Patuxent Research Refuge--Merganser Pond Trail

The Patuxent Research Refuge has a north entrance that we didn't know about. The refuge is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge was created in 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt's executive order in 1936. Its mission is to preserve wild lands and wild life along with providing an area for research. At 13,000 acres, it is the largest forested area between Baltimore and Washington. 

We visited during hunting season, so most of the trails were closed to non-hunters. One trail that was open was the Merganser Pond Trail. It loops around Merganser Pond (no surprise there!). The trail is about half a mile, but making the loop is more like a full mile since the trail ends at a road that comes back around to the parking lot. The pond looks tranquil. Approaching the water is impossible due to fences that preserve the flora.

No fishing at the pond

We saw a beaver lodge out in the pond but no beavers. Maybe they know about the hunting?

Well, no fishing for humans, anyway

The trailhead is clearly marked at the edge of the pond. The path leads to an observation area.

Go this way

The observation area

The view from the observation area was not particularly impressive to us. I am sure with binoculars and bird activity, there'd be more to see.

Another side of the pond

The trail then led us into the woods for a pleasantly shaded walk.

Into deeper cover

An easy trail to follow

At one point we found a bridge over a mostly dry stream bed. The kids were disappointed with the lack of water. Boy, did they show it!

Sad at the bridge

Further down the trail, I spotted a snake having a sunny nap. We did not disturb it even though it disturbed my kids. They walked a little faster and more gingerly after the sighting.

Can you find the snake?

The trail has the occasional bird houses set up, most with protective posts. 

No climbing up!

We were surprised to find a road as part of the trail. We should have looked closer at the map!

Even easier to follow this part of the trail

No traffic at all!

Back near the parking lot, a small bat refuge has been set up with housing for the flying rodents.

Info on a stick!

Houses on sticks

At the far end of the parking area is an observation tower that is open to the public. At least, I think it was open to the public. I asked the kids if they wanted to climb up and look around and they declined. Maybe next time I will come back by myself!

Observation tower

Sure looks open to me

The north end of the refuge has plenty of other trails to explore. We'll come back after hunting season!