets on a leash are welcome in Rosaryville State Park. Leave No Trace 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 
Leave No Trace frontcountry Outdoor Ethics Guidelines for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Choose the right path and site
Directions From Baltimore: (Travel time approx. 1 hour.) Take Route 97 to Route 3 south. Route 3 will cross Route 50 and become Route 301 south. Follow Route 301 to Upper Marlboro. The State Park is located approximately 4 miles south of Upper Marlboro. The park entrance is on the right. From the Washington Beltway I-495/95: (Travel time approx. 1/2 hour.) Take exit #11, Route 4 east. Follow Route 4 to Upper Marlboro. Exit on Route 301 south for approximately 4 miles. The park entrance is on the right.
Rosaryville State Park
State Forest and Park Service General Information: 1-800-830-3974 Rosaryville State Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Full service use of park and picnic pavilions is May through October, Friday through Sunday. Reduced service access to the park is available at all other times (gate is closed after first parking lot). Please support your park by paying the service charge, which is paid individually at an honor box located on the entrance road.
Back to the Rosaryville State Park page
|