A hike and history at the same time
Many of us have enjoyed kayaking at Jug Bay, but here's a chance to explore some of the other gems at Patuxent River Park. We'll start by going up the observation tower and take in the views over the wide marshes of Jug Bay. The tower is handicap-accessible if the spirit is willing but the knees are weak.
Next we'll head out on a mostly flat hike of about 4 miles that will take us through a diverse landscape of upland forests, swamps and marshes filled with birds and wetland vegetation. (Did you know that a swamp is a wetland with trees, while a marsh has only shrubs and herbaceous vegetation? Tip of the hat to Bryan MacKay, author of Hike Maryland.) We may also enjoy some leaf peeping on this hike as well as more views of Jug Bay.
After the hike, we'll sit down for a brown bag lunch at picnic tables overlooking Jug Bay. After lunch we have a special treat for history buffs or anyone who wants to step back in time - a walk through the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, a collection of museums and buildings dedicated to preserving the rural heritage of southern Prince Georges County.
The Duckett Freedman Log Cabin is a rare surviving example of a chestnut log farm tenant house from the 1880s. The Duvall Tool Museum features exhibits about traditional trades and crafts, a general store, and even a dental office from the early 20th century. A 1923 Sears Simplex House ($443) certainly qualifies as an OG Tiny House - just three rooms and a front porch with the separately purchased outhouse ($40) out back. Other museums highlight blacksmithing, tobacco farming and working on the Patuxent River.
Feel free to join us for just the observation tower and the Black Walnut Nature Study Area (short walking paths and boardwalks) at the very beginning of our hike. Then skip the 4-mile hike (and perhaps explore the Visitor's Center instead) and join us for the picnic lunch and Rural Life Museums afterwards.
To improve our chances of seeing lots of birds and possibly even some waterfowl on this hike, no doggies.
This free activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.
Registration closes on Thursday, Oct. 26. Click here for more information and to register.
