Tuckahoe State Park Trail Guide
Tuckahoe State Park Trail Guide
Paddling * Biking * Hiking * Horseback Riding

Welcome to Tuckahoe State Park. Tuckahoe State Park is a stream and valley park divided by Tuckahoe Creek, which runs the length of the park's 3,800-acres. Due to the unique composition of the area's streams, fields, forests, wetlands and 60-acre lake, a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna can be enjoyed. Tuckahoe is also an inviting park for outdoor adventures. Over 15 miles of trails explore gentle terrain and are open to equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers. An array of fishing, hunting and paddling opportunities beckon visitors of all ages.

Heritage


The land within Tuckahoe State Park and, in particular Tuckahoe Creek, has a very rich history. The area's earliest inhabitants were the Nanticoke Indians, who established villages along Tuckahoe Creek.

Although officially undocumented, it is widely believed that Tuckahoe Creek was also part of Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses where runaway slaves could stay on their journey north to freedom. Tubman, known as the Moses of her people, freed herself from slavery and then returned several times to the slave states to lead her family and approximately 300 other slaves to freedom in the north.

Another famous runaway slave and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, was born in a log cabin located along Tuckahoe Creek. An eloquent speaker on racial inequality, Douglass founded an antislavery paper, The North Star, and published his autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845.

The park's entrance road, Crouse Mill Road, is named after a gristmill, which operated near the road from 1876 until 1920. Photographs of the former mill and a centennial plaque from 1976 are on display at the park visitor center.

Fishing


Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, perch, catfish and chain pickerel in the park's 60-acre lake. Be sure to check your Maryland Sportfishing guide for creek limits and regulations.

Trails


Please Play Safe!
Tuckahoe's trails are mostly level, easy paths. Following periods of rain they can be very slippery, especially along riverbanks and flooded woodlands. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally-sensitive visit.

  • Tuckahoe Fitness Trail 2 miles - easy
    This trail explores a 30-year-old loblolly pine plantation. There are 20 physical fitness stations along the trail.

  • Lake Trail .75 mile - easy
    This trail has a variety of terrain for the hiker or biker (no equestrians permitted). As you pass a flooded woodland, expect to see wood ducks and mallards, as well as, many song birds.

  • Lore of the Land Nature Trail .75 mile - easy
    This self-guided nature trail passes through a native wildflower meadow and enters a mature hardwood forest. Pick up an interpretive brochure at the visitor center and learn how Native Americans and settlers historically used many of these plants.

  • Tuckahoe Valley Trail 4.5 miles - easy
    Enjoy easy walking amidst mature forests of beech and poplar. Several stream crossings are required. The section of the trail within the boundaries of the Adkins Arboretum is lightly marked. Wet sections of this trail are marked accessible to hikers and bikers only.

  • Tuckahoe Office Spur Trail .25 mile (white blaze with blue dot) - easy
    From the park visitor center, walk through history as you view barns, a storage building and milk house from earlier days. A small pond along the trail is home to spring peepers, toads and herons.

  • Arboretum Spur Trail .25 mile (white blaze with red dot) - easy
    This trail travels through a thinned pine plantation. As sunlight reaches the understory, observe wildflowers, young trees and shrubs growing in the clearings. A small stream passes along the edge of the trail in a mature thicket of briars, vines and trees, providing excellent cover and food for wildlife.

  • Creek-Side Cliff Trail 1.25 miles - easy
    Meandering along Tuckahoe Creek's high banks, this more remote trail offers a variety of challenging terrain. Observe old foundations and fencerows of a settlement abandoned long ago. Reaching the high banks of the river, enjoy a nice view of the flooded woodland below.

  • Piney Branch Loop Trail .4 mile - easy
    This trail meanders along Piney Branch with occasional views of a flooded woodland where beaver, wood ducks and song birds are often spotted.

  • Equestrian Cutoff Trail 1.4 miles - easy
    This trail is suitable for all trail users. Pass a shelter built for campers on the American Discovery Trail.

  • Turkey Hill Trail .25 mile - easy
    This trail passes through a mature stand of mixed hardwoods, providing excellent habitat for turkey, deer and forest birds. The trail heads west and crosses a deep section of the Tuckahoe River, accessible by equestrians only.

  • Little Florida Trail 1.75 miles - easy
    At the southern end of this trail, enter an area of "Florida-like" sandy soils. Scarred with depressions from an old sand and gravel operation, the area provides excellent habitat for frogs and other amphibians. Stay on the trail to avoid abandoned gravel pits. Deep water prevents crossing the river other than by equestrians.

  • Greiner's Fishing Trail .5 mile - easy
    As you head into the woods, take care to remain on the old roadbed, as the nearby field is private property. This trail reaches a grassy area along the river, providing excellent fishing access. Check with park staff on the status of a planned bridge to span the creek, providing access to the Tuckahoe Valley Trail.

  • Pee Wee's Trail 1.6 miles - easy
    This trail begins by following an old field that is returning to forest. Connect this trail with the Little Florida and Tuckahoe Valley trails for an adventure-some equestrian loop.

Water Trails


Enjoy a variety of paddling adventures at Tuckahoe State Park. The park rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboats April through October. Gasoline-powered motors are prohibited on the lake. Schedule a naturalist-led canoe trip, available year-round, by calling the park visitor center.

  • Tuckahoe Creek Water Trail 5.4 miles (3-5 hours)
    This water trail begins at the spillway of Tuckahoe Lake and heads downstream to Hillsboro. Launch your canoe or kayak just below the Crouse Mill Road Bridge. Parking is available nearby.

    The trip begins in shallow water, which can be difficult to navigate during periods of drought. After a few turns, the stream opens gradually and deepens. After approximately 2.5 miles, a landing and inviting resting spot is on your right. From this point, the creek begins to widen as a tidal influence changes the water flow. The landscape evolves from a flooded woodland to an upland forest with high banks. After passing under an abandoned railroad bridge and Hillsboro Road, you reach the Hillsboro boat ramp on your left.

  • Mason Branch Water Trail 2+ miles each way (2 hours)
    This trail travels through the flooded woodland above the lake. To begin this out-and-back trail, start at the boat ramp on the lake near the tire playground. To enter the flooded woodland, pass just to the left of the point of land near the restrooms.

    The trail alternates between wide sections that have little current and narrows sections with noticeable current. After approximately .75 mile, you will cross a sandbar, which is exposed during periods of drought. From this point on, the channel remains narrow and can occasionally be blocked by fallen trees.

    Further upstream, the creek breaks into two streams, Mason Branch to the right and German's Branch to the left. Travel is now often difficult due to fallen trees and shallow water. For a one-way excursion, contact park staff about leaving a vehicle at the landing near the campground as a take-out or put-in point.

international handicapped symbolAdkins Arboretum


Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre preserve operated by a private, non-profit agency within the park boundaries. The Arboretum trail system has 3.5 miles of interpretive trails and gravel handicapped accessible walkways. Visit their website for information about interpretive programs: www.adkinsarboretum.org

American Discovery Trail


The American Discovery Trail (ADT) traces a route from the eastern seaboard to the west coast. A short section of the trail passes through Tuckahoe. A rest shelter in the park may be used overnight for ADT travelers. For more information call 1-800-663-2387 or visit: www.discoverytrail.org

Trail Stewardship


You can help support trails at your favorite forest or park by volunteering on trail projects. Your support helps maintain and construct trails to protect the environment and benefit trail users. For more information, contact the park headquarters at Tuckahoe State Park at 410-820-1668.

Please help us protect Tuckahoe's natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. For more information on Leave No Trace, visit their website at: www.lnt.org Leave No Trace logo

  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  • Dispose of waste properly.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize campfire impacts.
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.

Remember that all of Maryland's State Parks are Trash-Free, so pack out what you pack in! Thanks for being a good steward of Maryland's outdoors.

Pets


Pets are welcome in all areas of the park with the exception of the lake area for sanitary reasons. For the safety of your pet, other visitors and the park's wildlife, please comply with the park's requirement that all pets remain on a leash. Thank you!

Park Watch


The State Forest and Park Service's Park Watch program encourages visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting personal property and preserving the park. If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any park employee or call: 1-800-825-PARK (7275).

Guides and Outfitters


As part of DNR's Nature Tourism program, the park office can provide information on commercial guides and outfitters or organizing group outings at 410-820-1668.

Camping


Eighteen electric sites and 15 non-electric sites are available for tent or trailer camping. Youth group camping is also available. The camping area features a central bathhouse with showers and toilet facilities, potable water and a dumping station. Pets are allowed in the campground, but must remain on a leash at all times.

Four camper cabins are available for rent. Each cabin sleeps four and includes a full-size bed, set of bunk beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan/light, electrical outlets, picnic table, fire ring and grill.

For Youth Group camping reservations call the park office at: 410-820-1668.

Hunting


The park is open to hunting with firearms from mid-October through February. Spring turkey season generally extends from mid-April through mid-May. Please use caution by wearing a fluorescent orange hat or clothing. Check with park staff for the location of trails that are not within a hunting area.

Directions


Tuckahoe State park is approximately 25 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. From Route 50 traveling east, turn left onto Route 404. Travel approximately 8 miles. Turn left at stoplight onto Route 480. Travel a short distance and turn left onto Eveland Road. The park visitor center is a white farmhouse located approximately 3 miles on the left.

Tuckahoe State Park
13070 Crouse Mill Road
Queen Anne MD 21657
410-820-1668

Tuckahoe State Park is open 10 a.m. to sunset. Camping areas are open 24 hours in gated areas. The lake may be used from sunrise to sunset.

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale from park headquarters by calling 410-820-1668.


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