Fall into Point Lookout State Park

Story by Jacqueline Zilliox
Photos courtesy of Point Lookout State Park

When the weather turns crisp and before winter sets in consider going to Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary's County for fresh air, bird watching from a canoe, a local history lesson, casting a line for a fish fry, or hiking and biking on quiet woodland trails.

From the beginning of our nation, this advantageous point of land bound by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River served as a strategic military location as well as a prime nautical vantage point. During the Civil War the Hammond Hospital was built there to care for wounded soldiers of the Union army. After the Battle of Gettysburg, 20,000 plus captured Confederate soldiers were sent there, and it evolved into a prison camp. Learn more from the park's Civil War Museum, as well as touring rebuilt parts of the prison camp and Fort Lincoln and then spend a reflective moment at the Confederate Soldier Memorial.

The park allows fishing year round to valid Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing license holders with appropriate stamps. You can fish anywhere in the park including the causeway, a 710 foot pier, and the point. The pier is open 24/7 until December 14th. Night fishing is also allowed in all areas of the park, but an additional pass of three dollars per vehicle is required. A boat launch facility is available 24 hours a day year-round; however, night launchers should be aware that there is no lighting in the area.

Family camping, youth group camping, and cabin rentals are seasonal and available until November. However, off-season camping is offered year round for full hook-up campers. Water, sewer, and electricity are provided for an additional fee. Campsite fees range from $21.75 to $36.75, plus a nightly service charge.

Point Lookout is also a great place for cycling and hiking. A basic biking and hiking loop around the park is five miles. There are various types of trails including asphalt, gravel and dirt with skill levels from novice to moderate. Enjoy fall migratory bird watching from the trails. Challenge yourself to find the piece of railroad track from the bed of a proposed 19th century Washington, D.C. to Point Lookout railroad.

Kayaking and canoeing on Lake Conoy, a shallow tidal lake open to the Potomac River, offers a wonderful view of heron, eagles, osprey and muskrat on the small islands that dot the sheltered lake and serve as interesting destinations. Fishing is allowed on the lake as well.

So whether you're a history buff, a wildlife lover, a fisherman, or simply seeking peace and quiet, head to the point of land on the end of St. Mary's County in Scotland, Maryland, and enjoy yourself before winter's hibernation.

"Spirits of Point Lookout"

October 29th and 30th the Kiwanis of St. Mary's County will present a historical recounting of ghostly encounters on the point. The hour long walking tour will lead willing souls to several locations where re-enactors will represent tragedies suffered by Indians and Colonists, ship wrecked sailors, and Civil War prisoners.

Also there will be musicians playing period music, historical slide shows, games and activities for the children, and refreshments. Tours run from 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Tickets may be bought online at Stmaryskiwanis.org or beginning October 1st at McKays Grocery Stores in Wildewood, or Great Mills. Advance tickets for $10; if available at the gate for $15.

This article appeared in the Fall 2010 edition of our magazine.