New Loop Trail - Status

A major part of a new and longer loop trail in the MPEA was cleared by a dozen volunteers on a Sunday in July (1999). The project is currently on hold until the new (January 2000) manager and the Foundation have had opportunity to include it in more general (overall) planning for the Area.

The new loop branches from the northern section of the original loop at a point near the river and heads generally northwest toward MD-108 where the old school is presently located. A branch to MD-108 at that point is clearly feasible. About two thirds of the intended loop were cleared, continuing the preliminary marking and clearing performed by an earlier group and extending the return section..

Those wishing to explore may find the following detail of value. Look for ribbons beginning on a section of the present loop at a point not far from the river, in the vicinity of trail marker 12 or 14 (as best I can recall; hikers may advise). From here the trail goes north (upstream direction), turning west (left) near a small stream to an old road. At the road, the trail crosses the small stream, following the road up the hill to the crest. At the crest one should turn left. The trail follows near the crest of the ridge, eventually turning left again until ending just prior to a descent to another stream. If one followed this stream toward the river, one would cross the existing trail loop not far from the old car. This, however is not an easy walk beyond the present "end" of the trail.