Anne Arundel: Shorelines, Trails and History

Anne Arundel County has 533 miles of shoreline, offering natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Water access, trails and historic sites provide a range of options: plan your outings around activities on the water, time in nature or local history.

Water and Trails

Public water access points in the county include launch sites for canoes and kayaks transported on car roofs, campsites accessible by water, fishing opportunities, boat ramps, boat rentals, dog beaches and places to swim. The shoreline offers a range of ways to spend time by the water—from paddling and fishing to swimming.

The Anne Arundel County trail system includes the B&A Trail, the BWI Trail, the Broadneck Peninsula Trail and the WB&A Trail. The paved B&A Trail is 13.3 miles long and follows the former route of the Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad from Glen Burnie to Annapolis. Visitors of all ages and abilities can use it for walking, running and cycling. The BWI Trail, meanwhile, forms a 12-mile paved loop around BWI Airport. A spur at Andover Road leads to the Linthicum Light Rail station. The Broadneck Peninsula Trail is open from sunrise to sunset.

Shoreline Parks and Natural Areas

Beverly Triton Nature Park brings together shoreline and trails in its own way: one mile of natural shoreline lies between the South River and Rhode River, while five miles of natural trails wind along the shore, through the woods and around brackish ponds. Downs Park covers 236 acres along the Chesapeake Bay and has more than five miles of paved and natural trails.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary protects more than 1,700 acres of land in the tidal areas of the Patuxent River. Audubon Maryland-DC has designated Jug Bay an Important Bird Area, and it is one of three components of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The sanctuary has natural trails and marsh boardwalks for hiking, birdwatching, camping, educational programs, research and volunteer activities. Those interested in wetlands will find both nature trails and boardwalks through marshland here.

Sandy Point State Park also offers trails with a range of features: the Symbi Trail runs about 0.7 miles from a planted pine forest to adjacent marshland. The Blue Crab Trail, also about 0.7 miles long, has wooded areas for birdwatching. The Corcoran Tract, adjacent to the state park, has about four miles of trails for hiking and jogging. Public fishing and crabbing from shore are available at Sandy Point State Park.

Water Access and Seasonal Planning

Mayo Beach Park is at the mouth of the South River, near the Chesapeake Bay. The park has a sandy beach, a playground, picnic areas and a launch site for non-motorized watercraft transported on car roofs. The park is open to the public. However, a reservation card is required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Check this requirement before visiting during that period.

History, Art and Culture

Fort Smallwood was a coastal defense installation built from the late 19th century through the early 1900s and used from 1890 to 1927. The historic coastal defense installation at Fort Smallwood included a gun battery and barracks. The 380-foot-long Bill Burton Fishing Pier is used for fishing, birdwatching and taking in the local scenery.

At Kinder Farm Park, agricultural history meets present-day practice: a program on agricultural history and a working farm illustrate past and present agricultural practices in Anne Arundel County. The visitor center displays agricultural artifacts from the 1930s, including a tobacco press and tools used to harvest tobacco.

Historic London Town & Gardens is a 23-acre park on the South River, with a focus on history, archaeology and horticulture. The site began as a colonial port on the South River; today, its history is preserved through archaeology, historic preservation and public education. Public guided tours are available. Field trip programs complement hands-on learning, guided tours and immersive experiences.

Quiet Waters Park lies between the South River and Harness Creek and covers 340 acres of parkland. Its visitor center houses two art galleries featuring works by local and regional artists. The park also has an off-leash dog beach and a dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs. Farmers markets in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer freshly harvested produce, fresh seafood, local honey and handcrafted goods. As market dates may change, it’s worth checking the schedule before your visit.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Annapolis Junction, Arnold, Millersville, Odenton, Deale, Linthicum, Annapolis, Glen Burnie.

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