| American Chestnut Land Trust-North |
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Description: The American Chestnut Land Trust maintains 3,000 acres of forest and wetlands in Calvert County, MD. Besides being stewards of nature they support a fine trail system in the Parker Creek Preserve. The trails, for the most part, are well groomed, obvious and signed at nearly all junctions. It’s a great place for a short family outing. Complete fold-up maps can be found at the kiosks at the main trailheads. Described here is a nearly 4 mile loop with an optional out-and-back to the creek. Since there is little in the way of serious elevation gain 3-D maps and elevation profiles are not provided here. Google Maps Custom Driving Directions The hike starts at the visitor parking lot just down the drive from the main office. Don’t use the office lot. |
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Zipped National Geographic. TOPO! GPS and Universal GPX Files |
Trail Notes: Begin by walking down the gravel drive towards the gardens. Turn right onto the Turkey Trail. In 0.7 miles the trail splits. I did not recall seeing a sign here. The trail to the left dead ends at the creek. Turn right to continue the loop. At this point you are on the Parkers Creek Trail. The trail crosses a small tributary before arriving at the edge of the creek. Boardwalks and bridges help to keep your feet dry. At first you will get views of the creek through the trees. At 1.1 miles from the last junction arrive at the intersection with the Double Oak Rd Trail. Here are good views both downstream towards the bay and upstream as well. In another 0.3 miles arrive at the junction with the Old Parkers Creek Rd Trail. Take the spur to the left to visit the creek for the last time and see the pylons remaining from a bridge that connected communities on both sides of the creek until the 1930s. Follow the Old Parkers Creek Rd Trail for 1.2 miles. Initially it is a bit of a climb but it soon flattens out as you enjoy a pleasant walk on a wide, sandy lane. Cross Double Oak Road and follow a sunken road for 0.2 miles until you reach the drive you drove in on. Turn right and in 0.1 miles return to the office area.
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