Crossing the water on the Oxford - Bellevue Ferry is the gateway to an outdoor experience that combines history, nature, and straightforward adventure. The ferry itself is a 30-minute ride across the Tred Avon River, challenging the currents that dare you to keep pace. Arriving in Oxford, Maryland, hikers and explorers face trails that hold their ground—modest in length but rich in variety and character.

Start with the Oxford Town Walking Trail, an approximately 2.5-mile loop with moderate elevation changes, guiding you through shade-wrapped forest patches and quiet waterfront views. The terrain switches from well-maintained boardwalks to packed earth, revealing the land’s resilience and softness. The breeze off the river pushes forward like a silent companion, sketching the edges of your path.

For those thirsting for a longer excursion, heading outside town toward the Sands Point Trail extends your route by another 3 miles. It’s a gentle climb and descent over mixed hardwoods and tangled underbrush, ending with a clearing that commands a view of the river’s expanse—an ideal spot for a break and reflection. The landscape here is fierce in its simplicity; it doesn’t ask to be conquered but respected. Creek crossings and occasional muddy patches require sturdy footwear and an alert eye.

Practical preparation is key. Timing your visit for early morning or late afternoon will beat the heat and catch the light when it drapes the waters and trees in calm gold. Bring layers—weather shifts can be sudden, and wind off the river sharpens the air. Hydration is non-negotiable; while the trails are not long, the Maryland humidity makes water your most trusted ally.

The ferry runs year-round, but spring and fall deliver the most inviting weather for these outdoor activities. Vibrant greens burst after winter, while autumn paints the forest in steady oranges and reds. Snow and ice in winter transform the ferry into a quiet passage, but trails become slippery and some sections may close.

Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, the Oxford - Bellevue Ferry route offers an approachable adventure with enough challenge to engage. It’s an invitation to step into a landscape fiercely itself—wild enough to remind you of your place, calm enough to savor the moment. Each step is a conversation with the land, an exchange of respect and discovery.