Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
(map)
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
Contacts:
Saturday, October 26th, we will be hiking at Cedarville Forest in southern Maryland. This will be our first trip to this area!
The forest is located at the headwaters of Maryland's largest freshwater swamp, the Zekiah. The park is home to a number of interesting natural and historic features. The Zekiah is home to rare carnivorous plants such as sundew and pitcher plants, and the park is home to over 50 species of trees. The Piscataway Tribe made Cedarville their winter camping and hunting ground, and legend has it that a burial ground is located somewhere in the forest. In the 1930's, the lands were purchased as a forest demonstration area. All the trails in Cedarville were created during that time by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Cedarville also operated 3 charcoal kilns up into the 1950's and produced fuel for a number of other Maryland State Parks. One of those kilns is still operated for demonstrations.
In addition to forest conservation efforts, the resource management efforts in the forest include a fish hatchery. The hatchery operates a visitors' center which is open for public tours.
It's located in Brandywine, MD, near the border between Prince Georges and Charles counties. Directions are listed below. Plan to meet at the parking lot across from the charcoal kiln on Forest Rd. For more information you can call Cedarville Forest at (301) 888-1410 or 1-800-784-5380. The forest is also open for camping into December. For reservations, call 1-888-432-CAMP or on the web at reservations.dnr.state.md.us.
Please note: There is also a $2 entrance fee to get into Cedarville State Forest.
For the exact time to meet at the trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.
This hike will be limited to 12 people plus dogs.
This hike will be divided into 2 loops. Trails are mixed use, so we may encounter horses and bikers.
The first
loop will follow the "Blue Trail" and is about 3.5 miles long.
The trail is relatively flat, with some short hills and streams and
springs. The trail passes through abandoned farm land and passed an old
charcoal kiln. This trail will also pass by a competition archery range.
The second loop
will follow the 4 mile "White Trail". This trail passes through
hardwood forests and pine plantations. This is also a relatively flat
trail with some moderate climbs. This trail passes close to the fish
hatchery.
Each of the loops of this hike is rated as "A" and both together as a "B" level hike. For more information on the rating system, click here.
Cedarville Forest Trail Map
|
|
Follow this link for more information on Cedarville Forest.
As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means appropriate footwear, a hat, and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you). The weather can be variable this time of year, so be prepared and bring enough water to hydrate both you and your do. You may also want to bring snacks for you and your dog. Also, there is a picnic area at the trailhead, so bring lunch if you'd like.
Remember that there is a $2 entrance fee for the forest.
Basically the main rules we have are that dogs need to stay on leash and under control, and that you scoop your poop. Please bring a 6-8' standard leash for your dog. With a large group, flexible leads can allow people and dogs to trip or tangle, resulting in rope burns or injuries.
We'll be hiking rain, snow or sunshine unless there is severe or dangerous weather. If the weather is too hot, too cold or too wet for you on the day of the hike, don't be afraid to sit this one out. We want you to have fun! We have planned other hikes, so if you don't think you'll enjoy yourself this time, just wait for the next hike.
From the DC Beltway:
Take exit #7A, Route 5 south (Branch Ave.) towards Waldorf. Follow Rte. 5 until it ends at Rte. 301 in Brandywine. Follow Rte. 301 south. Turn left at stoplight onto Cedarville Road (look for State Forest sign). Turn right into Forest entrance at Bee Oak Rd. Follow Bee Oak Rd. passing Dent Road and Hidden Springs Road to Forest Road (a gravel road), about 1.5 miles from the entrance. Turn right, drive about .25 miles and park in the lot on the right side of the road.
| Cedarville Forest | 10201 Bee Oak Rd. Brandywine, MD 20613 |
|
Click image for interactive map from MapQuest |
|
To register for the hike and to get the details on meeting location and time, or for anything else about this hike or the hiking club in general, please contact Jeff Bolognese.
