Starting Location
Meet at Parking Lot for Lakeshore Trail, 15212 Avery Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Maximum Miles
3.8
Surface
Natural
Amenities
We start by descending a paved section, then take a left onto the Lakeside Trail. After 1 mile, we’ll turn right for a short uphill stretch, arriving at a T-intersection with the Muncaster Mill Trail.
At the intersection, turn right (this is where the 2.25-2.4 mile out-and-back hikers will turn around). After 0.5 miles, we’ll reach a wooden staircase (we won’t climb it) and turn left uphill, following signs for the “Rocky Ridge Trail” and “Nature Center.”
Emerging near the Nature Center, we’ll walk along the sidewalk to the Playscape area, passing the Raptor area and heading toward the Picnic Shelter. After passing the shelter, we’ll continue through the stage, campfire ring, and meadow until we see signs for the “Pioneer Trail.”
We’ll follow the Pioneer Trail toward the pond, then curve left. About 0.1 miles past the pond, we’ll see the historic McCloskey Cabin, Corn Cob House, and Smokehouse. We’ll continue until we reach the “Wildflower Trail,” descending briefly to the large covered bridge.
After crossing the bridge, we’ll turn left onto the “Springs Trail” for a short distance, then reconnect with the Muncaster Mill Trail. We’ll follow this for 0.25 miles until we meet the Lakeside Trail again, which takes us back to the parking lot.
