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A visit to Washington, D.C. is synonymous with hoofing it through the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, and maybe spotting a motorcade or, at the very least, a gaggle of reporters. But only an hour east of the nation’s capital, you can escape the concrete and Beltway traffic for the serene beauty of the Chesapeake Bay at Beverly Triton Nature Park<\/a>, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.\u00a0<\/p>\n Situated at the tip of the Mayo Peninsula near Edgewater, the park protects 344 acres of pine and oak forest and provides access to a mile of shore, including a long, sandy swimming beach. Further inland, brackish water fills Deep Pond, Beverly Lake,\u00a0and\u00a0three other small ponds, providing habitats for herons, egrets, and eagles. You’ll find a kayak and canoe launch, bathrooms, picnic spots, and a fishing pier extending into Deep Pond. There’s also a playground featuring\u00a0an imaginative structure where children can climb over a giant toad and mushrooms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Opened to the public in 2013, the park was once the site of a beach resort complete with gambling and a dance floor. Today, the area attracts nature enthusiasts, with visitors describing the park as “an absolute oasis with a variety of landscapes<\/a>” and “one of the best spots on the Chesapeake Bay<\/a>“. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, and the parking fee is under $10\u00a0at the time of writing. Between May 23 and September 7, visitors must also apply for a reservation pass in advance via Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks<\/a> to prevent overcrowding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Enjoy coastal walks and pond fishing at Beverly Triton Nature Park<\/p>\n For the chance to break a light sweat and lose yourself in the Chesapeake environment, head out on the park’s 5-mile network of well-marked\u00a0nature trails. Technically, there are only four trails (the Pond Trail, Heritage Trail, Beach Trail, and Trident Trail) and several service roads, but they crisscross in such a manner that you can easily extend your outing.\u00a0<\/p>\n The park is described as a destination for “passive recreation,” so don’t expect rugged hikes as you’d find at Maryland’s mountainous\u00a0Susquehanna State Park<\/a>.\u00a0However, hikers who value nature over intense exercise appreciate Beverly Triton, awarding 4.7 stars on AllTrails<\/a>. A favorite among visitors, the 1.8-mile Pond Trail crosses several wooden boardwalks and offers wildlife spotting near Deep Pond. Those interested in fishing can throw in a line at five designated lake fishing spots<\/a>, where anglers report<\/a> catching stripers, perch, carp, and catfish, depending on the time of year.\u00a0To finish the hike, you can either take the Heritage Trail back to the parking lot or walk along part of the beach.<\/p>\n For a longer walk (almost 3 miles), walk the length of the beach until you find the Heritage Trail. From here, follow the Heritage Trail until it connects with the Deep Pond Trail. This allows visitors to take in the park’s full range of scenery, including woods, ponds, and beach. Visitors describe<\/a> this route as “lovely, even in extreme heat and humidity,” praising the quiet and shade.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Sand, sea, and swimming at Beverly Triton Nature Park<\/p>\n What is now known as Beverly Triton Nature Park has been a beach destination for a long time. In fact, during its resort heyday, the beach even had a net to keep out jellyfish. Back in 2023, a complete overhaul of the park’s facilities turned the swimming beach into a place ideal for families. New additions include changing rooms,\u00a0showers with cold water,\u00a0and a\u00a0picnic pavilion.<\/p>\n The beach itself requires a 0.2-mile walk from the parking lot, so bringing a wagon to transport and pack your gear for a successful beach trip<\/a> is essential. Once you walk onto the sand, you’ll be greeted by\u00a0gentle waves lapping the shore. Visitors describe the water as shallow and calm, but the park still advises swimmers to proceed with caution.\u00a0Those less interested in swimming can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply soaking in the calm ambiance. Visitors can also see horseshoe crabs\u00a0and other Chesapeake wildlife, while the forest grows right up to the shoreline.<\/p>\n The best time of year for swimming is between Memorial Day and Labor Day,\u00a0when the county monitors the water quality. Check with the Department of Health<\/a> for the all-clear to swim at Beverly Triton and other popular area beaches, such as Maryland’s bayfront Sandy Point State Park<\/a>. Jellyfish, especially\u00a0sea nettles, are a concern during the warm summer months. However, you can use an online\u00a0forecast tool<\/a> to assess the sea nettle risk before swimming.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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