Fall is officially here! Take the opportunity to quietly enjoy the great outdoors along the Patuxent River including Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Glendening Nature Preserve, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Patuxent River Park. We love these locations because the parks offer so much serenity, seemingly a world away from the traffic and bustle of daily life. I must also add that these are the perfect locales for fall family photographs—from the colorful foliage to meadows full of wildflowers, the natural backdrop is stunning!

Jug Bay is currently open to the public on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-5pm. They occasionally charge an entrance fee of $6/car. There are over 8 miles of bike and stroller-friendly trails, two fishing area, a rural life museum and a small nature center. You will find boardwalks for easy hiking and viewing of the local wildlife, and an outdoor natural play area with a wooden canoe and musical playspace. There is no cost to enter Jug Bay and a 4 mile long road (Chesapeake Bay Critical Area tour) will connect you to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary if you want to continue your adventure. Check the calendar for age-appropriate nature programs and public pontoon boat tours.

The Glendening Nature Preserve is just a couple of minutes from Jug Bay and is also free to the public. There is a small welcome center with plant and animal guidebooks as well as binoculars that can be borrowed. Our daughter enjoyed strolling through the small butterfly garden, which was alive with all sorts of winged critters! There are several trails of varying lengths, but all are mostly shaded and not terribly strenuous. The nature preserve is open daily from 9am-5pm.

Patuxent River Park encompasses thousands of protected acres of natural resources. Check out the replicated American Indian Village, a nature playspace for children and adults alike, set to officially open in October! The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities including, hiking, biking, fishing and archaeology! The visitor’s center is open daily from 8am-4pm. Don’t miss the popular 7th Annual American Indian Festival on October 15, from 10am-4pm. Parking and admission are FREE!

More Information about the Parks

PAX River Park and PG Parks and Recreation

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary
1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD 20711

Glendening Nature Preserve
5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD 20711

 Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Patuxent River Park
16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772