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Maryland
13

Maryland State Parks

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USA Parks
Maryland
Southern Region
Smallwood State Park
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Smallwood State Park Henpecked osprey © Laura Cairns
Osprey nest.
Smallwood State Park Natures beauty © Laura Cairns
Bracket fungus on a fallen tree.
Smallwood State Park Do you see me © Laura Cairns
Deer hiding in the brush.
Smallwood State Park Pair of Bald Eagles © Mark V. Grim
Smallwood State Park footbridge © Mark V. Grim
Smallwood State Park Changing colours 2 © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Mattawoman Art Center sculpture garden © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Mattawoman Art Center © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park General Smallwoods house © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Landing point © Hans Albrecht
The landing area seen from the footbridge
Smallwood State Park Marina © Hans Albrecht
A brass fishing company
Smallwood State Park Barn © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park The footbridge © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Footbridge to campsite © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Landing © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Mattawoman creek © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Small fish under water © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Changing colours 1 © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Mattawoman Art Center sculpture garden © Hans Albrecht
Smallwood State Park Garden house © Hans Albrecht
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SMALLWOOD STATE PARK
SMALLWOOD STATE PARK
2750 Sweden Point Road
Marbury, Maryland   20658

Phone: 301-743-7613
Reservations: 888-432-2267
Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors. Sweden Point Marina has 50 boat slips and excellent access for fishing on the Potomac River. Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers the marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic-campng area and nature trails. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
History of the Area
Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors. Sweden Point Marina has 50 boat slips and excellent access for fishing on the Potomac River.

Smallwood's Retreat plantation house is open free to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays from May until the end of September. Tours are conducted by costumed docents. Group tours are available upon request. For information about scheduling a group tour call 301-743-7613.

Smallwood reached the rank of major general for his service as a patriot leader during the Revolutionary War. He was elected Governor of Maryland in 1785, and later served in the Maryland Senate. The plantation house reflects Smallwood's lifestyle as a gentleman planter.

Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and nature trails. On occasion, there are craft demonstrations, military exhibitions and other special events. A park map is available from the park office.

Smallwood State Park was dedicated in September 1958, as a historic park. At the time, the park consisted of 30 acres of land which included the Retreat House and the grave site of General William Smallwood. Smallwood State Park takes its name from General William Smallwood, a native born Charles Countian. He was the highest ranked Marylander who served in the American Revolutionary War. During his term as the 4th Governor of Maryland, Maryland ratified the Federal Constitution.

Sweden Point Marina was not always known as Sweden Point. At one time it was referred to as Sweetman's Landing. The area that is referred to as Grinder's Wharf (which is only a few exposed pilings today) was built on a naturally deep water channel in the Mattawoman Creek. The Grinder family was one of the areas major brick manufacturers in the Chicamuxen area. They in turn used Grinders Wharf to ship their brick out to the wholesalers. In the mid 1800's the wharf was used by the Washington Steamship Lines on the Potomac. The steamers would pick up water on their journey south to the Chesapeake Bay.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Fifteen family campsites with electric hook-ups are available under the canopy of a hardwood forest. Four camper cabins sleep four and two cabins sleep six and have heat and air conditioning. Cabins #17 and #18 overlook Mattawoman Creek. Cabins #16 and #19 are close to the creek, but do not have a water view. Cabins #20 and #21 are located as you first enter the campground area. A picnic table, lantern post and fire ring are provided on each site. Bath house facilities with hot showers are also provided. In 2005, camping is available April 29-October 31
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a marina with 300 boat slips, as well as an area designated specifically for fishing boats. The park also provides access to the Mattawoman Creek and Potomac River where you can enjoy canoeing or kayaking activities. Boat rentals are available on-site if needed, including rowboats and paddleboards during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). A public boat ramp allows easy water entry/exit while ample parking space caters to trailers carrying private vessels.
Fishing
One can fish from the shore or from several stationary piers located at Sweden Point Marina. Fish that could be caught include: large and smallmouth bass, catfish, white and yellow perch, carp and hardhead. A Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License is required. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Sweden Point Marina Concessions.

The Potomac River is one of the premier Bass Fishing areas on the East Coast. Smallwood hosts many tournaments throughout the year. All tournaments are required to be registered at Smallwood, and there is a small tournament permit service charge to cover administrative costs. Tournaments can be booked a year in advance. For a current tournament listing, tournament rules, weigh station guidelines or to book a tournament please contact the park office at 301-743-7613.



Picnicking
Picnic tables and grills are available at the Sweden Point Concession area and at various points in the historic area of the park. Three pavilions are available by reservation.
Trails
The trails at Smallwood meander through the hardwood forest, passing many natural and historical points of interest. The entire trail system is approximately 2 miles in length with several marked exit points if the walk becomes too strenuous.
Bicycling
While biking is not a primary activity, there are several trails suitable for leisurely rides.

The park's terrain can be challenging due to occasional steep hills and uneven surfaces.

Bikers should always wear helmets and follow trail signs for safety purposes.

Be aware that some paths may intersect with hiking or fishing areas; exercise caution around pedestrians.

Ensure your bike has proper lighting if you plan on riding in the evening hours as visibility decreases significantly after sunset.

Remember, bikes aren't permitted inside buildings or picnic areas within the park grounds.

Always respect wildlife by keeping distance and refraining from feeding them during your ride through nature-filled routes.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. The park's diverse habitats attract many birds year-round. Birding trails offer opportunities for close-up viewing. There are also bird watching events organized occasionally.

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Dawson's Small Arms of the World
14510 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 490-3308
Area Cabins and Lodges
Great Eastern Resorts Corp
1549 Old Bridge Rd
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 494-8505
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take Route 301 south to La Plata, to west on Route 225 to Route 224. At the light at Route 224 turn left (south). Park entrance is approximately 3 miles on the right.

From Route 210 south towards Indian Head, take a left (east) on Route 225 to Route 224. At the light at Route 224 turn right (south). Park entrance is approximately 3 miles on the right.

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Maryland
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Maryland State Parks

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