With six miles of trails and 30 miles of shoreline, Wye Island is the perfect getaway for a family hoping for a quiet walk through the woods and some water to splash in.
Located off of Rt 50 approximately 18 miles from the Bay Bridge, Wye Island has been primarily farm land for over 300 years. Now, nearly 2,500 acres of the island are managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The land is mostly flat and the paths are clear and easy to follow; none of the trails are strenuous. There is a good chance you will see plenty of wildlife including deer, osprey, eagle and maybe a fox and some turtles.
Drive all the way to the end of the gravel road on Wye Island to the trail head for the Ferry Landing Trail. An easy, mile long walk under Osage trees will take you to a small sandy beach perfect for splashing around in. At low tide it’s possible to wade for a long distance around the island.
The School House Woods Nature Trail, which you passed on your way to the end of the island, takes hikers through old growth forest with large mature hardwood trees and around the edges of fields. Again, the trail is never far from the water.
There are no amenities on the island other than a couple of outhouses. You should come prepared with water and snacks or a lunch. Dogs are welcome. For more information, click here.
For more summer fun ideas, check out our 100 Days of Summer list of family activities, or see our daily calendar of events.
