American Chestnut Land Trust - South Tract! A Moderate 6.5 Miles
Details
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.
Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for this Hike
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 9:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group hikes are led by qualified, generous, dedicated people who have volunteered to be part of the group's leadership team and are certified hike leaders. Click Here to see how to join the team!
MAHG is very supportive and encouraging. We focus on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie. Come out and enjoy the many health benefits provided by hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHG's core values, in addition to our commitment to the organization's mission.
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!
Christa: 410.610.6254
Tim: 202.744.0289
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Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
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American Chestnut Land Trust - South Tract! A Moderate 6.5 Miles