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