Jug Bay Tour

From the Jackson's Landing parking area, head south on the Brown Trail across the boardwalk to find the Brown Trail: Overlook. Enjoy the view across Jug Bay and the Patuxent River before continuing south to join the Green Trail. Turn left onto the Green Trail leaving the Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area through the woods toward a longer spur to another viewpoint. This spur can be skipped, cutting off around 0.8 miles. Head southwest on the Green Trail and at the next intersection, turn left (southeast) onto the Red Trail, which descends toward the Historic Croom Airport. At the northwest corner of the airport, turn right (west) onto the Yellow Trail (hiker-only) which rolls through the Swan Point Creek drainage area to connect with the Blue Trail. Turn right (north) onto the Blue Trail, knowing the loop is over halfway complete. Continue north and northwest on the Blue Trail , gradually climbing toward the western boundary of the natural area and the high point of the hike. Here, use the Purple Spur and Purple Trail to loop to the north and northeast to reconnect with the Red Trail for the last 0.75 miles.Bring a paper map from the Visitor's Center or use the Mobile App to help navigate along the way.

Patuxent River Park was established in 1962 before the Patuxent River was designated a Maryland Scenic River in 1968. Visit the Patuxent Rural Life Museum to explore a group of 19th-20th-century buildings that show and describe what life was like in southern Maryland.