Governor Bridge Natural Area — Attraction in Bowie

Very nice little park that is rarely busy.

No entry fee. It has a decent paved parking lot for a dozen cars. There's also a dirt road leading to a boat launch.

The trail system is quite good. There are no paper maps but there are frequent signs. It's mostly a few miles of crisscrossing trails circling several small lakes with a few short spurs. Trails are mostly well maintained and on flat land, though a few are more rugged.

Lost of birds around including woodpeckers, bluebirds, geese, and herons. Also quite beautiful plants and butterflies during the summer. A nice place to go walking, birdwatching, or relax for an hour or two.

Only concerns are that it can get pretty buggy during warm weather, so bring bug spray. There is also unfortunately some trash and fishing debris left...

The kayak launch ramp ended in a muddy mess a several feet from the water. There was a fair amount of wildlife including a beaver, bald eagle, sand piper and kingfishers. Was only able to go about a mile south before being blocked be pile of downed trees. And that was with going over and through some downed trees. Going up the river, but stopped at the the Route 50 bridge. There was a place that was almost blocked about 1/2 mile up but was able to make it by to left. Don't know how much farther past Route 50 bridge we could have gone, but that was about...

Pros: The parking is adequate, trails are mowed or decently kept up with, beautiful scenery with views of small ponds, streams, and the river. Plenty of wildlife around and overall a great place to bring the family.

Cons: Around the parking area there is a bit of trash, and the one portable bathroom could be kept up with more. The trail signs could be updated to show a little more information.

Overall I give this location a solid four stars. I went on a brisk walk in the area and loved it. With some minor improvements this area could be...