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Governor's Bridge Natural Area & Canoe Launch
7600 Governor Bridge Road
Bowie, MD 20716
301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

Governor's Bridge Natural Area and Canoe Launch is located near the Bowie Baysox Stadium. At one time, the property was an active sand and gravel mining operation. Abandoned in the 1960's, the land was neglected for years. In the 1980's the property was selected as a "mitigation" site and a restoration plan was developed to return the land to its natural environment. Today, large mouth bass flourish in the 8 acre lake. A loop trail encircles the lake and provides excellent opportunities for hiking, bicycling, nature study and fishing. The park is managed as "catch and release" for bass.

The property provides access to the river for canoes and kayaks. The site has a launch pad and parking facilities. It is also the initial launch point for the Patuxent River Water Trail. The river is susceptible to seasonal flooding. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access is restricted.


Location/Directions - Located near the Bowie Baysox Stadium.

From Route 301 in Bowie, turn onto Governor Bridge Road. Go 1.5 miles to park entrance on the right.

Directions to Canoe Launch From Route 301 in Bowie, turn onto Governor Bridge Road. Go 1.6 miles to launch entrance on the right. Take gravel road to landing. Access is restricted.


Regional Parks · Cosca Regional Park · Fairland Regional Park · Walker Mill Regional Park · Watkins Regional Park
Countywide Parks · Aquasco Farm · Billingsley Point · Cedar haven Fishing Area · Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour · Columbia Air Center · Clyde Watson Boating Area · Fran Uhler Natural Area · Governor Bridge Natural Area & Canoe Launch · Jug Bay Natural Area · Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park · Nottingham School · Patuxent River 4-H Center · Patuxent River Park · Patuxent River Scenic Trail at Queen Anne · Patuxent Rural Life Museums · Queen Anne Fishing Area & Canoe Launch
Trails · Fitness trails · Anacostia Tributary Trail System · Henson Creek Trail · WB&A Trail System · tips for trail safety



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M-NCPPC The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County