Patuxent River State Park

Patuxent River State Park TrailsPark Reservations

Contact: 443-962-0216​
patuxentriver.statepark@maryland.gov

Howard and Montgomery Counties

Located between Rt 27 and Rt 97

Patuxent River State Park
c/o Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Visitor Center and Nature Center
23222 Georgia Ave,
Brookeville, MD, 20833​

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset


About the Park

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Located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. A portion of the park is a state wildlands area.

Recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. The park includes a catch and release trout stream, designated hunting areas and unmarked hiking and equestrian trails. Note: The Maryland Park Service does not rent horses, and only provides the trails as a means of recreation.

The park is located Howard/Montgomery County line between Maryland Routes 27 and 97. Paths lead from parking areas at Long Corner, Mullinix Mill, Route 94, Hipsley Mill, Howard Chapel and Route 97 road crossings over the river.

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Attention:
Patuxent River State Park has many unmarked “social” trails that have been created by trail users, wildlife and volunteers over the years. These trails are not maintained by park staff and should be used at your own risk. Plans are underway to grow an official trail system that will replace the network of social trails. If venturing along social trails, bring a cell phone and note our Duty Ranger number (443-962-0216). GPS technology is recommended when utilizing social trails. Large issues or hazards within the park can be communicated via text or call to the Duty Ranger.

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Patuxent River State Park Headquarters and Nature Center

Patuxent River State Park Headquarters and Visitor and Nature Center.



Agricultural Opportunities

Part of the Maryland Park Service mission is to promote the management of natural and cultural resources to ensure the continuing benefits for present and future generations, and farming is an important component of that. Agriculture is one of the central themes in Maryland’s rich and complex history and remains an important part of our state’s culture. It helps maintain wide open spaces and provide pastoral views that have remained unchanged despite surrounding development. Agricultural land use can also provide important food for wildlife and provide locally sourced food for nearby communities. In areas of Patuxent River State Park where agriculture can coexist with passive recreation, the Maryland Park Service leases out lands that contain prime agricultural soils and have a history of being farmed to interested farmers for short-term agricultural use.

Are you interested in farming at Patuxent River State Park? See the list below for agricultural lands out for bid:


If you’d like to submit a bid for leasing one of the above agricultural properties, please fill out the hyperlinked form for the property of your choosing and return either via mail or in person by 12:00pm April 13, 2024, to:

Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878