Visit Us

Whether walking trails or fishing the lake, the sounds and sights of Patuxent’s woods lend serenity to the soul. Please note that there are two areas of the refuge open to the visitation. Each area has different operating hours and recreational opportunities.  Please note that no food or drink is available on the refuge.

Activities

South Tract, also known as the Dan Ashe Division, hosts five miles of walking trails, two scenic lakes and the National Wildlife Visitor Center. 

CHANGE IN HOURS - Effective Oct. 1, 2024:
National Wildlife Visitor Center hours will be modified to Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm. The Visitor Center is closed on federal holidays.

The Visitor Center  offers interpretive displays, educational films and public programs. The Visitor Center also houses a small bookstore and nature shop, set up by the Friends of Patuxent.  More information about Visitor Center resources is here. South Tract’s grounds are open from sunrise to sunset except on Tuesdays, ST grounds will close at 4pm. Fishing on Cash Lake and hunting are available seasonally with a permit/license. See brochure and map for details.

North Tract offers 15 miles of trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. With fewer visitors than South Tract, it offers a quiet atmosphere for those seeking respite from the busy world. 

CHANGE IN HOURS - Effective Oct. 1, 2024: 
North Tract will be closed for a one-month transitional period (all of October) to allow refuge management to implement changes necessary for public & staff safety. During this time, we will be working on a transition plan to allow for open access from 8 AM to 4 PM every Sunday. 

Due to active nearby gun ranges and the risk of unexploded ordnance, visitors MUST register at the front desk of the contact station, and stay on roads and trails. North Tract closes for federal holidays and occasionally for scheduled hunts. See brochure and map for details.

Trails

Trails
On the refuge over 20 miles of trail may be explored. Some trails are open to biking and horses. Others are only available to pedestrians on foot.Please see below for maps.

Related Documents

South Tract Trail Map

Rules and Policies

Rules and Policies

  • Stay on marked trails- for your safety and the safety of the refuge’s wildlife. Be mindful that many trails are restricted to walking only. See our trail maps. (The North Tract property contains active firing ranges and unexploded ordnance. It is critical to safety that all visitors stay on roads and trails.)
  • Pets- Leash all pets. While your pet may be very behaved, please keep their leash to 10’ or shorter and  in hand at all times. Remember to pick up their waste.
  • Fishing-  is permitted in designated areas only. Please observe Maryland State regulations.
  • Swimming- nor wading is permitted on the refuge. Streams and other wet environments are protected homes for wildlife.
  • Boating- is not permitted on the refuge. (Anglers may use boats under 14’ on Cash Lake.)
  • Collecting wildlife, plants, or artifacts- is prohibited. Releasing of wildlife or plants to the refuge is prohibited due to the risk of disease transmission.
  • Fires- are not permitted on the refuge.
  • Drones- Please do not fly drones on the refuge due to their disturbance to wildlife and visitors.
  • Consumption of alcohol- is not permitted on the refuge.
  • Gas motorized vehicles- must be street legal and may not travel on trails.

Locations

Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract
10901 Scarlet Tanager LoopLaurel,MD20708-4036
Driving Directions

South Tract & Visitor Center Entrance

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Laurel, MD 20708

From Washington, D.C.: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) North, Exit 22 to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville exit. Turn right (east) onto Powder Mill Road and go 2.0 miles. Turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.

From Baltimore, MD: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) south to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville Exit. Turn left onto Powder Mill Road (East). Go 2.0 miles and turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.

Hours
South Tract (Dan Ashe Division)
Sunday through Saturday (Closed Federal Holidays)
Sunrise to Sunset
National Wildlife Visitor Center
Wednesday through Saturday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Refuge Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to 4PM
Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract
230 Bald Eagle DriveLaurel,MD20724
Driving Directions

North Tract Entrance

230 Bald Eagle Drive

Laurel, MD 20724

From Washington, D.C.: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway/Route 295 North. Exit onto MD-Route 198 East, toward Fort Meade. Travel on 198 E/Fort Meade Road for almost 2 miles. Then turn right at the Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract sign, onto Bald Eagle Drive (just before the ball fields). Travel 1 mile to the North Tract Visitor Information Station. Visitors must sign in at the Visitor Information Station.

From Baltimore: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway/Route 295 South. Exit onto MD-Route 198 East, toward Fort Meade. Keep left at the fork; follow signs for MD-198 E/Fort Meade. Turn left onto Route 198 East; travel about 2 miles. Turn right at the Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract sign (just before the ball fields) onto Bald Eagle Drive. Travel 1 mile to the North Tract Visitor Information Station. Visitors must sign in at the Visitor Information Station.

Hours
North Tract Grounds and Visitor Center
Month of October
Closed - to reopen in November