May 5, 2015

In a milestone for the Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve, access to a 1/2 mile “Crow’s Nest Water Trail” and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes is now open on Brooke Road (see location on map below).  The short trail and the pier give a beautiful view of the Crow’s Nest peninsula across Accokeek Creek, and are excellent vantage points for viewing wildlife in the area.

The site represents the first regular public access to a portion of the Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve.  Access to the main portion of the Preserve on the Crow’s Nest peninsula is still restricted, due to a lack of funding needed to upgrade the main 1.6 mile access road.

The site features a parking lot where a variety of signage informs visitors about the surroundings.

The site features a parking lot where a variety of interpretive signage informs visitors about the surroundings.

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After a short walk on a dirt path through the woods, visitors come to a 360-foot pier with the Crows Nest peninsula immediately ahead, across Accokeek Creek.

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At the end of the pier, a walkway leads to a small floating dock.

Off the edge of the floating dock is an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant boat launch ramp.

Off the edge of the floating dock is an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant boat launch ramp, with handrails for pulling yourself up, on rollers, out of the water.

From the pier, visitors have a striking view of Accokeek Creek, looking east.

From the pier, visitors have a striking view of the Crow’s Nest peninsula and Accokeek Creek, here looking east.

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The view from the end of the pier, looking back towards the parking lot.