Top 6 Lakes around Greenbelt

The lakes around Greenbelt offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, running, and biking on trails like the 1.25 to 1.3-mile path around Buddy Attick Lake Park. Fishing is popular at Buddy Attick Lake and Lake Artemesia. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted at Buddy Attick Lake with a permit for Greenbelt residents. For more extensive outdoor adventures, explore the various hiking and cycling routes available in the region.

Yes, several lakes and parks are very family-friendly. Buddy Attick Lake Park features a playground, tot lot, picnic facilities with grills, and wheelchair-friendly paths. Lake Artemesia also offers miles of trails suitable for families. The Patuxent Research Refuge, which includes Cash Lake Trail, has a visitor center and trails that are accessible for families.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Buddy Attick Lake Park, you can observe great blue herons, various songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels. Over 190 bird species have been reported there, making it excellent for birdwatching, especially for ducks and loons in winter. The Patuxent Research Refuge is home to over 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife, including large flocks of migratory birds during fall and spring.

Yes, fishing is permitted at Buddy Attick Lake, where you can find species such as Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Bluegill. Lake Artemesia also offers numerous fishing areas. Always ensure you have the necessary Maryland fishing licenses.

Yes, Buddy Attick Lake Park has some wheelchair-friendly paths, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs. The Patuxent Research Refuge is also noted as wheelchair accessible and has facilities like restrooms and a visitor center.

The lakes around Greenbelt offer beauty year-round. Spring and fall are particularly good for birdwatching, especially at the Patuxent Research Refuge, where large flocks of migratory birds can be seen. Winter also provides opportunities for observing ducks and loons at Buddy Attick Lake. The trails are enjoyable in all seasons, with seasonal changes offering different scenic views.

While specific dog policies can vary, many outdoor areas in Greenbelt are dog-friendly. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. Always check local signage or park regulations for the most current information regarding specific lake areas.

Canoes and kayaks are allowed on Buddy Attick Lake, but a permit is required for Greenbelt residents, obtainable from the Greenbelt Police Department. Motorized boats are not permitted, and swimming is prohibited for safety and environmental reasons.

Buddy Attick Lake Park is well-equipped with picnic pavilions that include grills, tables, and benches. It also features a playground and tot lot, making it a great spot for families. These facilities can often be reserved by Greenbelt residents and businesses.

For easy walks, the path around Buddy Attick Lake Park is a flat, approximately 1.25 to 1.3-mile loop. Lake Artemesia also offers miles of relatively flat trails. You can find more easy options, such as the 'Greenbelt Lake Trail loop' and 'Azalea Trail', by exploring the easy hikes guide for Greenbelt.

Lake Artemesia is popular for its scenic 38-acre lake, which is visible from various points along its extensive trails. It features an aquatic garden, miles of paths for hiking, running, and biking, and numerous fishing areas. The park is a man-made lake, named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who donated land for its preservation as a public green space.

The Patuxent Research Refuge is a vast 12,800-acre forest and nature reserve. It's home to over 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife, including significant migratory bird populations. Visitors can explore trails surrounding lakes like Cash Lake and Redington Lake, visit a learning-focused visitor center, and observe the refuge's important conservation work. Don't miss the Cash Lake Trail for views of the lake and surrounding forest.