Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena Maryland

At the point where the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay meet in Pasadena, Maryland, Fort Smallwood Park is a beautiful 90-acre seaside park. Beautiful views of the Bay make this park a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It combines outdoor activities with historical importance. There is something for everyone at Fort Smallwood. You can fish from the pier, have lunch with your family, walk along the easy trails, or just relax on the beach and watch the boats go by. Visitors searching for things to do in annapolis often include this destination in their travel plans.

In addition to its natural beauty, the park has remains of coastal fortifications that were built in the late 1800s. These give tourists an interesting look into the military history of the area. Fort Smallwood Park is a great place for families, anglers, photographers, history buffs, and outdoor adventurers enjoying the Chesapeake Bay area. It has peaceful views of the water, lots of fun things to do, and a bit of Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena Maryland history.

Let’s explore deep insights into interesting and exciting things to do near Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena Maryland, with Zavros Place!

Essential Info: Fort Smallwood Park Tickets & Hours

If you want to have a good trip to the end of the Pasadena peninsula, you should first know the “ground rules.” Anne Arundel County has simplified its park entry system since 2024. This has made it easier to pay, but it has also made it a little more expensive for people who only come once in a while. This is what you should know before you drive away.

Fort Smallwood Park Hours

Fort Smallwood Park is open from dawn until dusk, which is great for fish and photographers who want to catch the sunrise over the Chesapeake.

• Park Gates: The park gates are open every day at 5:30 AM and close at dusk.
• Boat Ramp: This area also has a boat ramp, which opens at 5:30 AM. However, all boats must be launched at least an hour before the park closes.
• Holiday Closures: The park is closed all the way on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
• Park Office: Usually open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2026 Entry Fees & Pricing

The county raised fees somewhat in January 2026 to fund park maintenance and “Hawk Watch” activities. At the gatehouse, please keep in mind that the park is now mostly “cashless.” To pay, you should bring a credit card or your phone with you.

Annual Passes: The Frequent Flyer Choice

If you visit more than five times a year or other area parks like Quiet Waters or Downs Park, the Annual Pass is preferable.

• Anne Arundel County Residents: $40.00
• Non-Residents: $50.00
• Seniors (Ages 60+): $40.00 (This is a Lifetime Pass)

Pro-Tip: “Your Pass Now“

You can skip the lines at the gatehouse on the weekends by buying your pass through the Your Pass Now Portal. You will get a digital code that the Park Ranger can read from your phone, making sure that your day at the Bay starts off smoothly.

Things to Do at Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena, Maryland

There are not many places like Fort Smallwood Park that are good for both active adventurers and calm nature fans. It covers 90 acres and is full of different ecosystems and leisure areas, so there is something for everyone, whether you want to watch birds in the morning or go kayaking in the afternoon.

Fort Smallwood Park Fishing & Scenic Pier

• The Bill Burton Fishing Pier, a 380-foot fishing pier named after famous outdoorsman Bill Burton, is the park’s most interesting feature.
• People who enjoy fishing can throw their lines right over the water and see the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay.
• Birdwatchers and photographers also like the pier because it has great views and is a good place to see waterfowl and shorebirds.

Trails & Walking Paths

• The flat, easy-to-walk tracks and paths at Fort Smallwood go all the way around the peninsula and are great for walking, jogging, or taking a bike ride for fun.
• The walks lead to peaceful views of marshlands and the water. There are also many places to take pictures of nature or just relax outside.
• Birdwatchers know that nearby trails are great places to see birds during certain times of the year.

Boat Launch & Water Access

• There is a hard launch ramp for trailered boats and a soft launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddlecraft. This is great for boaters who want to explore the bay’s calm waters.
• Water access also includes places along the shore where you can swim and stroll.
• The park is a favorite place to start water adventures because it is where the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay meet.

Beach & Swimming

• There are beach access and water access points in Fort Smallwood Park so that people can relax by the water or wade in calmer places.
• Signs allow swimming and provide safety and seasonal requirements.

Picnic Areas & Playground

• There are lots of picnic areas with grills and tables in the park. These are great for get together with family or friends to eat while taking in the view of the bay.
• There is a playground for kids to have fun, which makes this a great place for family trips.

Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching

• Different types of environments at Fort Smallwood, like sandy shorelines, open fields, and wooded areas, bring in different kinds of birds all year long.
• During peak seasons, bring binoculars to improve your chances of seeing waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and species that are moving.

Fort Smallwood Park Map & Trail Details

Fort Smallwood Park’s 90-acre layout makes navigation easy. These roads are accessible, charming, and high-visibility for birding, unlike Western Maryland’s difficult backcountry trails.

The Layout: Paved vs. Natural Trails

All major amenities are connected by a circular paved circle in the park. This makes it a favored location for strollers, wheelchairs, and road bikers who wish to enjoy the bay breeze without challenging terrain.

• The Main Loop Road: The paved Main Loop Road encircles the park’s interior. The length is around 1.6 miles (2.7 km). While shared with slow-moving automobile traffic, it has broad shoulders and is the main jogging and walking route.
• The Perimeter Path: Provides a natural-surface path adjacent to the shoreline, providing closer views of the rock jetties and waterbird pond. It has multiple “off-ramps” to the major parking sites for shorter walks and is very flat.

Trail Highlights

Essential Navigation Tips

• Start at the Battery: Most tourists like to park close to Battery Hartshorne. The paved walks make it easy to access the playground to the north or the Bill Burton Fishing Pier to the south from here.
• Wheelchair & Stroller Access: The paved road and the area around the playground and pier are fully accessible for people in wheelchairs and strollers. But keep in mind that after a strong Maryland rain, the natural paths near the beach and the rock jetties may get muddy or uneven.
• Digital Maps: You can sometimes find paper maps at the gatehouse, but apps like AllTrails and Pacer have excellent Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena Maryland map. Some places on the very tip of the peninsula do not have good cell service, so we suggest that you download a map that you can use without the internet before you get there.

Trail Safety and Etiquette

Hikers should stick to indicated trails, especially around the pond’s bird nesting places, to keep the park safe for people and wildlife. When you walk your dog, you must always keep them on a leash. This is the law to protect the migrant birds that visit the shore.

Directions to Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena Maryland

Fort Smallwood Park MD, at the northernmost tip of the Pasadena peninsula, feels like a world away despite being just a short drive from Baltimore and Annapolis. Avoiding local traffic jams requires following special routes due to its “end-of-the-road” location.

Exact Location & GPS Coordinates

• To find the main gatehouse using Google Maps or Waze, enter the official address:
• Address: 9500 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD 21122
• Coordinates: 39.1634424°N, -76.4799613°W

Recommended Driving Routes

Maryland Route 173 (Fort Smallwood Road), the peninsula’s main road, leads to the park.

• From Baltimore (25 minutes): Take I-695 S (Baltimore Beltway) towards Glen Burnie. Take MD-173 S/Fort Smallwood Rd Exit 1. Continue south for 9 miles. After passing Orchard Beach and Riviera Beach, the road ends at the park gate.
• From Annapolis (30 minutes): Take I-97 north and exit 14 for MD-100 E towards Gibson Island. From MD-100 E, turn left into Magothy Bridge Road (MD-607). Turn right onto Fort Smallwood Road (MD-173) and drive 3.5 miles to the park gates.
• From Washington D.C. (approx. 55 minutes): Take US-50 E towards Annapolis, then merge onto I-97 N. From Annapolis, take MD-100 E to the peninsula.

Parking & Arrival Tips

• Peak Arrival Times: Summer weekends and Spring Hawk Watch (March-May) can cause park congestion by 11:00 AM. To get a spot near the Bill Burton Pier, arrive before 10:00 AM.
• Entry Gate: Prepare your digital pass or card. Daily entry costs ($8 per vehicle in 2026) are now mostly cashless at the park.
• Vehicle Restrictions: Large RVs and trailers possible, but limited parking near the boat ramp.

Public Transportation Options

Baltimoreans can take limited public transit to the park, which is mostly driving.

• The MTA Bus Route 67: Connects Downtown Baltimore to Marley Neck. The nearest station is Fort Smallwood Rd/Energy Pkwy. This location is around 4 miles from the park entrance, therefore you will need Uber/Lyft to finish.

Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena, Maryland History

Fort Smallwood Park has a long history that connects the natural beauty of Maryland to the military history of the country. In the 1890s, the U.S. government bought the land where the park is now as part of an effort to strengthen coastal defenses during a time of rising global war and naval power. The fort was finished being built in 1896, and it was one of several key defenses that watched over the approaches to Baltimore Harbor at the point where the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay meet.

Fort Smallwood, named for Revolutionary War hero and former Maryland governor Major General William Smallwood, participated in the Endicott Period coastal defense system with Fort Howard and Fort Armistead. There were batteries like Battery Hartshorne, which housed huge coastal artillery pieces to protect the harbor from naval threats, from 1896 until 1927.

By 1928, the strategy for protecting the coast had changed, and the guns were taken away from the fort. Baltimore City took over the property, which was used for picnicking, fishing, and swimming for decades. Since 2006, the property has been part of the Anne Arundel County Park System, tying its history to modern outdoor activities. People can still see parts of the old fort buildings and interpretive signs that honor its military history.

Planning Your Trip: Practical Tips & Photos

You can make sure your trip to Fort Smallwood Park Maryland goes as smoothly as a sunset over the Chesapeake Bay by getting ready ahead of time. These expert tips will help you get around the park like a Pasadena local, from making sure you bring the right gear to getting there at the right time for the light.

Insider Visitor Tips

• Arrival Strategy: The park usually has all the parking spots taken by 11 a.m. on summer weekends. Get there before 10 a.m. to make sure you can park near the Bill Burton Pier.
• What to Bring: The shore is known for being windy. Have a jacket with you even in the spring. Wear water shoes to avoid rocks and shells when surfing.
• Go digital: Anne Arundel County is moving towards a cashless system. To avoid waiting at the gatehouse, buy your $8 daily pass ahead of time through the “Your Pass Now” portal.
• Shade is Scarce: There is not much natural shade near the beach. On the other hand, there are different rules about big pop-up canopies. For comfort, you need small beach umbrellas or sun blankets.

Best Photo Spots

• Battery Hartshorne: The old battery’s weathered concrete walls make a dramatic, industrial background for Fort Smallwood Park photos.
• The Pier at Golden Hour: For beautiful views of the Patapsco River and the skyline of Baltimore in the distance, go to the end of the fishing pier right before sunset.
• Birding Pond: The freshwater pond on the east side of the park is a great place to catch beautiful herons and egrets, especially in the early morning when it is quiet.

Nearby Attractions: Things to Do Near Fort Smallwood Park

If you have time to kill after exploring the fort, the Pasadena and Severna Park areas are only a 15-minute drive away and have a lot of great things to do. These close places let you extend your outdoor adventure or switch to a different kind of fun.

Downs Park

Downs Park is Fort Smallwood’s “sister” place. It is only 5 miles south. It does not have the historic guns, but it has more hiking trails, over 5 miles of them. This is best known for Dog Beach, a unique stretch of beach where dogs can swim without leashes. It also has the lovely Victorian-style Mother’s Garden, which is a popular place to relax and think.

Lake Waterford Park

Go to Lake Waterford Park to get away from the salty Bay and see some fresh water. This 108-acre park has a tranquil 12-acre lake for shoreline fishing and waterfowl watching. There is a huge, modern playground and an adaptive recreation center called “Freedom Field” that make it a popular place for families to play. Unlike Fort Smallwood, there is no fee to enter Lake Waterford right now.

Compass Pointe Golf Courses

For those of you who like to play golf for fun, Compass Pointe is right on Fort Smallwood Road. This huge site covers 800 acres and has four separate nine-hole courses called North, South, East, and West. Together, they make up 36 holes of championship golf. As an Audubon International Certified Sanctuary, it is possible that you will see many of the same animals that you would see at the park while you play.

FAQs

Where is Fort Smallwood Park?

At the point where the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay meet in Pasadena, Maryland, you can find Fort Smallwood Park. It is a beautiful spot with easy access to outdoor sports and lovely views of the bay.

Is Fort Smallwood Park worth visiting?

Of course! The park has a lot to offer, including beautiful views, fishing, history, picnic areas, and things that are good for the whole family. Fort Smallwood has something for everyone, whether you want to learn about local history, enjoy a quiet picnic, or go on an adventure in the great woods. Many travelers check fort smallwood park reviews before visiting to see what recent visitors recommend.

How much does it cost to get into Fort Smallwood Park?

The daily fee for a vehicle is about $6, but this can change from year to year. Residents, people in the service, and people with disabilities can get discounts at the park. There are a lot of things to do, fish, and relax by the water for a great price.

What is the history of Fort Smallwood Park?

The first purpose of Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena MD was to protect the coast from 1890 to 1928. The park recognizes its history and offers outdoor activities near the fort’s ruins.