Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Ranger Station

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Ranger Station serves as a wonderful gateway to outdoor exploration for families in Severna Park. This nature center offers hands-on educational programs, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to scenic trails perfect for family walks or bike rides, making it an ideal spot for kids to connect with nature right in their own backyard.

• ✓Access to the paved, family-friendly 13-mile Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
• ✓Educational nature programs and ranger-led activities
• ✓Wildlife viewing opportunities including birds, turtles, and woodland creatures
• ✓Safe, flat terrain perfect for beginning cyclists and stroller-pushing parents
• ✓Nature center with educational displays and helpful rangers

1. 1.Stop inside the ranger station first to pick up trail maps and ask about any scheduled wildlife programs or nature walks happening that day
2. 2.Bring bikes or scooters,the paved B&A Trail is perfectly flat and safe for beginners, making it ideal for kids learning to ride
3. 3.Pack binoculars for bird watching and a magnifying glass for examining insects and plants along the trail
4. 4.Visit after a rain when amphibians are more active, but bring bug spray during summer months
5. 5.Check their Facebook page or call ahead for special educational programs and guided nature walks which are often free

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring wildflowers and fall foliage as bonuses. Weekday mornings are quietest, while weekend mornings are ideal if you want to catch scheduled programs. Avoid midday summer heat,early morning or late afternoon visits work best in warmer months.

Trail access is free and open year-round during daylight hours. Parking is available at the ranger station lot on W Earleigh Heights Road. Bring your own snacks and water as there are no food vendors on-site, and restroom facilities are available at the station.

The trail is beautiful year-round, with spring wildflowers (April-May) and fall foliage (October-November) being particularly spectacular. Winter visits offer peaceful snowshoeing opportunities after snowfall. Educational programs are most frequent during spring and fall. Trail is open dawn to dusk daily.

Head to Park Tavern (5 minutes away) for casual American fare with a solid kids menu including pizza and burgers, or try Goska's Liquors Deli for quick sandwiches and snacks to pack for a trail picnic.