Patuxent Research Refuge

This park has excellent footing even after a hard rain.

Basic Conditions

Good parking on large gravel lot

This view shows less than half of the total lot.

Maps and Restroom available in Visitor's Station

7.7 miles of well marked, flat, gravel trails

8 mile paved roadway with wide shoulders

Potential Hazards:

We only have pictures of the Wildlife Loop, since we rode during hunting season. But, you can see that there is a variety of surface and pretty wide shoulders. Some of the path is wooded and other parts are in the open.

Rules & Restrictions:

	Must check in at Visitor's Station - No entry fee
	Must remain on marked paths or roadway shoulder - Former ammunition test area
	Gravel paths are closed Monday - Saturday during Maryland Hunting Season

Park Map

Map thumbnail appears below. Click on it to view larger map.
Use your browser's BACK button to return to this page

Visit the official Patuxent Refuge site

Directions from the West:

	Route 95 to the Route 32 exit
	Route 32 East
	Pass several exits, including Route 1and Route 295
	Go through the traffic light at NSA
	Turn right at the traffic light onto Route 198 West (toward Laurel)
	Go ~0.25 mile, cross a small low bridge and pass ball fields on your left
	Turn left onto Bald Eagle DR (this road is partially paved and partially gravel)
	Proceed approximately 1 mile through the chain link gate and past the hunting check station
	Turn left into the parking area behind the Visitor's Contact Station and park

Directions from the East:

	Route 97 to the Route 32 exit
	Route 32 West
	Get into the left lane as you see the sign "Expressway Ends" (look for power lines and Stables on your left)
	Go through the first traffic light at Mapes Road and immediately get into left-most turn lane
	Turn left at the traffic light onto Route 198 West (toward Laurel)
	Go ~0.25 mile, cross a small low bridge and pass ball fields on your left
	Turn left onto Bald Eagle DR (this road is partially paved and partially gravel)
	Proceed approximately 1 mile through the chain link gate and past the hunting check station
	Turn left into the parking area behind the Visitor's Contact Station and park

Please write if you have any questions or comments: e-mail

visitors since 01/18/2000

Last updated 04/18/2000

Best Heard with Microsoft IE 4.0