Outdoor recreation at the Patuxent Watershed opens back up to visitors for the season on Sunday, according to a news release from WSSC Water, the local water utility company.

The watershed’s 6,000 acres, including six recreation areas, 16 miles of shoreline fishing and hiking trails, will be open to the public on Sunday through Nov. 30. Permit holders can access the area daily from sunrise to sundown.

Visitors can hike, picnic or enjoy other activities within the watershed, including boating, fishing and horseback riding. Some boat ramps are temporarily closed until water levels in the area rise.

The preserved and privately owned land spans across Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties. The land and waterways in the Patuxent Watershed that are accessible for recreation also act as a “buffer area” for the nearby reservoirs that provide drinking water to millions of people, according to the WSSC Water website.

To access the area, you must have a permit through the Watershed Recreation User Program. A day-use pass is available for $5, or you can buy the seasonal pass for $70.