Fort Smallwood Park is located at the mouth of the Patapsco river on the Chesapeake Bay. The park is the site of a fort built during the Spanish-American war and used up until the late 1920s. The fort gets its name from William Smallwood, the commander of the “Maryland Line” regiment of the continental army during the Revolutionary War. Today you can still visit the fort’s battery. The park features a public beach, picnic areas, a coastal marsh, and a 380-foot fishing pier next to boat ramps and a kayak launch.
The park has a paved path loop starting at the entrance. At spots near the beach and marsh, you have a good chance of seeing herons and other water birds. The pier is a popular fishing spot with great views of the river and bay. Come early during the summer in order to find parking! The park charges a fee to enter, and an additional fee for boat launches. For more information, visit the anne arundel county website
