Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Beautiful American Chestnut Land Trust — South Tract Area Trails! A Moderate 6.5 Miles

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) is a local land trust located in Calvert County, Maryland, an hour’s drive from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.

We will hike in the South, mainly in the Governors Run watershed. The South Tract area encompasses old family farms, cemeteries, and a burgeoning beaver community and has a character that is different than the North tract. There are the remains of an ancient huge American Chestnut tree (it succumbed to the chestnut blight that affects American Chestnut trees; there is still a smaller tree standing). We also pass by hybrids which have been planted a few years ago. The area is comprised of a rare mix of various hardwoods, bottomland swamp, and creeks, all making their way to the Chesapeake Bay.

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) is, as its name suggests, named for a tree. Unfortunately, the American Chestnut tree succumbed to the “Chestnut Blight”, a disease introduced in 1900. Within a span of only 40 years, the blight proceeded down the Appalachian Mountains, destroying a forest that had stood for thousands of years!

ACLT, in its own words is a member-supported nature conservancy working to protect the natural lands, waterways, cultural landmarks, & wildlife habitats of the Parkers Creek & Governors Run watershed & to encourage conservation & preservation throughout Southern Maryland.

Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Port Republic, MD
Length: About 6.5 total miles
Elevation Gain: 550 ft.
Trail Type: Two loops
Skill Level: Moderate due to a few short steep hills.
Trail Surface: Old dirt farm roads converted into nice hiking trails
Local Contacts: American Chestnut Land Trust
Local Maps: USGS Prince Frederick

Park Entry Fee
There is no park entrance fee.

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile Hike

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is dedicated as a “forever protected” natural environmental area. At 1,021 acres, it is the largest parkland in Howard County’s system of parks, open space and natural resource areas.

The MPEA is home to a diversity of wildlife, including about 150 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, plants and other wildlife. This parkland is comprised largely of mature, second-growth upland forest and floodplain forest. The Middle Patuxent River runs north to south through the property, with 17 tributary streams found within the boundary.

Our hike will take us through woodland, open pasture and trails bordering the Middle Patuxent River. It has only modest elevation gains (417 feet). It is considered an easy side of moderate hike.

Trail Information:
Activity: Hiking
Nearby City: Clarksville, Howard County, MD
Trail Surface: mostly dirt, some gravel, wooden boardwalks
Scenery: River overlooks, woodland, stream valleys, meadows
Length of hike: 5.75 miles
Elevation: 420 ft
Trail type: Modifies loop
Skill Level: easy side of moderate
Facilities: Bathroom at trailhead.

Park Fee
There is No Park Entry Fee

Gambrill State Park: High Knob Vista! A Moderate 7.4-Mile Hike

This hike is at Gambrill State Park, located 45 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

"Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County. Its most attractive feature is the 16 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park is separated into two areas, the Rock Run area and the High Knob area. From the 1600-foot High Knob, three stone overlooks offer breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys, then continue to the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains.”

This particular hike takes us along and beside the ridge of Catoctin Mountain through mature hardwood forest, offering east and west views. Additionally, it provides plentiful, sweeping views north and west of South Mountain, home of the Appalachian Trail. On the circuit hike's return route on the east side of the ridge are beautiful scenes of the Monocacy River watershed." Portions of the above description are credited to Copyright David Edwin Lillard Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

On a clear day, looking north, visitors can see the rugged tree-covered mountains of the Frederick City Municipal Forest, one of the State's best-managed watersheds. Looking south, one can see Crampton's Gap, a Civil War Landmark and the site of Gathland State Park, and the Middletown and Monocacy Valleys. South Mountain, where many engagements between Confederate and Union troops took place during the Civil War, can be seen to the West.

Trail Information
Nearby City: Frederick, MD
Length: 8 Miles
Elev. Gain: 1200 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Season: Year-round
Local Contacts: Gambrill State Park
Facilities: Portable Bathroom at trailhead

Park Entry Fee
$3 for Maryland registered vehicles, $5 for out of state. The Maryland State Park Pass is accepted.