Flag Ponds Nature Park is a 500-acre nature reserve located in Calvert County, Maryland, along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. It offers a diverse range of natural environments, including sandy beaches, freshwater ponds, and forested uplands. The park is known for its rich history, having once supported a major fishery, and now serves as a site for fossil hunting and beachcombing, where visitors can find shark teeth and other Miocene fossils. The park's unique landscape is shaped by the forces of nature, with each tide and storm changing its appearance. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, observation platforms, and a visitor center with wildlife exhibits.
The park is open year-round, with seasonal hours that vary from fall/winter to spring/summer. During peak seasons, the park can reach capacity, and visitors are advised to check for updates on social media. The park's facilities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Flag Ponds Nature Park is also part of Maryland's history, featuring a reconstructed shanty that once housed fishermen. The park's living shoreline project aims to protect its vulnerable ecosystems from erosion, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty for future generations.
