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Kyle E. Rambo Nature Trail
The Kyle E. Rambo Nature Trail, formerly the Pepperbush Trail, was renamed in October 2021 in honor of the retired Conservation Director whose passion and dedication built a lasting natural resources legacy at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Built in 1983-84 by members of the Young Adult Conservation Corp and installation Natural Resources staff, the Kyle E. Rambo Trail is located on the southern tip of NAS Patuxent River. It covers a variety of woodland and wetland habitats and is mostly flat with some hilly terrain on the Vireo (green) and Bluebird (blue) loops. It’s used by hikers, joggers, trail bikers, bird watchers, berry pickers, and nature photographers – all experiencing the natural side of Pax River in their own way.
Volunteers primarily maintain the trail under the guidance of Natural Resources staff. While you will see some very large trees growing in the forests along the trail, realize that these are all “second growth” forests, having been cut over by humans on one or more occasions prior to the Navy’s arrival in 1942. Additionally, the recreational fishing ponds were engineered by impounding naturally flowing streams.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the Kyle E. Rambo Nature Trail.
Loop Details
Goldfinch Loop (2.75 miles - easy)
The Goldfinch Loop can be accessed at two locations along Priester Road, as well as from the East Patrol Road near Gate 3. This trail consists of firebreak roads and buried utility corridors that are very flat and is the widest, most open trail found at Patuxent River. The forest that surrounds this trail is a mix of pines and deciduous hardwoods. Wildlife that frequents this area includes gray squirrels, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.
Bluebird Loop (0.9 miles - moderate)
The Bluebird Loop can be accessed from Priester Road and is also connected to the Vireo Loop. This short but hilly trail traverses a mix of pine and deciduous forest. Sections of this trail tend to be wet at times and can be good places to spot amphibians in the spring. A unique feature to this trail is the small portion that parallels an open grassland. Keep an eye out for grassland birds in this area.
Vireo Loop (0.75 miles - moderate)
Parking for the Vireo Loop can be found near Sewall Pond. Enter the trail near the former Mattapany Day Camp or along Priester Road. This trail is one of the most scenic, including views of both Sewall and Holton ponds. The section that is west of Priester Road wraps around Sewall Pond and has wooden bridges that cross its headwaters. There is also an overlook at the trail’s high point for viewing wildlife in the pond. The section to the east of Priester Road includes a wildlife viewing blind that overlooks Holton Pond. Turtles, wading birds, waterfowl, and bald eagles can often be seen around these ponds.
Oriole Loop (0.65 miles - easy)
The Oriole Loop is accessed off of Shaw Road near Gate 3. This trail is short and flat, making it one of the easiest trails at Patuxent River. Sections of the trail parallel the banks of Holton Pond, providing opportunities to see waterfowl, turtles, and other wildlife. There are wood duck nest boxes along the edge of the pond. Look for them to be active in the spring.
Cardinal Loop (1.60 miles - moderate)
There are three places along the East Patrol Road where the Cardinal Loop can be accessed. This trail is one of the longest trails and is somewhat hilly. Portions of this trail contain streams and seeps, making it wet at times, but there are wooden bridges covering most of these wet areas. This is one of the largest and least disturbed forests found on the installation, making it an ideal place to find forest interior dwelling species (FIDS) of birds.
Bird Checklist
Goldfinch Loop
- American Goldfinch (year-round; open woodlands)
- Downy Woodpecker (year-round; forest)
- Summer Tanager (spring, summer; open woodlands)
- Great Crested Flycatcher (summer, open woodlands)
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo (summer; open woodlands)
- Chuck-will's-widow (summer; open woodlands)
- Pine Warbler (year-round; forest)
- Wild Turkey (year-round; open woodlands)
- Blue Jay (year-round; forest)
Bluebird Loop
- Eastern Bluebird (year-round; grassland)
- Indigo Bunting (spring, summer; open woodlands)
- Mourning Dove (year-round; open woodlands)
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (summer; forest)
- White-breasted Nuthatch (year-round; forest)
- Red-bellied Woodpecker (year-round; forest)
- American Robin (year-round; open woodlands)
- Cooper's Hawk (year-round; forest)
- Brown Thrasher (year-round, scrub)
Vireo Loop
- White-eyed Vireo (spring, summer; scrub)
- Red-eyed Vireo (spring, summer; forest)
- Green Heron (spring, summer, fall; wetlands)
- Eastern Screech-owl (year-round; forest)
- Common Yellowthroat (spring, summer; scrub)
- Acadian Flycatcher (spring, summer; forest)
- Belted Kingfisher (year-round; wetlands)
- Gray Catbird (year-round; open woodlands)
- Bald Eagle (year-round; forest)
Oriole Loop
- Orchard Oriole (spring, summer; open woodlands)
- Carolina Chickadee (year-round; forest)
- Tufted Titmouse (year-round; forest)
- Great Blue Heron (year-round; wetlands)
- Red-winged Blackbird (year-round; wetlands)
- Red-tailed Hawk (year-round; open woodlands)
- Wood Duck (year-round; wetlands)
- Song Sparrow (year-round; open woodlands)
- Carolina Wren (year-round; open woodlands)
Cardinal Loop
- Northern Cardinal (year-round; open woodlands)
- Northern Parula (spring, summer; forest)
- Hooded Warbler (spring, summer; forest)
- Scarlet Tanager (summer; forest)
- Red-shouldered Hawk (year-round; forest)
- Pileated Woodpecker (year-round; forest)
- Wood Thrush (spring, summer; forest)
- Ovenbird (summer; forest)
- Barred Owl (year-round; forest)
Biohazards on the Trail
While on the trail, there are a few precautions that should be taken. Ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes are present and most active during the warmer months. Wearing long pants, tucking in shirts/pant legs, and applying repellent sprays all help prevent these insects from biting. Poison ivy is present along the trails. Wearing long pants and sleeves can help prevent skin contact with the oil from these plants, which can cause rashes, but staying on the trail is your best precaution.
The northern copperhead is the only venomous snake found in Southern Maryland. Copperheads can be distinguished from non-venomous snakes in this area by their distinct triangle-shaped heads. They are rarely sighted but should be avoided if you come upon one.
Trail Etiquette/Rules
- Please keep to the trails.
- Leave no trace; take only pictures.
- Respect all wildlife.
- Take all trash out with you.
- Keep pets on a leash; pick up after your dogs.
- Watch and listen for bicycles (Goldfinch & Cardinal Loops)P
- Please be aware that hunting does occur at NAS Patuxent River in the areas around the trails. For more information, please click on the links below.
