2.4 or 4.1 Mile Options at Soldiers Delight

2.4 or 4.1 Mile Options at Soldiers Delight
Meet at the Visitor Center NOT the Overlook. There is a parking lot (Overlook) right by the road. That is not the Visitor’s Center. There is a driveway to the Visitors Center about two hundred yards from the Overlook.
We will do the Serpentine Loop Trail (2.4 miles), which returns to the Nature Center. This trail is rated moderate. There is a stream crossing and some small hills. The second half of the hike will be on the east side of Deer Park Rd on the Choate Mine Trail which is 1.7 miles. We will see the remains of chrome mines and some views of the Red Run Stream. So, you can do either 2.4 or 4.1 miles. Pace will be moderate.
Soldier’s Delight, 5100 Deer Park Rd, Owing Mills.
Maryland DNR describes the park: “Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (NEA) is comprised of 1,900 acres of serpentine barren. The area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and minerals. There are seven miles of marked hiking trails. Equestrians and cyclists are prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the area.” Pets are allowed.