Patuxent Research Refuge — Attraction in Glenn Dale

This is a lake that has all features it would be expected to have. Some of which include actual real water and many real trees. The the lake does this thing where it looks like the sky and trees. This is a good sign. It indicates an absence of impurities. When entering the park visitors travel down a winding narrow street with hair pin turns. Those looking to drag race here will find it to be especially difficult as the occasional speed bump and small wood land creature obstruct the road. Unfortunately atv use is not allowed here as park officials say it "disturbs the animals" , whatever that means. They also discourage visitors from feeding the animals big Macs. The paths run along the lake and are an easy walk but some places become muddy after a rain. They close the gates at night, so you have to leave before then or your vehicle will be locked in. This is to keep the mountain lions on the inside. This can be especially distressing if you have dinner plans, as reservations to fancy restaurants need to be made months in advance. Over all this is a great place to visit if you like the features...

A hidden gem!! I was looking around on Google Map, looking for a place to take my dogs hiking. This place is WOW! It's beautiful and many hiking trails. We hiked 1 mile of the Cash Lake Trail from the Visitors Center to the fishing pier, then turned around because it was too hot for my little pups. The trail was very clean and well groomed. The bridge that crosses the Marshlands is more stable than the one that crosses Cash Lake. My little pups were too scared that I had to carry them across. Cash Lake is beautiful. I love the water lilies covering the lake. I will definitely come back on a cool day with my pups to hike the entire Cash Lake and check out the different trails. This is the Southern portion of the trails. There is a Northern section with its own set of trails. I look forward to explore this refuge some more. Highly...

Peaceful park, with an educational visitors center , and easy hiking trails, also a fishing pier on the Cash lake. The lake is more beautiful on sunny days with naturally grown lily pads in the water.

The cash lake loop trail is about 2.5 miles in distance for 1 loop, takes a little over an hour to complete with moderate pace.

The trail is relatively flat BUT do have many fallen trees and uneven ground on the trail. Some of the trees do require climb over or walk around.

Main Parking area is by the visitors center. There are also limited parkings by the fishing area, including handicap parkings, right next to the 2 restrooms stalls that have no signage outside.

Had a great morning hike here, enjoyed the lake view very much. Highly recommend...