At a Glance
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Cost: Free.
Tips: Trails may be wet or muddy. Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots or shoes. ◾ The park conducts managed hunting for deer. Be aware of hunting seasons and plan your visit accordingly. Visit only on Sundays during deer seasons. Also consult the Montgomery Parks deer hunting schedule. ◾ Portable restroom at main parking area.
Best Seasons: Year-round.
Breeding Bird Atlas Block: Poolesville SW
Local MOS Chapter: Montgomery Bird Club
Royce Hanson Conservation Park at Broad Run
21820 Club Hollow Rd, Poolesville MD 20837
GPS Coordinates: 39.132385, -77.457481
(301) 495-2595
Royce Hanson CP comprises diverse habitats including wetlands and swamps, upland and riparian forest interior, agricultural fields, and restored meadows, all occurring on a cross-section of Triassic Shale geology and inclusions of Diabase bedrock. This geology helps create a unique hardpan floodplain forest habitat on the west side of the property that supports rare plant and wildlife communities.
Because of these diverse habitats, many different families of birds can be seen, particularly songbirds and raptors favoring open grassland, as well as forest interior birds. Herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl may also be observed, particularly during migration seasons.
There are two parking areas for general use: the large main lot is reached by a driveway that heads south from Club Hollow Road, marked by a large park sign. A smaller lot is also located on Club Hollow Road, but about 0.3 miles west of the driveway for the main lot. This smaller lot is tucked into a corner of a field and adjacent to a woodlot.
There are five miles of trails, including a newly constructed multi-use natural surface trail that circles the park’s extensive meadow and agricultural fields, as well as two trails through one of the largest tracts of contiguous forest in the county. A particularly nice feature of Royce Hanson CP is that the looped trail network allows birders to choose any length of walk, from just a couple tenths of a mile to the whole circuit of more than 5 miles. All of the trails are well-marked, with signs and blazes.
- The natural-surfaced Stacked Stone Loop, 1.0 miles long, runs west from the main parking lot. The first 0.1 miles is hard-surfaced and ADA-accessible down to the large pond. As you travel to the pond, a dedicated wildlife food plot lays to the left, and to the right and surrounding the pond is an area of tall grass, scrub, and small trees that attracts a variety of songbirds, particularly sparrows. Past the pond, the Stacked Stone Loop encircles one of the Royce Hanson CP’s large agricultural fields, which are under lease for growing corn and soybean crops.
- The newly cut 1-mile Putty Root Loop travels through riparian forest overlooking Broad Run and two tributary streams. Putty Root Loop is on the west side of the park south of Club Hollow Road, and is reached by a short spur trail that runs west from the Stacked Stone Loop, crossing a stream and then intersecting Putty Root Loop.
- Senna Loop, another 1-mile upland forest trail, lies north of Club Hollow Road, and is reached from Putty Root Loop by a spur, Club Hollow Lane, that crosses Club Hollow Road to connect the two trails. Together Senna Loop and Putty Hill Loop form a large figure-eight in the forested western section of Royce Hanson CP. These gently graded natural surface forest trails cross gentle slopes with an elevation change of only about 50 feet. Deer management helps preserve a variety of unique plant communities within the forest.
- The short Corn Crib Trail runs southeast about a tenth of a mile from the main parking lot to an old barn and from there down to a small wetland pond, which boasts an attractive viewing gazebo. A wet grassy swale running out from the pond is a particularly active bird spot, with songbirds hopping through even on the coldest days. An extension of the Corn Crib Trail forms a loop around the pond, running only 0.35 miles total.
- Nearby, the 0.7-mile Bluestem Trail runs through 52 acres of restored meadow that lie east of the driveway to the main parking area.
- The 0.8-mile Borderland Trail lies north of the Bluestem Trail and loops around the park’s north part of the eastern agricultural field. The Bluestem Trail and the Borderland Trail form another figure-eight, this one focused on fields rather than woods. To the east of these trails lies a strip of wet woods that contain a south-flowing section of Broad Run.
Managed deer hunting takes place at Royce Hanson CP, on both archery and lottery-based shotgun days; see details on the County Parks deer hunting webpage, which includes dates of scheduled hunts and closures for all county-owned parks that have deer hunting.
There is a portable restroom at the main parking area; a permanent restroom will be built at a later date. The closest indoor public restrooms are at the Chisel Branch Campsite along the C&O Canal Towpath. From the park, go east on Club Hollow Road and then right on Edwards Ferry Road. Take Edwards Ferry Road south 2.6 miles to its terminus at the parking area of Lock 25 and the Lock 25 Lockhouse at Mile 30.8 along the C&O Canal Towpath. Park your car and walk southeast on the towpath for 0.3 miles to reach the Chisel Branch Restrooms at Mile 30.5. Alternatively, there are public restrooms at several town parks in Poolesville, MD, approximately 2.6 miles east of Royce Hanson CP: Whalen Commons (19701 Fisher Avenue), Elgin Park (intersection of Elgin Road and Jerusalem Road), Halmos Park (16981 Hoskinson Road) and L.M. Stevens Park (Seneca Chase Park Road.
Conservation Notes: Stewardship initiatives at Royce Hanson CP in support of biodiversity and ecological health include meadow restoration (with 30 acres of new meadow habitat), invasive species removal, and deer management. In addition, reforestation efforts using native and climate-resilient tree species will improve water and air quality while enhancing wildlife habitat.
Historical Notes: The park is named for local conservationist Royce Hanson, who chaired the Montgomery County Planning Board of the M-NCPPC (Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission) during two terms (1972-1981 and 2006-2010) and is credited with creating the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.
The landscape at Royce Hanson CP is rich with examples of county history, with evidence of activity of indigenous peoples, Civil War encampments, and farming before, during, and following industrialization. Archeological investigations on the site are ongoing.
The house and farm were owned from 1856 through 1942 by the locally important White family. Census records show that the Whites owned enslaved people. Two of the White brothers fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and one was captured and held prisoner, but returned to the farm after the war. The White’s house and other farm buildings were listed on the inventory of the Maryland Historical Trust, but because the buildings were in extremely poor condition and collapsing, most were demolished circa 2019.
Birdlife:
One eBird hotspot covers Royce Hanson Conservation Park, with 137+ species reported as of April 2026. This shows a remarkable and intense birding effort by local birders: the first eBird checklist was posted in October 2025, and by late April 2026, just 8 months later, 320 checklists had been filed on eBird. The number of reported species on eBird is due for a rapid increase as more checklists accumulate during the upcoming spring, summer, and early fall seasons.
Raptors, including Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier, and American Kestrel, are often seen hunting the open landscape, and the park has installed a couple of kestrel nest boxes in its fields. Eastern Red Cedars are spaced along the entrance road, and young Red Maple and oak trees have been planted along the new park paths; scan these trees for woodpeckers and warblers. Meadow grasses and forbs, the scrub along the forest edges, and the wet swale below the barn yield a rich variety of sparrows in all seasons.
Other regularly seen birds include Red-tailed Hawks, both Turkey and Black Vultures, Killdeer, Red-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Common Raven; as well as more common birds like Eastern Bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, and other small woodland species. Other regulars include the sparrows and other songbirds of edges and open areas, such as Eastern Meadowlark, American Goldfinch, Field Sparrow, and Eastern Towhee.
In spring, flycatchers, swallows, mimids, and orioles come in. Nest boxes are onsite for Wood Duck, American Kestrel, Eastern Screech Owl, Eastern Bluebird, and Barn Owl (and bats!). Data from the spring park surveys as well as the Third Breeding Bird Atlas indicate that nesting species include Barred and Great Horned Owls; Red-headed Woodpecker; Eastern Kingbird; Willow Flycatcher; Common Raven; Tree Swallow; Cedar Waxwing; Yellow-breasted Chat; Eastern Meadowlark; Orchard Oriole; Indigo Bunting; and Blue Grosbeak.
In spring and fall migration, expect to see Yellow-billed Cuckoo, many eastern warblers and vireos, Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Spring is an especially good time to bird the woodland trails.
In fall or winter, a good variety of sparrows are seen, including Fox, White-crowned, White-throated, American Tree, Savannah, and Lincoln’s, in addition to resident Song, Field, and Chipping Sparrows. Horned Lark and American Pipit are occasional visitors in the winter agricultural fields.
Wheelchair Access:
The first part of the Stacked Stone Loop Trail is hard-surfaced and AD-accessible, from the main parking lot to the larger of the two ponds (o.1 mile, one-way). The paved section ends at the pond and provides a water view. Other trails are natural surface and not accessible to wheelchairs.
The main parking area is hard-surfaced and wheelchair accessible. There is a portable restroom at the main parking area; a permanent restroom will be built later.
Pet Policy:
Pets are allowed on leash; be prepared to pick up after your pet.
Special Designations:
Royce Hanson Conservation Park is part of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and is protected in perpetuity through the transfer of development rights, along with a swath of adjacent privately-owned properties.
Special Features:
- Pack in – pack out. There are no trash cans on site at Royce Hanson CP; take your trash with you.
- Benches scattered along trails; picnic area with tables.
- Outdoor classroom.
- Fishing at the two freshwater ponds.
- Horseback riding on designated trails (BYOH).
- Biking on designated trails.
- Native pollinator plants in extensive meadows and fields.
- Interpretive signage regarding the site’s human history, including its agricultural legacy, Civil War-era activity, African-American history, and Native American heritage.
- A fundraising campaign to endow the park is underway through the Montgomery Parks Foundation.
Local MOS Chapter:
The local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society is the Montgomery Bird Club, offering field trips and meetings with informative programs, most free and open to the public. Pre-reregistration is required for some events; some field trips have a limited capacity and may fill quickly.
The Montgomery Bird Club has published A Birder’s Guide to Montgomery County, Maryland (2008); this comprehensive, detailed book covers 17 major birding sites plus 18 “little treasures” in the county. The book is now out of print but is available as a free downloadable PDF, courtesy of the Montgomery Bird Club.
Parking:
Two parking areas for general visitors: the main parking area is accessed from a paved driveway that extends south from the main entrance on Club Hollow Road, marked by a large roadside sign. A smaller lot is located west of the main entrance, between the edge of a field and a woodlot. Other single-vehicle roadside parking areas are designated for hunting use but are not open to the general public.
Directions:
Royce Hanson Conservation Park is located in the southwestern part of Montgomery County, west of Poolesville.
Street address (main parking area): 21820 Club Hollow Rd, Poolesville MD 20837
GPS Coordinates: 39.132385, -77.457481
From the Washington, DC area: From I-495/DC Beltway, take Exit 39 for MD Route 190/River Road west toward the town of Potomac. Drive for about 11.4 miles to a T-intersection where River Road meets MD Route 112/Seneca Road. Turn left to continue on Route 190/River Road for 5.0 miles to West Willard Road. Turn right to go north on West Willard Road. In 3.8 miles, make a sharp left to go west on Westerly Road. In 1.5 miles, at a T-intersection, turn right to go north on Edwards Ferry Road. In just 500 feet, make the next left to go west on Club Hollow Road. The entrance to Royce Hanson Conservation Park will be on your left in 0.4 miles, marked by a large sign.
From the Baltimore area:
- Alternative 1. No toll, fewer turns, a little longer. Take I-95 south from the Baltimore Beltway to I-495/DC Beltway. Follow signs to merge onto the outer loop of the DC Beltway toward Bethesda, then follow directions above from the Washington, DC area.
- Alternative 2. Toll road, more turns, but a little shorter. From I-695/Baltimore Beltway, take Exit 11 to go south on I-95. From I-95 southbound, take Exit 31 to go west on MD Route 200 (Toll Road). Continue west on MD 200 for 16.3 miles, where MD 200 will end and I-370 will start. Take I-370 west; in 2.7 miles, I-370 will end. Continue straight ahead on Sam Eig Highway for 0.5 miles. Use the middle lane to turn right (north) onto MD Route 119/Great Seneca Highway. Go just 0.3 miles on Route 119, and then use the 2nd lane from the left to turn left (south) onto Muddy Branch Road. In 0.6 miles, turn right to go west on MD Route 28/Darnestown Road. Follow Route 28 for 7.9 miles, then, at a fork make a slight left to go west on MD Route 107/Whites Ferry Road. Follow Route 107 west for 3.9 mi, then turn left onto Westerly Avenue. In just 0.8 mi, turn right (north) onto West Willard Road, then take the next left to go west on Westerly Road. In 1.5 miles, at a T-intersection, turn right to go north on Edwards Ferry Road. In just 500 feet, make the next left to go west on Club Hollow Road. The entrance to Royce Hanson Conservation Park will be on your left in 0.4 miles, marked by a large sign.
From Southern MD (Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties): Go north on MD Route 2/4, or take US Route 50 west, to reach I-495/DC Beltway. Merge onto the Outer Loop of the Beltway heading toward Silver Spring and Bethesda. Then follow directions above from the Washington, DC area.
From the Eastern Shore: Depending on your location, use MD Route 213, US Route 301, or US Route 50 to reach the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. After crossing the Bay Bridge, continue west on US 50 to reach I-495/DC Beltway. Merge onto the Outer Loop of the Beltway heading toward Silver Spring and Bethesda. Then follow directions above from the Washington, DC area.
From Western Maryland (Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties): Use I-68 and/or I-70 to reach the south side of the City of Frederick, MD. From I-70, take exit 53 to merge onto I-270 southbound toward DC. In 1.3 miles, take exit 31 to go south on MD Route 85/Buckeystown Pike toward Buckeystown. Follow Route 85/Buckeystown Pike for 8.9 miles. Route 85 will end at intersection with MD Route 28, which is Dickerson Road to the east and Tuscarora Road to the west. Stay straight to take Route 28/Dickerson Road east for 4.8 miles, toward and past the town of Dickerson. At a fork where Route 28 goes left, bear RIGHT onto Martinsburg Road. Follow Martinsburg Road south for 1.3 miles, then, at another fork bear LEFT onto Wasche Road. Follow Wasche Road south for 2.7 miles. At the intersection with Fisher Avenue and Whites Ferry Road, the name of Wasche Road changes; continue straight ahead to go south on what is now called Edwards Ferry Road, for 1.8 miles. Turn right to go west on Club Hollow Road; the entrance to Royce Hanson Conservation Park will be on the left in 0.4 miles, at a large sign for the park.
Nearby Sites:
Montgomery County: Black Hill Regional Park ■ Blue Mash Nature Trail ■ C&O Canal – Pennyfield, Violette’s & Riley’s Locks ■ Little Bennett Regional Park ■ Lois Y. Green Conservation Park ■McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area (Hughes Hollow) ■ Rock Creek Regional Park – Lake Needwood ■ Rock Creek Regional Park – Meadowside Nature Center & Lake Frank ■ Seneca Creek State Park ■ Triadelphia Reservoir (Brighton Dam) ■ Wheaton Regional Park – Brookside Gardens, Brookside Nature Center, Pine Lake Area
Habitats:
Bottomland Deciduous ForestsConifersHedgerowsUpland Deciduous Forests Stormwater Retention Pond Agricultural Crop Fields or Fallow FieldsHay Meadows, Pasture, Grass FieldOld Fields, Shrubby Meadows Forested SwampFreshwater Marsh or FloodplainFreshwater Pond, Lake, or ReservoirRivers & Streams
Features and Amenities:
BeginnersBicycle Trails (Bikes may be prohibited on some trails)FishingFree - No Entry Fee at Any TimeHabitat Restoration ProjectHiking/Walking TrailsHistorical FeaturesHorseback RidingHuntingNative Plant Garden or Meadow/Pollinator PlantsNature Education ProgramsParkingPets AllowedPicnic AreaRestroomsWheelchair Accessible FeaturesYoung People / FamiliesType:
County Parks