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Plan Ahead! See the Calvert County Natural Resources page for park hours, closures and other updates.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary

2880 Grays Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678 

Office and Reservations:
410-535-5327

Last entry 1/2 hour before close.

The nature center is closed do to fire damage. Trails are open. 
NOTICE: No walk-ins allowed when the gate is closed.

Regular hours effective September 3. Closed most County Holidays.

  • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1-4:30 p.m.

Extended summer hours Memorial Day-Labor Day. Closed most County Holidays,

  • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1-6 p.m.


Calvert County Natural Resources Battle Creek Page

Trail Map (pdf)

Dogs are not permitted in the park.

Groups of 10 or more must make reservations to schedule a naturalist-led program and pay any applicable fees.

Directions

CAUTION: Enter the address 2880 Grays Road Prince Frederick into your GPS. Otherwise you'll end up in the middle of the swamp!

From Washington's Capital Beltway (I-495)Take ROUTE 4 South into Calvert County. Continue south of Prince Frederick. Then follow the directions below from Prince Frederick

From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) Take ROUTE I-97 south to ROUTE 301 South. Countine to to ROUTE 4 South. Continue south of Prince Frederick. Then follow the directions below.

From Prince Frederick

  • Continuing south of Prince Frederick, turn RIGHT onto SIXES ROAD (Rt. 506)
  • Look for the sign and turn LEFT on GRAY'S ROAD.
  • The Sanctuary will be on your RIGHT approximately one quarter mile.


Upcoming Programs

  • Last Day Hike
    12/31/2024 9:00 AM
    Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm
  • Winter Greens
    01/25/2025 10:00 AM
    Gatewood Preserve, Prince Frederick
  • Migratory Bird Hike
    04/15/2025 9:00 AM
    Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick

See the complete calendar of events.


Things To Do

Trail Map (pdf)

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary makes an ideal day trip for the young and old alike.

  • Wetland Boardwalk
  • Nature Study
  • Birdwatching
  • Interpretive Exhibits
  • Picnic

Audio Tour of the Swamp

Download an audio tour developed by the Nature Conservancy. Senior Naturalist Andy Brown explains the secrets of the swamp. Ask to borrow the MP3 player when you're at the Nature Center. 

Interesting Reading

Interesting Facts

  • This is one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees in North America. A short boardwalk trail enables visitors to experience the majestic quality of the cypress trees and the tranquility of the swamp. Exhibits offer an interactive look at local wildlife and cultural history of the area.

    Today, thanks to The Nature Conservancy, which acquired the property in 1957, the Sanctuary's primeval beauty is a protected home to many plants and animals.

  • Over 100,000 years ago now-extinct animals like mammoths roamed the forest.
  • Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965

Today, thanks to The Nature Conservancy, which acquired the property in 1957, the Sanctuary's primeval beauty is a protected home to more familiar wildlife. As you walk on the quarter-mile boardwalk trail, listen to nature's harmony of calling frogs and songbirds. With quiet patience and sharp eyes you may even catch a glimpse of some of the abundant life supported by this wetland.

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