Located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. Recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Paths are unmarked. Paths lead from parking areas at Long Corner, Mullinix Mill, Route 94, Hipsley Mill, Howard Chapel and Route 97 road crossings over the river. Hunting is permitted only in designated areas. A portion of the park is a state wildlands area.