WSSC Water Opens Patuxent Watershed Lands to Public March 15

More than 6,000 acres of protected watershed land surrounding two drinking water reservoirs opened to the public today as WSSC Water launched its 2026 recreation season. The season runs through November 30, with permit holders welcome from sunrise to sundown daily across six recreation areas spanning Montgomery, Prince George's and Howard counties.

The accessible terrain includes the Triadelphia Reservoir and the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir, which together supply drinking water to millions of people in the region. The T. Howard Duckett Reservoir alone serves as the drinking water source for one-third of WSSC's customers. The Rocky Gorge Reservoir, created when Duckett Dam was built in 1952, sits at the juncture of all three counties, with roughly 270 acres of WSSC-owned watershed land falling within Prince George's County.

Permitted activities include boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking across 16 miles of shoreline trails. At the Supplee Recreation Area in Montgomery County, hikers and horseback riders can travel a two-mile round-trip multiuse trail to the Prince George's-Montgomery county line, with shoreline access and opportunities to spot eagles and great blue herons on the return. Scotts Cove Recreation Area in Howard County, accessible from 10845 Harding Road in Laurel, offers picnicking with reservoir views. A three-mile round-trip hike is available at the end of Tucker Lane, following the northern portion of the Patuxent River.

Boaters should note that some ramps remain temporarily closed due to low water levels. Conditions can change, and visitors should call 301-206-4FUN or the Brighton Dam Visitor Center at 301-206-7485 before heading out.

All visitors 16 and older must carry a valid permit. A day-use pass runs $5 and a seasonal pass costs $70. Permits can be purchased online at wsscwater.com/watershed or in person at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center, located at 2 Brighton Dam Road in Brookville, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to sundown including weekends. Permit Services handles administrative questions at 301-206-4003, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Wednesdays when hours end at noon.

Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by a permit holder who is at least 18 years old. Complimentary permits are available for people 65 and older, active military members, and disabled veterans, but those passes cannot be obtained online because proof of age or status must be presented in person. Free permits are available at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center or at the WSSC Water Support Center in the Richard G. Hocevar Building at 14501 Sweitzer Lane in Laurel. They must be renewed annually, also in person.

Anyone fishing must hold a valid State of Maryland fishing license in addition to the watershed permit. The season closes December 1, with the trail system, reservoir parking and water access all off-limits through next March.