Cheltenham Wetlands Park - Cheltenham, MD
Cheltenham Wetlands Park: A Dog-Friendly Nature Escape in Cheltenham, Maryland
Cheltenham Wetlands Park offers pet-friendly trails and beautiful scenery for dog owners looking for a peaceful walk in the Cheltenham, Maryland area. Known for its scenic wetlands, shaded wooded paths, and wildlife sightings, this park is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with a dedicated parking lot that is easy to find just before the federal facility entrance. Dogs are welcome on-leash, allowing for enjoyable dog-friendly hiking experiences amidst nature, away from crowded urban areas.
The park features a 1.5-mile service road perfect for walking, with gravel paving and quarter-mile markers to help track your route. Trails are surrounded by lush greenery and have spots of shade, making them comfortable for both pets and their owners. While the boardwalk is partially closed, new trail sections offer pleasant walking alternatives, and the park’s tranquil atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a quiet escape with their dogs. Be aware that ticks and occasional downed trees on less-maintained trails are reported by visitors. Overall, Cheltenham Wetlands Park is a hidden gem for locals searching for pet-friendly outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Cheltenham Wetlands Park? Yes, dogs are allowed but should be kept on-leash.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park has a service road and several short trails for walking and hiking with your dog.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there shade available? Yes, many walking areas and trails are shaded by woods.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a dedicated parking area before entering the federal facility.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks have been reported by visitors, so checking your dog after visiting is advised.
- Are the trails paved? The main service road is paved with gravel; some other trails are less maintained and may be overgrown or have downed trees.
Reviews
I need something little help. A tree too heavy I can’t remove by I’m a long!
Update: The county parks did get 2 shorter trails cut through, but still have not done anything for the longer trail. Also, the 2 trails that were completed have now been ignored and there are a couple of trees down and new growth starting to cover them. The 1.5 mile out (3. Mile round trip) service road is still clear and makes for a good walk. This park has such potential.
There is a sign on Frank Tippet Road for the park on Commo Rd. The parking area is on the right immediately before the entrance to the federal facility. Very easy to find. It’s a pretty area in the midst of developments.This could be a nice park if MNCPPC actually cared. Boardwalk has been closed for years. I emailed them to ask why my park tax dollars aren’t being used to fix the park closest to my house. Told they were working on new trails that would be completed in the fall of 2023. Well the 2nd week of December I saw that 2 trails had finally been started .5 miles in on the service road from the parking area. The one trail leads to the boardwalk which is closed on the other side, but open on this side. Be cautious if you walk on it. The other trail started, goes a bit in and then stops. I wish they would use my tax dollars and get the trails done. The service road is 1.5 miles long with markers every 1/4 mile, 3 mile round trip. It’s a nice peaceful walk where you can see deer, foxes, rabbits, beaver, geese, ducks and skunks. Large rocks that are hard to walk on were used on parts of the service road. MNCPPC get this park finished. Oh plus some company ripped out trees bordering the park a few years ago to put in solar panels. That was stupid, not the fault of the park though. Lots of trash on the stream from bordering development.
I took our two dogs for a walk-through the shaded woods which went by a swamp. It was peaceful and we saw no one. We walked the service trail which was paved with gravel and that is my only complaint.
Really pretty wetlands! Parts felt like I was in Jurassic Park. Do not use this literal location to find the park entrance as it’s a Federal building you’ll pull up to- look for the parking on Google maps, it’s about 10 min from this spot driving. This was a very nice, easy, scenic walk that I’d recommend but I did find 4!! ticks on my Samoyed afterward which is unusual and freaked me out. I was up until midnight grooming him and deep cleaning my house afterward 😩
This is now a medical facility with a lab Corp in the basement. The lab employees were great and had my son feel almost nothing when he got his labs done. They were also so kind and understanding with him with his crying and screaming. Definitely thankful for their willingness to do his labs and so quickly.