Exploring South River Farm Park
You won’t see many people hiking at South River Farm Park in Edgewater, but you will probably see Osprey, Blue Heron, and maybe an Eagle or two. This park is perfect for hiking and exploring.
Opened to the public in 2015, there are 170 acres of woods, meadow, and beach to explore in South River Farm Park. Be prepared for adventure on trails that wander up and down through the woods and along the water. A few posted trail maps and trees marked with blazes will keep you on the right path. There are portapotties and a few picnic tables under the trees for your enjoyment.
A road that used to be the farm driveway leads from the entrance, past the barn, to a point of land overlooking Quiet Waters Park on the opposite side of the South River. Cars are not allowed on the road past the parking lot, but the road is a good landmark should you get turned around in the woods, as it will lead you back to your car.
Enter the park from Loch Haven Drive, off of MD 214. A big parking area at the entrance is covered in mulch to suggest where to park or continue to a smaller but better-maintained parking area.
The easy walk is to follow the paved road as it turns into dirt to the South River. Strollers should be able to navigate here. Explorers and kids with energy will follow the mulched path from the parking area into the woods. The main loop is just over 3 miles and isn’t good for strollers. Follow the ridge along the cove and around to Mayo Point. This forest has giant old trees, blooming rhododendrons in the spring, many downed trees to climb on, and rolling slopes to run up and down.
Standing on the hilltop at the end of the dirt road, you can see the gazebos in Quiet Waters Park across the river. Eagles and Osprey are often spotted here. It’s a magnificent view. A path through the woods will allow you to walk close to the water to continue around the peninsula. You can get to the beach in multiple places from the woods as you amble along. Look for wooden stairs that make it easy to get onto the beach. Erosion has taken a significant toll on the land surrounding the water. Many trees have toppled over, making walking on the beach challenging unless it’s low tide or you have on waterproof boots.
There is a natural point of land that will end your walk on the beach. The water is remarkably clear here. Take a hard right turn to head back through the woods until you get to the dirt road again. You can walk on the road back to where you parked or look for a footpath through the woods just past the little water pond. This path will take you to the big meadow near your car.
This is a pack-in, pack-out park. Whatever you came in with, make sure you leave with it, too. In fact, I often bring a trash bag with me and pick up debris along the beach. That makes it better for everyone.
The trails at South River Farm Park aren’t especially difficult but will be challenging for someone who isn’t steady on their feet. There are plenty of ups and downs and roots sticking up along the trail. The views are incredible, and the wildlife makes this park enjoyable.
South River Farm Park
3553 Loch Haven Dr, Edgewater
Open from 7 a.m. until sunset
No biking on natural trails
Dogs allowed on a leash
