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| Bio-retention pond |
June 2012 Highlighted Hike
Blue Mash Trail
Laytonsville, MD
Trail Description
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This
2 mile circuit hike in northern Montgomery County surrounds the long-closed
Oaks Landfill and its reservoir system.
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The
trail is a mowed-field path with no elevation gain or loss.
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Surrounding
the trail is a meadow ecosystem with succession of immature deciduous trees,
such as river birch, sycamore, red oaks and red maples, and conifer trees,
mostly cedar, supported by a an understory of witch hazel and viburnum.
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The
parking lot is on the west side of Zion Rd. in Laytonsville. It is marked by a
small, brown sign labeled Blue Mash Trail.
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In
the parking lot, use the trailhead at the end of the parking lot and hike the
circuit counterclockwise. When reaching the reservoir, hike to the right
counterclockwise one-third around it and then the trail will enter a tunnel of
cedar and deciduous trees. Shortly after exiting this treed tunnel, make the
second right at the trail intersection. At the second intersection, turn left
with the landfill being on the right side. At the third intersection, turn
right with the landfill continuing to be on the right. The trail will dead end
and turn to the left on a gravel road. This will lead you back to the parking
lot.
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To
hike a shorter 1.25 mile circuit, turn left at the first trail intersection and
continue straight at the third intersection essentially cutting of two sides of
a triangle.
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| Tunnel of trees |
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The
hike is jogging stroller friendly.
Age Appropriateness
This
hike is appropriate for all ages due to a flat, wide trail that has no
obstacles for feet or jogging strollers.
What is fun for kids?
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Kids
and parents can fill their tummies with as many raspberries and blackberries as
their heart’s desire. The trail is full of berry plants. The best time to go is
the end of June into July.
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In
May, the meadows are full of raspberry and blackberry flowers, buttercups,
crown vetch, milkweed and sprouting Joe Pye weed which blooms at the end of the
summer.
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The
meadow invites a lot of butterflies, such as many varieties of swallowtail,
monarchs, and skippers, and 32 different species of birds have been identified
along the trail making it a great birding destination.
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Look
for and listen to frogs and turtles along the reservoir.
Caution
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Because
it is a sunny meadow with few shady spots, it is best to visit this trail on a
day with lower temperatures or at the beginning or end of the day.
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Bring
bug spray and wear long pants to help protect against ticks and gnats.
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There
is no bathroom or trash cans; therefore, pack out your garbage.
