Cypress Swamp

Flag Ponds

King's Landing

 

For hundreds of years the forces of nature have reshaped the Chesapeake Bay shoreline of Flag Ponds Nature Park, creating a remarkable variety of natural environments--from sandy beach, to freshwater ponds, to the forested heights of Calvert Cliffs. Today, nature continues to play with the sand, changing the park's landscape with each tide, each storm, each season.

Millions of years ago, sharks, whales, crocodiles and other creatures inhabited the waters and shores of this area. Most of these animals are now extinct, others are just no longer found here. To the sharp-eyed visitor, sharks teeth and other Miocene fossils may be found along the park's shoreline.

At Flag Ponds Nature Park all the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay area comes to life. Visitors will discover a wide variety of native wildlife with quiet, close observation.

From early spring through the fall wildflowers such as Columbine, Blue Flag Iris (from which the park derives its name), and Rose-Mallow paint the landscape of Flag Ponds with an explosion of color.

A short, half-mile hike brings you to the sandy beach or you may take longer trail routes that allow you to experience the beauty of the park. Additionally there are observation platforms at two ponds, a fishing pier on the Chesapeake Bay and a visitor's center with wildlife displays.

Flag Ponds Nature Park is also part of Maryland's history. From the early 1900's until 1955 the area was a sheltered harbor on the Chesapeake Bay supporting a major "pound net" fishery supplying croaker, trout and herring to markets as far away as Baltimore. At one time, three shanties housed fishermen during the main fishing season. Known as "Buoy Hotel", only one shanty has survived over the years to remind us of the Flag Ponds fishing complex. The shanty houses a fascinating exhibit on the Bay's old-time fishing industry.

 

Hours of Operation -- Seasonal

April to Memorial Day
Weekends only, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.* 

Memorial Day to Labor Day
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.*
Weekends 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.*

Labor Day to last weekend in October
Weekends only, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.* 

Last weekend in October to first weekend in April
Weekends only, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.*

*Please note that the beach closes one half hour before the park closes.

For park information, call 410-586-1477. For reservations, call 410-535-5327. Guided tours and other educational opportunities are available by advance request. All groups should make advance reservations.

Entrance Fees

An entrance fee is required per vehicle. 

Annual Park Pass: $15 for in-county residents, $20 for non residents.    Vehicle registration is required for annual passholders. 

April - October: $4.00 for in-county residents, $6.00 for non residents 
November - March: $3.00 in-county resident or non resident. 

Directions

From Washington's Capital Beltway (I-95)

1. Take ROUTE 4 South into Calvert County.
2. Just 10 miles south of Prince Frederick, look for the sign and turn LEFT.

From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695)

1. Take ROUTE 301 South to ROUTE 4 South. 
2. Just 10 miles south of Prince Frederick, look for the sign and turn LEFT.

Get a map to the park 

Park Features

Leashed dogs permitted Beach handicapped parking Picnic Tables Bird Watching

Trails Beach   Fishing

 

 

The Battle Creek Nature Education Society is dedicated to the development of a responsible environmental ethic in all people by providing opportunities for environmental education and compatible recreation; and the preservation of the natural heritage of Calvert County primarily within the mission of the Calvert County Natural Resources Division

Questions or Comments?  You can reach us at 410-535-5327 or by e-mail.

Web space generously donated by Chesapeake.Net

Love the Chesapeake Bay? Find other great places to visit at Chesapeake Bay Gateways.