Copyright: Maryland State Forest and Park Service Soldier's Delight NRMA

Description - Soldier's Delight Natural Environment Area is comprised of 1,800 acres of serpentine barren. The area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks, and minerals.

Attractions - Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and minerals. Rare grassland plant species are threatened by invasion of Virginia Pine trees. Currently a five-year effort of removing 1,000 acres of pines and prescribed burning are underway to return the area to natural serpentine habitat.

There are seven miles of marked hiking trails. Equestrians and cyclists are prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the area. The visitor center has meeting rooms, a reference library and exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. The visitor center, located at 5100 Deer Park Road in Owings Mills, Maryland, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

Recreation - The undeveloped natural site is restricted to environmental education programs and hiking.

Climate - Maryland has four distinct seasons with spring and fall being particularly pleasant with low humidity and mild temperatures. The average January temperature ranges between 30 and 34 degrees F (-1 to 1 C) with July averages ranging between 74 degrees F and 80 degrees F. Typically, coastal temperatures are slightly warmer then the western Appalachian Plateau area. Travelers should be aware that winters can become miserably cold and summers can be hazy, hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers.

Location - Soldiers Delight NEA is located in central Maryland. It is reached via I-795, to Franklin Blvd. west, left on Berrymans Lane, then left on Deer Park Road.

LAT: 39.4292985161
LONG: -76.8677330017