Whitemarsh Nature Preserve

Whitemarsh Nature Preserve is a well-used and well-loved park, precisely because it is not developed or built up. It is a refreshingly back-to-nature world apart, right in the middle of a bustling community -- between the two busiest thoroughfares for Islands residents lies the veritable road less traveled.  Stepping off of Johnny Mercer Boulevard or Bryan Woods Road into the Whitemarsh Nature Preserve is like passing through a green veil into a world far away. 

Old-growth woods have been cut through with numerous leafy paths marked with curious names like ‘Stardust’ and ‘Sadsack’, ‘Backyard Bash’ and ‘Retirement Plan’, not to mention ‘Fart Swamp’.  Nicely maintained, long wooden walkways bridge low-lying watery areas, and shaded trails where nature blooms and buzzes. (Bug spray is recommended.)  An overview of the preserve’s trails posted at the Johnny Mercer entrance to the preserve includes a QR code that will allow you to pull up the same map on your cellphone for reference as you go.

Popular with runners, strollers, dog-walkers, off-road bikers, and nature-enthusiasts, Whitemarsh Nature Preserve is large enough to give the impression that you have the place almost to yourself.  Be sure to look for the enormous field in the middle, open to a vast sky and surrounded by ancient oaks and towering pines. The word on the trails is “Once you see it, you’ll know you want to come back. And bring a picnic.” Whitemarsh Nature Preserve is a place that knows what it is and why people need it.  

Know before you go:

Trails are unlit, so Whitemarsh Preserve is open during daylight hours only.

No restrooms provided.

Parking along Johnny Mercer entrance to the preserve.