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. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on federal holidays, and 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. 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. North Tract’s grounds and Visitor Information Station are open on Sunday only from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. . In addition, extended hours will be offered on the third Thursday of every month.
Third Thursday hours will be the following:
April 18 - 8:00 am to sunset.
May 16, June 20, and July 18 - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
August 15 and September 19 - 8:00 am to sunset.
Due to active nearby gun ranges and the risk of unexploded ordnance, visitors must 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
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
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.
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.