Mallows Bay Home / Water Trails / Ecology Tour

Mallows Bay Ecology Tour

“Mallows Bay offers unique archaeological, recreational, historical, cultural, educational, and environmental opportunities for residents and tourists. The site hosts the remains of the largest ‘Ghost Fleet’ of the World War I steamships, wildlife viewing areas, fishing, boating access and a hiking trail.”

~ NOAA

At Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, the synergy of history and nature provide a truly unique experience. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer to walk the shore, view wildlife, fish, or paddle the waters. The ships emerge at low tide and provide habitat important to osprey, bald eagles, herons, and an array of fish, plants, and animals.

The Sanctuary protects and interprets the remnants of more than 100 World War I-era wooden steamships – known as the "Ghost Fleet" - and other maritime resources including indigenous history and culture dating back nearly 12,000 years.

Safety Information Ecology Paddle Tour Current Conditions Getting There Virtual Tour Printed Version Get Directions

Mallows Bay EMERGENCY & SAFETY INFORMATION

Due to the location of the park, during an emergency please call the Charles County Sheriff’s Department, they will connect caller with the county 911 services.
The number is 301-932-2222
*Please install this number on your device.

PADDLING SAFETY TIPS

  • ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET.
  • PADDLE WITH OTHERS IF POSSIBLE.
  • COLD WATER TEMPERATURES ARE HAZARDOUS TO PADDLERS. Paddling is recommended between May and September.
  • WHEN PADDLING IN WIND, STAY CLOSE TO SHORE. • RESPECT WILDLIFE. Animals and birds should be viewed from a distance.
  • BEWARE OF HIDDEN WRECKS. It is dangerous to travel through the central shipwreck cluster, especially during high tide when ship remains lie just below the waterline and are invisible to the paddler.

Getting There

Mallows Bay Park

1440 Wilson Landing Road Nanjemoy, MD 20662
(301) 932-3470

AMENITIES:
Include a boat ramp, soft launch, portable toilets, parking, walking trail, interpretive signs, and picnic area.


HOURS:
The park is open daily from 5:30 am to sunset.

Explore the Ecology Water Trail

Interactive Map

Click a marker to explore the paddle trail

Ecology Paddle Tour

Wild Rice

launchpoint Point of interest Visit
1

Birding

launchpoint Point of interest Visit
2

Herons

lawrence creek Fauna Visit
3

Wild Rice

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Eagles

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Heron Rookery

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Mallows Bay Current Conditions

June 9, 2023 03:57 AM


Air Temperature

NOAA Buoy

Water Temperature

Maryland DNR Buoy

Forecast

"Eyes on the Bay" Water quality Buoy Information Click Here maryland DNR logo
Water Level

NOAA Data

Additional Weather Data

Getting There:

Mallows Bay Park

1440 Wilson Landing Road Nanjemoy, MD 20662
(301) 932-3470
Get Directions

AMENITIES:
Include a boat ramp, soft launch, portable toilets, parking, walking trail, interpretive signs, and picnic area.


HOURS:
The park is open daily from 5:30 am to sunset.

© National Marine Sanctuary Foundation 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1275, Silver Spring, MD 20910 301.608.3040