Explore the Beach and Trails at Beverly Triton Nature Park
Beverly Triton Nature Park is a hidden gem with a beach and hiking trails at the end of the Mayo Peninsula in Edgewater. Situated at the intersection of the South and Rhodes Rivers, a beautiful natural beach opens up to views of the Chesapeake Bay. Recent upgrades at the Park include an open-air pavilion, a small playground for kids, designated fishing spots, nice restrooms with changing areas, and outdoor showers (although the water is pretty cold).
Hiking trails complement the beach. There is a trail around a huge pond with magnificent views from the trail. Look for Egrets, herons, and eagles seen fishing in the pond. Combining a beach walk with a walk through the woods is the perfect way to spend a morning. This park is rarely crowded. There have been many times when I’ve been there and seen fewer than ten other people.
Beverly Triton Nature Park History
Walking through the woods, you might see the remnants of old buildings. That is all that remains of a resort that opened in the 1940s and included slots, bingo, and homes for “whites and gentiles” only. Rather than integrate the property when legal segregation ended in the 1960s, the owner shut down the entire development.
The forest took over, the bank foreclosed, and in 1984, then-County Executive James Lighthizer purchased the land. The County invested little in the park until the most recent renovations were completed in late 2023.
The Beach at Beverly Triton Nature Park
The big map posted at the entrance will help you get your bearings. If you like walking on the beach, turn to the left past the open air pavilion. You’ll see the beach, although there are no lifeguards. Floating in big inner tubes in the gentle waves is a great way to spend a hot day. Wet feet are certainly encouraged.
Keep walking down the beach and depending on the time of the year, you might see horseshoe crabs, lots of nesting osprey, eagles and herons. We’ve even seen baby Diamondback Terrapins making their way into the bay. Abandoned crab pots sometimes litter the shore. You’ll notice driftwood and interesting stones.
Be prepared to lug all your stuff from the parking lot to the beach. It isn’t a long walk, but there isn’t beachfront parking. There is a dedicated unloading spot for people launching paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks.
Hiking Beverly Triton Nature Park
Pond Trail
At the entrance to the park, the Pond Trail is the first trail on the right nestled next to a patch of Cattails. It meanders for almost 2 miles around the aptly named Deep Pond. The woods are beautiful and host to all sorts of birds and critters. This trail is NOT stroller-friendly, but lots of fun for kids as they hop over logs and balance across narrow wooden bridges across areas that get marshy when it rains.
Combining a stroll on the beach and around Deep Pond is about 4.25 miles. Alternatively it’s easy to just walk down the beach and then back along the Heritage Trail for a hike that is around 1.5 miles. The driftwood and other finds that have washed up on the beach make it lots of fun for kids to imagine and build their own creations while enjoying the sun and breezes of the Chesapeake Bay.
Beverly Triton Nature Park Details
In the summer, you must reserve a pass in advance. This is to avoid overwhelming the park with visitors. It is a simple process, and as long as you reserve 24 hours in advance, you probably won’t have a problem getting a pass.
Dogs are allowed on a leash.
$6 daily pass
$30 Annual Pass AA Co Residents
$40 Annual Pass Non-County Residents
1202 Triton Beach Road, Edgewater
https://www.aacounty.org/recreation-parks/parks/beverly-triton-nature-park
