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Anne Arundel County

Odenton

Attractions and Places To See around Odenton - Top 17

Best attractions and places to see around Odenton include a mix of historical sites, natural areas, and community amenities. The region offers insights into its railroad history and provides access to extensive natural preserves. Its strategic location also connects visitors to a wider range of attractions in the surrounding Maryland-D.C. area.

Best attractions and places to see around Odenton

  • The most popular attractions is View of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, a viewpoint that offers views over the airport from the BWI Trail. This multi-use trail is the only trail in the U.S. that encircles an international airport.
  • Another must-see spot is BWI Trail, an 11-mile asphalt trail. It encircles the BWI Airport and is suitable for recreational outings.
  • Visitors also love Patuxent Research Refuge, a forest covering more than 12,000 acres. This refuge is home to over 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife, including large flocks of migratory birds in fall and spring.
  • Odenton is known for its historical sites, natural preserves, and extensive trail networks. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from museums detailing railroad history to large wildlife refuges and multi-use paths.
  • The attractions around Odenton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 17 upvotes and 13 photos shared.

Last updated: April 26, 2026

Patuxent Research Refuge

Highlight • Forest

Covering 12,800 acres (5,179 ha), this refuge is home to more than 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife. In fall and spring, huge flocks of migratory bird species swoop above the forests, meadows and wetlands. The refuge is one of the biggest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic. There's a visitor center where you can learn about the refuge's important work.

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BWI Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The BWI Trail is an 11-mile asphalt trail that encircles the BWI Airport. It was designed with commuters in mind, but it also makes for a great recreational outing.

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From this spot on the BWI Trail you get a truly amazing views over the airport. This multi-use trail is the only trail in the U.S. that encircles an international airport, making it a unique spot for a ride.

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Abandoned Cars in the Forest

Highlight • Structure

As you make your way along the trail, you will find several old cars! It makes for a fun stop as it looks like they have been here for centuries.

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Bacon Ridge Natural Area

Highlight • Forest

The 900+ acre Bacon Ridge Natural Area features expansive marshes, mature forests, and Bacon Ridge Branch creek. The area includes a 630-acre section protected by a conservation easement from Scenic Rivers and the Maryland Environmental Trust.

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Popular around Odenton

Hiking around Odenton

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Tips from the Community

Alex
September 16, 2024, View of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

The BWI Trail offers a great spot to watch planes land at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. This scenic trail provides some shelters and benches to take a break and watch.

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As you make your way along the trail, you will find several old cars! It makes for a fun stop as it looks like they have been here for centuries.

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The 900+ acre Bacon Ridge Natural Area features expansive marshes, mature forests, and Bacon Ridge Branch creek. The area includes a 630-acre section protected by a conservation easement from Scenic Rivers and the Maryland Environmental Trust.

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From this spot on the BWI Trail you get a truly amazing views over the airport. This multi-use trail is the only trail in the U.S. that encircles an international airport, making it a unique spot for a ride.

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This is a very cool wildlife refuge with trails surrounding Lake Cash and Lake Redington. Make sure to stop in and check out the museum in the Visitor's Center, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the trail.

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AaronLavanchy
January 18, 2024, BWI Trail

The BWI Trail is an 11-mile asphalt trail that encircles the BWI Airport. It was designed with commuters in mind, but it also makes for a great recreational outing.

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This is a very cool wildlife refuge with trails surrounding Lake Cash and Lake Redington. Make sure to stop in and check out the museum in the Visitor's Center, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the trail.

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Amy
October 17, 2022, Patuxent Research Refuge

Covering 12,800 acres (5,179 ha), this refuge is home to more than 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife. In fall and spring, huge flocks of migratory bird species swoop above the forests, meadows and wetlands. The refuge is one of the biggest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic. There's a visitor center where you can learn about the refuge's important work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Odenton?

Odenton offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly hiking, biking, and running. You can explore the BWI Trail, an 11-mile asphalt trail encircling the BWI Airport, suitable for recreational outings. For a more natural experience, the Patuxent Research Refuge provides extensive forests, meadows, and wetlands for hiking and wildlife observation. There are also numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and running available in the area.

Are there any historical sites to visit in Odenton?

Yes, Odenton has a rich history, particularly tied to the railroad. You can visit the Odenton Heritage Society Museum, housed in the historic 1912 Old Masonic Hall, which showcases artifacts and photographs detailing the town's evolution. The museum is typically open on the first Sunday of every month and by appointment. You can also see the Old Bethel Church and the Citizens State Bank (Old Bank Building), both significant historical structures in the town. For more information on the museum's hours, visit odentonheritage.org.

Where can I experience nature and wildlife near Odenton?

The Patuxent Research Refuge is an excellent choice, covering over 12,000 acres with diverse wildlife and more than 1,100 plant species. It's particularly known for large flocks of migratory birds in fall and spring. Another 'little gem' is the Piney Orchard Nature Preserve, which features over 300 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and ponds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching with over 179 species reported.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Odenton?

Absolutely. The Patuxent Research Refuge is family-friendly, offering trails and a visitor center. The BWI Trail is also suitable for families looking for a recreational outing, and you can even get amazing views of the airport from the View of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport spot along the trail.

What is the BWI Trail and what can I do there?

The BWI Trail is an 11-mile asphalt trail that encircles the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. It's popular for cycling, running, and walking. Along the trail, you can find unique spots like the View of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, offering excellent plane-spotting opportunities.

Can I find wheelchair-accessible trails or attractions in Odenton?

Yes, the Patuxent Research Refuge is noted as being wheelchair accessible, providing opportunities for visitors with mobility considerations to enjoy its natural beauty and visitor center facilities.

What is the best time of year to visit Odenton for outdoor activities?

Spring and fall are particularly good for visiting Odenton's natural areas like the Patuxent Research Refuge, as huge flocks of migratory birds can be observed. These seasons also offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and biking on trails like the BWI Trail. Summer can be warm, so plan activities for cooler parts of the day, and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on natural surface trails in the Piney Orchard Nature Preserve.

Are there any unique or hidden outdoor spots near Odenton?

For a unique discovery, explore the trail that leads to Abandoned Cars in the Forest. This spot features several old, junked cars that have been left in the woods, creating an interesting and somewhat mysterious sight along the path. It's a fun stop that feels like a step back in time.

How can I get around Odenton and to nearby cities using public transport?

The Odenton MARC Train Station provides convenient public transportation. You can take the MARC train to Baltimore to the north or Washington D.C. to the south, making it easy to access the urban amenities and attractions of these major cities without driving.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the natural areas around Odenton?

In the Patuxent Research Refuge, you can find diverse wildlife and over 1,100 species of plants. It's especially known for large flocks of migratory birds during the spring and fall. The Piney Orchard Nature Preserve is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 179 species reported in the area.

Are there any trails suitable for mountain biking near Odenton?

Yes, there are several mountain biking opportunities. The Bacon Ridge Natural Area, accessible from Odenton, offers trails like the 'Short Bacon Loop' and longer routes that include the Abandoned Cars in the Forest highlight. You can find more details on MTB Trails around Odenton.

Where can I learn more about Odenton's railroad history?

Odenton's origins are deeply connected to the railroad. You can delve into this history at the Odenton Heritage Society Museum, which features exhibits on the railroads instrumental in the town's growth. Evidence of this rich history can also be seen in older homes, churches, and businesses within Odenton's historic district. For museum details, visit odentonheritage.org.

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