barn and pond with fall foliage in the background

Plan Your Visit

Find everything you need to prepare for your visit to Charlotte's Quest.

Hours & Location

Open Daily, Dawn to Dusk

Charlotte's Quest Nature Center

3400 Wilhelm Lane

Manchester, MD 21102

Parking

Parking is available near the Nature Center (Wilhelm Lane entrance) and Walnut Street Pavilion (Walnut Street entrance). An accessible parking space is available near the Nature Center.

Park Map

Use the map below to explore trails, pavilions, and key locations throughout the park. Our 80 acre home, Pine Valley Park, boasts open fields, meadows, 4 acres of trails, pine and hardwood forests.

This map shows the hiking trails and other landmarks of Pine Valley Park.

Print the Park Map

What to Expect

Charlotte's Quest is a natural outdoor space designed for exploration and connection with nature. Visitors can expect wooded trails, open green spaces, and opportunities for quiet observation and outdoor activity

Some trails include uneven or unpaved natural surfaces
Seating is limited and available in select areas
The park is largely undeveloped and maintains a natural setting

Park Guidelines

Please abide by the following rules when visiting Pine Valley Park and Charlotte’s Quest Nature Center. These rules are intended to secure the fullest enjoyment of the facilities for our visitors. The commission of offenses under local ordinances or state law shall be cause for arrest.

Individual Preparedness

Bring your own drinking water. (Our park does not have potable/drinking water available.)
Wear protective clothing such as sturdy shoes, long sleeves, long pants, a head covering such as a brimmed hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Insects ticks, and poison ivy are present in the park. Please be aware and cautious! Aim to avoid the hottest times of the day 10am-2pm if you can.
Bring your own first aid kit, for scrapes, insect stings, etc. In case of an emergency call 911.
If volunteering, bring your own tools such as: Gloves, clippers, hand trowels, loppers, etc. If removing invasive species such as garlic mustard, please bring your own plastic grocery store bags. Please do not add your plastic bags to the compost heaps.

Protect Our Natural Resources

Remain on designated trails to protect woodland habitat and prevent erosion to vulnerable hillsides.
Be respectful of all wildlife and habitats.
Trails are reserved for foot traffic only.
Do not litter. Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of trash in the cans provided near the porta-pottys and in each pavilion.
Camp fires are prohibited without prior permission.
Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas only.
The pond and streams provide habitats to precious wildlife and therefore are not available for boating or swimming.
Catch and release fishing is permitted in our pond.

Protect Your Park Experience

Be considerate of others and do not use excessive noise. Fellow park goers usually wish to experience and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances are prohibited on park property.
Pets are welcome and must be on a physical leash at all times. Please use bags and trash cans provided to clean up after your pets.
Weapons or firearms, hunting, trapping or endangerment to animals are not permitted on park property.
Camping or lodging prohibited without prior permission.
Structures, plants, and natural features may not be removed, damaged or defaced.

Ready to Explore?

Plan your route, check the map, and come experience Charlotte's Quest.

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