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Visit a section of river between Mount Vernon and Aquia Creek...
Mount Vernon, Va.
Gunston Hall, Va.
Mason Neck, Va.
Occoquan, Va.
Smallwood State Park
Dumfries, Va.
Quantico, Va. |
This 630-acre park in Charles County, Maryland, is adjacent to the Mattawoman Creek, near its confluence with the Potomac. Woodland swamps are known for their wood duck population. A 600-foot boardwalk crosses the tidal creek and wetlands, offering sites for viewing sea gulls, terns, beaver, water turtles, goldfinch and great blue heron. The park is named for General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer and former Maryland governor. Smallwood's plantation and burial place are here. Annual events include Revolutionary War Days with authentic 18th-century English and American encampments. The event has reenactments, crafts, music, and tours of the restored house and tobacco barn. Other annual events include a "Haunts of Smallwood" tour at Halloween (when the park is haunted for one day).
At the Sweden Point Boating Facility, the park hosts many bass tournaments from spring through the fall. The facility supports six launching ramps, a marina with daily and monthly slip rentals, and a concession stand operated seasonally. The facility has 16 wooded campsites with electric hookups available April through October 15; reservations are requested. During summer months, naturalists lead canoe tours of Mattawoman Creek.
The park is open year round, from 6 a.m. to sunset from May through September. Please call for other seasonal hours. Park entrance fees are in effect on weekends, $2 per person. Park regulations are posted on all bulletin boards. Pets are not permitted at Smallwood State Park.
Smallwood State Park, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Route 1, Box 64, Marbury, MD 20658. Telephone: 301-743-7613. The Southern Maryland Recreational Complex is at 301-888-1410 or 1-800-784-5380.
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