Jefferson Patterson Park, Archaeological Sites & Indian Village! Easy 5-Mi Hike

Jefferson Patterson Park! An Easy 5-Mile Hike (Shorter Distances Available)

Our hike plan today will take us past archaeological sites that were explored over the last 50 years. They date back to the 15th century when Native American Settlers first occupied the site, to 17th and 18th century plantation sites, and 19th century post emancipation sites. One of the battles of the War of 1812, the Battle of St. Leonards, was fought just offshore the property (with the support of an onshore cannon). Archaeological evidence goes back about 9000 years. Most of the buildings on the site go back to the 1930s when Jefferson Patterson bought the property. We will spend some time at each location looking at artifacts typical for each time period.

The hike leads through woodlands, over the fields, along the shore of the Patuxent River to the mouth of St. Leonard Creek. There is a reconstructed Indian Village with longhouses, protected by a palisade – a tall fence of poles. A working garden is located just outside the palisades where a variety of plants represent some of the crops Native people were growing. We will return past the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab, which stores collections from all over Maryland (There is currently construction for additional storage space) to the Visitor Center.

Trail Information
Nearby City: St. Leonard, MD
Length: ~5 total miles with shorter options
Elevation Gain: minimal
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy and Newbie Friendly
Season: year-round
Facilities: Bathroom at Trailhead
Local Contact: Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

Park Fee
There is no park fee for this hike.

Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.

Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine. Click here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.

Directions to the Trailhead
The address to Jefferson Patterson Park is 10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685. We meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot. From the entrance, look for signs to the JPPM Visitor's Center -- It should be the first road to the left uphill.

Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 9:00 a.m.

Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:

1. Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette.
2. Leave No Trace principles.

Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and certified hike leaders who volunteer as members of Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Click Here for how to be part of the team! MAHG is supportive, and encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.

Hike Leaders:
Christa: 410,610.6254 (please contact by text)
Tim: 202-744-0289

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax-deductible.
Tax ID: 47-5141831

A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!

Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!

• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.