Live Your Nest Life!

Quest information

Take a 1.5 mile leisurely stroll starting at the Nature Nook located at the Beach and learn about the various types of nests built by different species of Maryland birds. Take a walk through our beach and picnic area, historic Civil War Fort, and down to the southern tip of Maryland’s Western Shore. You’ll be able to spot plenty of birds as you move from checkpoint to checkpoint reading about nests and habitats. This Quest will be available Monday-Friday, 7AM to sunset. Your Park Quest worksheet and map will be available, self-serve, at the Nature Nook. The trail is mostly flat and easily traversable, though some parts of the trail are sandy/beach. The park office address is 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD 20687.

Point Lookout Description:

This park's peaceful surroundings on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County are a great setting for picnicking, birdwatching, and kayaking. The Point Lookout Lighthouse is currently closed for renovations. Call Park Headquarters with questions at 301-872-5688.

Point Lookout Driving Directions:

Directions from Baltimore:
From Rt. 695
Follow to Rt. 97 south to Rt. 3 south (Rt. 3 will turn into Rt. 301. Follow Rt. 301 south. From Rt. 301 south continue to Rt. 4 south in Upper Marlboro. Follow Rt. 4 south all the way across the Solomons Island Bridge. After the Solomons Island Bridge the first traffic light you come to will be Rt. 235. Turn left onto Rt. 235 south. Follow Rt. 235 south into a town called Ridge (there will be a blinking red light). Turn left onto Rt. 5 south. Follow Rt. 5 south as far as it will go (approximately 7 miles) and you will be in Point Lookout. Pay the entrance fee at the toll plaza and continue approximately 1.5 miles to the Beach entrance. Park Quest's starting point is at the Nature Nook, visible from the main beach parking lot.

Directions from Washington, D.C.:
From Rt. 495
Follow to Rt. 4/Pennsylvania Avenue south to Upper Marlboro. Continue on Rt. 4 south until you cross the Solomons Island Bridge. After the Solomons Island Bridge the first traffic light you come to will be Rt. 235. Turn left onto Rt. 235 south. Follow Rt. 235 south into a town called Ridge (there will be a blinking red light). Turn left onto Rt. 5 south. Follow Rt. 5 south as far as it will go (approximately 7 miles) and you will be in Point Lookout. Pay the entrance fee at the toll plaza and continue approximately 1.5 miles to the Beach entrance. Park Quest's starting point is at the Nature Nook, visible from the main beach parking lot.

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