Charles County, Maryland

Charles County Local Guide

Settling In Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 12 places to get to know Charles County.

12 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Looking west along the Indian Head Rail Trail from the White Plains trailhead.
Looking west along the Indian Head Rail Trail from the White Plains trailhead. Photo credit

Indian Head to White Plains Parks & Trails

Indian Head Rail Trail

Follow a former railroad corridor between Indian Head and White Plains on this 13 mile paved walking and cycling trail. The route passes through forests, wetlands and occasional farmland in the Mattawoman Creek stream valley.

Before You Go For the Indian Head end, park at Village Green or Charlie Wright Park and follow signs to the trailhead, which has no parking.

Official Visitor Information
Mallows Bay viewed from the end of the dock.
Mallows Bay viewed from the end of the dock. Photo credit

Nanjemoy Waterfront & Nature

Mallows Bay Park

Explore shoreline trails and wildlife habitat beside Mallows Bay–Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary protects the Ghost Fleet of World War I era wooden steamships, linking a waterfront visit with maritime history.

Before You Go You can visit from shore, with wrecks most visible at low tide. Review NOAA’s paddling guidance before launching, including its warning against inflatable kayaks and paddleboards near submerged hazards.

Official Visitor Information
Picnic shelter beside the lake at Gilbert Run Park.
Picnic shelter beside the lake at Gilbert Run Park. Photo credit

Charlotte Hall Area Parks & Trails

Gilbert Run Park

Walk wooded trails beside Wheatley Lake or make time for the park’s picnic areas and playground. Fishing piers provide another way to experience this freshwater setting in eastern Charles County.

Before You Go Park access and facilities operate seasonally, with off season parking at Brookside Pavilion when the main vehicle gate is closed.

Official Visitor Information
Smallwood’s Retreat at Smallwood State Park.
Smallwood’s Retreat at Smallwood State Park. Photo credit

Marbury Parks & Heritage

Smallwood State Park

Explore woodland trails, picnic areas and the Mattawoman Creek waterfront at Smallwood State Park. The historic area includes Smallwood’s Retreat, the restored home of Revolutionary War officer William Smallwood.

Before You Go Confirm seasonal house tour dates with Friends of Smallwood. Mattawoman Creek Art Center is inside the same park, so the two stops can be combined.

Official Visitor Information
Water and green wetlands framed by a tree at Friendship Farm Park in Nanjemoy.
Wetland views from Friendship Farm Park. Photo credit

Nanjemoy Waterfront & Trails

Friendship Farm Park

Follow two trail loops through woodland and along the water at this county park overlooking Nanjemoy Creek. Interpretive signs, benches and observation decks offer places to pause, while Friendship Landing provides a separate boat launch and fishing area.

Before You Go The trail system is shared with equestrians as well as hikers. Allow for nearly four miles if you plan to explore both loops.

Official Visitor Information
Spring trees and open lawns with the Potomac River beyond at Chapman State Park.
Potomac River scenery at Chapman State Park. Photo credit

Indian Head / Bryans Road Area Woodlands & Waterfront

Chapman State Park

Explore mature woodland, a scrub shrub marsh and Potomac River scenery at Chapman State Park in western Charles County. The Potomac River, Marsh and Coastal Woodlands trails offer different ways to experience the park’s habitats, with river views near the historic Mount Aventine grounds.

Before You Go Outside special events, park at the entrance and use the walk in gate to the left of the main gate. Vehicle access through the main gate is normally closed.

Official Visitor Information
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History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

3 places
Haberdeventure at Thomas Stone National Historic Site in winter.
Haberdeventure at Thomas Stone National Historic Site in winter. Photo credit

Near Port Tobacco History & Heritage

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Visit Haberdeventure near Port Tobacco to learn about Declaration of Independence signer Thomas Stone and the people who lived on the property. Historic buildings, the family cemetery and walking paths connect the site’s history with its landscape.

Before You Go Request house tour participation at the Visitor Center before walking over to the house.

Official Visitor Information
Rear view of the reconstructed Port Tobacco Courthouse, photographed in 2009.
Rear view of the reconstructed Port Tobacco Courthouse, photographed in 2009. Photo credit

Port Tobacco History & Heritage

Historic Port Tobacco Village

Explore a former seaport and county seat through the Port Tobacco Courthouse, Stagg Hall and Burch House. The village introduces the area’s Indigenous roots, port history and the life of formerly enslaved resident Washington Burch.

Before You Go Building tours operate seasonally, with special appointments available outside the regular tour schedule.

Official Visitor Information
Wooded entrance path to Mattawoman Creek Art Center in Smallwood State Park.
Wooded entrance path to Mattawoman Creek Art Center in Smallwood State Park. Photo credit

Marbury Arts & Culture

Mattawoman Creek Art Center

See changing visual art exhibitions at this nonprofit gallery overlooking Mattawoman Creek. Located inside Smallwood State Park, it offers an arts focused complement to time on the park’s trails.

Before You Go Plan around the gallery’s opening days rather than the park’s schedule, or arrange a private group appointment.

Official Visitor Information
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Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places
Bookshelves and service desk inside the La Plata library branch during a visit by Governor Hogan in October 2022.
La Plata branch of Charles County Public Library during Governor Hogan’s visit, October 12, 2022. Photo credit

Countywide Libraries & Learning

Charles County Public Library

Explore Charles County’s library branches for reading, research and community learning. The library website brings together branch locations, its catalog and programs for different ages.

Before You Go Choose your branch before heading out, especially in Waldorf, where P.D. Brown and Waldorf West are separate locations.

Official Visitor Information

Nanjemoy Community & Learning

Nanjemoy Community Center

Find a donated book exchange, an open computer lab, fitness opportunities and recreation programming at Nanjemoy Community Center. The county run center combines everyday learning resources with activities and local community events.

Before You Go Check the center’s program schedule before visiting. Ages 13–17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to use the computer lab, fitness room or billiards.

Official Visitor Information

Waldorf Community & Recreation

Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center

Explore instructor led recreation, indoor sports and community events at the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center. Alongside its dedicated senior program, the facility offers recreation classes for different ages, sports courts and a fitness room.

Before You Go Use the recreation center schedule rather than assuming senior program hours apply. Check whether your activity needs registration, a drop in payment or a RecPASS.

Official Visitor Information
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Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

Photo Credits

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Charles County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.