Cedarville State Forest: An Easy Side of Strenuous 13 Miles

Cedarville State Forest: An Easy Side of Strenuous 13 Miles

Cedarville State Forest encompasses the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, an extensive wetland which measures approximately one mile in width and extends southward for twenty miles through Charles County before ultimately discharging into the Wicomico River. This swamp is both a prominent hydrological feature and a critical habitat for regional wildlife. The preserved bottomland forests within the swamp support a wide array of species, thereby enhancing the ecological value of the area. Also notable for its biodiversity, Cedarville State Forest is home to several remarkable insectivorous plant species.

The Piscataway Indian Tribe historically selected this region as a winter encampment site, owing to the temperate climate and the plentiful game. Local tradition suggests the existence of an Indian Burial ground within Cedarville State Forest.

Nevertheless, the swamp has largely retained its wooded bottomland composition. In recognition of the site’s enduring ecological and educational importance, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Park, and Wildlife Service acquired 2,631 acres of land in 1930 to establish a forest demonstration area which shows the effect of clear cutting, replanting, thinning and prescribed burns. The Civilian Conservation Corps under Franklin D. Roosevelt developed roads and trails for fire protection and future use of the Park. There are 19 miles of hiking trails, and we will visit 13 miles on our hike.

The hike will end about 4:00. Please bring lunch and/or a snack.

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 Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254 and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.647050, -76.830289
The Street address to the park is 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance:13 miles
Elevation gain: 550 ft
Pace: 2.0-2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable toilet at trailhead

Fees:
Maryland residents $3/vehicle; out-of-state residents $5/vehicle. Bring correct change; no credit cards.

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.