Schaeffer Farm Trails, Germantown, MD: A Moderate 6-Mile Hike

Schaeffer Farm Trails, Germantown, MD: A Moderate 6-Mile Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

Seneca Creek State Park spans over 6,300 acres, following the course of Seneca Creek as it winds toward the Potomac River. The park is renowned for its recreational opportunities—boating on Clopper Lake, picnicking, and over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails. Schaeffer Farm, situated on the park’s northern edge near Germantown, is a network of interconnected trails that trace their origins to former farmland, now reclaimed by nature and transformed for outdoor recreation.

The 6-mile hike begins and ends at the parking area off Schaeffer Road. The trail is well-marked, with various color-coded segments—White, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Orange. Schaeffer Farm enjoys diversity. The hike wanders through mature hardwood forests, past wildflower-strewn meadows, along the edges of open fields, and over wooden bridges that cross gentle creeks. We will also hike on a trail thorough the middle of a corn field.

Dogs are allowed on the Schaeffer Farm Trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.

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

Directions to Trailhead:
It is suggested to use the GPS coordinates (see below). But if you need a physical address, going west on Schaffer Road, go just past 14920 Schaeffer Road, Germantown, MD 20874 and turn left, then stay left on the next intersection and travel up the road about 100 yards to the parking lot.

The GPS Coordinates are 39.14274, -77.31009.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 460 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
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 RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE, KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS.
SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-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.