ACLT: Prince Frederick to Hance-Chesley Cemetery: 11 miles

ACLT: Prince Frederick to Hance-Chesley Cemetery: 11 miles

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) offers a remarkable 11-mile hike from Prince Frederick to the historic Hance-Chesley Cemetery. This adventure not only immerses hikers in the scenic beauty of Southern Maryland’s forests and wetlands but also offers a window into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Highlights of this hike include:
· Start at Double Oak Farm’s North Side Trailhead.
· Traverse woodland and wetland landscapes.
· Cross Parkers Creek by raft, linking North and South Tracts.
· Navigate seven small streams and several steep hills.
· Pass historic sites of African American farmsteads.
· A stop and lunch at the Hance-Chesley Cemetery, a 19th-century family burial ground.

The hike begins at the North Side Trailhead located at Double Oak Farm. From this point, hikers traverse rolling woodlands, skirt the edges of vibrant wetlands, and cross Parkers Creek using a raft—a unique and memorable experience that connects the North and South Tracts of ACLT lands. The hike includes a few short but steep hills

Continuing southward, the trail crosses seven small streams and features several challenging, steep (yet short) hills. The terrain is varied, providing both moments of exertion and opportunities to enjoy peaceful, natural surroundings.

Along the route, hikers pass through areas that were once sites of African American families who, after emancipation, purchased land and established farms here. These families contributed significantly to the local community, cultivating the land well into the 20th century. Today, the woodland preserves their legacy, offering a silent tribute to their resilience and determination.

The hike culminates at the 19th-century Hance-Chesley Cemetery—a historical family cemetery that stands as a testament to the region’s deep-rooted history.

ACLT is a member supported, non-profit natural conservancy working to protect the natural land, waterways, cultural landmarks and wildlife habitats of the Parker Creek and Grosvenor Run watersheds and to encourage conservation and preservation throughout Southern Maryland.

Remember to bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.54714, -76.53310
The Street address to the park is 676 Double Oak Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Details:
- Rating: Moderate
-Distance: 12 miles
-Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 feet
-Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
-Facilities: Portable toilets at the trailhead.
-Fees: no 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.