Exploring it all requires a stroll along a network of paths. Especially conspicuous are the Japanese maples and burning bush shrubs, which both turn bright red, and the lone ginkgo tree, which turns a brilliant yellow. There's no picnicking at Brookside Gardens, but a short walk will take you next door to Brookside Nature Center, where there are picnic tables. This Prince George's County park has 2,000 acres of mostly second-growth forest, dominated by tulip poplars and red maples. Autumn colors shine.
People can also rent canoes, and see the foliage by river.
On October afternoons, you can often see them flying around looking for food. Patuxent River Park is at 16000 Croom Airport Rd.