Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group
Saint Mary’s River State Park! A Moderate 8 Miles
"Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. With such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species." From the parks home page
Natural Features: Beautiful scenery around the lake. Take notice of the variety of habitats, ranging from wooded acres and grassy fields, to swamps and streams.
Historic/Cultural Features: There are some 18th-century homes, school and sawmill sites along the trail.
Boasting more than 8 miles of pristine trails, Saint Mary's Lake is a fantastic destination. Southern Maryland does not usually conjure up images of great hiking destinations. However, near Lexington Park, north of Saint Mary's City in Saint Mary's County, is a small treasure not too many hikers know about -- Saint Mary's River State Park. St. Mary's River State Park is a park that is not well known, but a real treasure. The park is located on the headwaters of the St. Mary's River, and is divided into two sites. This 7.5 mile trail encircles the 250 acre St. Mary's Lake, as can be seen in the photo on the left taken by Don Cosdon.
Prior to the landing of England's colonists and as far back as 3,000 years ago, several Indian tribes, including the Piscataway-Conoy, Algonquins, and Susquehannocks, called this area home. Evidence of their existence can still be found along the banks of the river in the form of arrowheads, pottery, and ax heads.
"As the first capital of Maryland and the fourth permanent English settlement in the New World, this area on the Eastern Shore was a busy pioneer community. In 1637, Saint Mary's County was established, and it became known as the "Mother County of Maryland." Saint Mary's County was also the first county to establish peaceful relations with the local Indians and was home to Maryland's first state house.
Located on the northern edge of the Saint Mary's River watershed, the park is divided into two sites. One, where we are hiking today, holds the 250-acre Saint Mary's Lake. This area has become a popular freshwater fishing spot and is currently designated as a trophy bass lake."
The hikes lack of serious elevation change makes this trail ideal for those new to hiking. A more advanced hiker should not be discouraged, however, due to the great biodiversity.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Lexington Park
Length: 8 total miles
Natural Features: Beautiful scenery around the lake. Take notice of the variety of habitats, ranging from wooded acres and grassy fields, to swamps and streams.
Historic/Cultural Features: There are some 18th-century homes, school and sawmill sites along the trail.
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy to moderate with flat, winding trails.
Season: Open 6 A.M. to sunset daily from March 1st through the third weekend in November
Trailhead Elevation: 80 feet
Top Elevation: 100 feet
Topo Map: Saint Mary's River State Park Topographic Map
Park Entry Fee
Entry is $3/vehicle year-round. Out-of-state residents add $2.
Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.
Hike Pace
The goal for this hike is to maintain an average moving pace of ~ 2.5 mph. This pace is frequently used in popular hiking publications to represent the pace of an average hiker. We strive to offer a variety of hikes and paces so we can always have something for everyone no matter their interest and/or ability.
Our RSVP Policies and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.
Carpool Suggestions and Information
Note that you are responsible for knowing how to get from carpool locations to the venue. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is not responsible for transportation to and from events or carpools. Suggested carpool times and locations are provided as a courtesy because many members are either new to the area or unfamiliar with a particular hike or venues location. Please use the Comments section below, or reach out via e-mail to make arrangements for carpooling needs and/or offerings.
For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment — by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer supported organization that values fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and donations ARE tax deductible. Tax ID: 47-5141831.
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have good times out on the trails and see you there!
Mike:
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• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible: Tax ID 47-5141831. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
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, MD - USA
Sunday, March 19 at 10:00 AM
1
Price: 2.00 USD
https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/events/235891525/