Nature lovers rejoice! If you enjoy walking along sandy Bay beaches, or through a forest surrounding a pond, Beverly Triton Nature Park has it all in one spot with hikes that are suitable for families of all ages.
Quick Look at Beverly Triton Beach
Address: 1202 Triton Beach Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Phone: (410) 222-7317
Website: aacounty.org
Restrooms: Port-a-potties
Admission: Free
Parking: Free on Triton Beach Road
Pets: Yes
Fair warning, other than port-a-potties near the parking area, there are no facilities. But dogs on a leash are welcome and kids are free to run, and run and run, and maybe stop and explore a bit.
This park is rarely crowded. In fact, there have been many times when I’ve been there and seen fewer than ten other people. Bring your own water and snacks. A towel is probably a good idea too.
Take a look at the big map posted just inside the fence so that you can get your bearings before you head out. If you like walking on the beach head to the left on the gravel road. You’ll see the beach. There is even a toy box just before you step on the nice sandy beach. Be aware that there are no lifeguards and no swimming is allowed. Wet feet are certainly encouraged.
Beach Walk
To continue on the beach you’ll have to take a little detour in the woods and then walk down to the water, or continue on the wooded path until it bears to the right. There is a big patch of native pollinating plants where the path turns and connects to the Heritage Trail. Stop and look for butterflies and hummingbirds if the flowers are blooming.
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. Abandoned crab pots also litter the shore. You’ll notice driftwood, and lots of it. Toward the end of the beach trail, industrious visitors have stacked up pieces of wood to make huts and sculptures. It varies every time I visit and kids love to add to the arrays.
Walk in the Woods on the Pond Trail
From here you can walk back through the woods on a fairly level path (definitely stroller ready) to the parking lot, about .75 miles. Or turn left onto the Pond Trail which meanders for almost 2 miles around the aptly named Deep Pond. The woods are beautiful and host to all sorts of birds and critters. Twice I’ve had an eagle fly over my head clutching a fish for its dinner. This trail is NOT stroller friendly. But it is lots of fun for kids as they hop over logs and balance across narrow wooden bridges put down over marshy areas. The Pond Trail loops around and hooks back onto the Heritage Trail and then it’s a short walk back to the parking lot.
Combining a stroll down 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 on the beach makes it lots of fun for kids to imagine and build their own creations while enjoying the sun and breezes of the Chesapeake Bay.
Other amenities include a car-top kayak/canoe launch, picnic tables (no grills or open fires allowed), and several fishing spots.
Looking for more fun parks to explore? See our collection of Park Spotlights for great places to experience nature.
For more hikes for the family, check out these Waterfall Hikes!