American Chestnut Land Trust Wildlife Management Area: 5.5 or 9.5 Miles

American Chestnut Land Trust Wildlife Management Area: 5.5 or 9.5 Miles, Your Choice

Nestled in the heart of Southern Maryland, the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) stands as a testament to both the enduring beauty of the region’s wild spaces and the resilience of a conservation movement born from tragedy. Named in honor of the once-mighty American Chestnut tree—a species decimated by the Chestnut Blight introduced at the dawn of the twentieth century—ACLT’s story weaves together natural history, ecological stewardship, and the invigorating experience of hiking through the land it so carefully protects. ACLT once had Maryland's Champion tree, but it fell during a hurricane. Today, the ACLT plants hybrid American Chestnut trees trying to bring these trees back to the park.

The American Chestnut Land Trust is more than a memorial to a vanished tree. It is a vibrant, member-supported non-profit whose mission is to preserve the natural lands, waterways, and habitats of the Parker Creek and Governors Run watersheds. Through community engagement, scientific stewardship, and a tireless commitment to access, ACLT safeguards approximately 3,800 acres of diverse landscapes.

Our journey begins at the ACLT Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area Parking Area 5, a gateway to serenity and discovery. Here, beneath towering oaks and chestnut saplings, hikers ready themselves for a trek that weaves through some of the most pristine wilderness in the region. One of the signature features of this hike is the crossing of Parkers Creek itself—no bridge here any longer, but a raft, tethered by sturdy wires. Hikers must pull themselves hand-over-hand across the placid water. Gloves are recommended.

Those opting for the classic 5-mile loop will continue along the trail system to the trailhead, winding through forest and wetland via the Parkers Creek Loop.

For those seeking a deeper challenge, the hike offers an extension at the North Side Trailhead and Double Oak Farm. The group will split off to the Creek and Bay Overlooks via the Horse Swamp Trail. From there, the group will continue back to the trailhead as described above.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.52690, -76.535510
The GPS coordinates and the best way to find the parking to the trailhead. Otherwise, take Parker Creek Drive off of MD-4 about 4 miles South of Prince Frederick. Follow Parker Creek Road about 4 miles to the ACLT Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area Parking Area 5.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa: 410-610-6254 and Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 5.5 or 9.5 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 ft (6 miles), or 965 ft (9.5 miles)
Duration: 3 hours for short hike; 5 hours for long hike
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable Toilets can be found about 2.5 miles into the hike
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.