Mary Bird Branch Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Hop on the Mary Bird Branch Trail to trek through a beautiful woodland, home to a heart-warming repopulation success story. Once a thriving landscape for the beaver, this area saw high levels of beaver trapping from the 17th-19th century. As a result, the beaver was considered extinct in the lower 48 states. While the beaver population in America was on the brink in 1950, a reintroduction of two pairs of beavers in the Mary Bird Branch proved successful, starting the slow and steady resurgence of these charismatic animals. As a result of efforts like these, the beaver population in the United States today has made a comeback and is continuing to flourish.

Starting at Parking Lot E off Scenic Drive, follow the trail southwest as it winds its way through the woods to the pleasant waters of Mary Bird Branch. After enjoying Mary Bird Branch, and perhaps searching for signs of beaver activity, continue on the trail for a short distance to reach a junction with Old Blacktop Road and the trail's end.

Beavers have been known to inhabit this area, so keep an eye out!