Underground Railroad Experience Trail
Description
The Underground Railroad Experience Trail (formerly the Rural Legacy Trail) commemorates the involvement of Montgomery County residents in the Underground Railroad and celebrates the Quaker heritage and traditions of Sandy Spring.
This 2.0 mile trail is natural surface and includes interpretive sign markers keyed to the map that may be downloaded from this site. Trail stops include Woodlawn Manor and Barn and The Sandy Spring itself. On half-mile north of the spring is a 300 year-old Champion White Ash Tree.
Trail Map (pdf)
The Friends Meeting House is not part of the trail but may
be reached by walking along Meeting House Road. The Meeting
House is still used for religious services.
NOTE: Trail
users are asked to be respectful when viewing the building
and remember that silence is an important part of their worship service.
Free Guided Underground Railroad Hikes
Woodlawn Manor
16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
301-650-4373
Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. through November 7. Trained volunteer “conductors” lead groups on simulated Underground Railroad Experience hikes covering a 2-mile, wooded, natural surface trail to the Sandy Spring. Hikers learn various techniques that Freedom Seekers used to elude trackers, find food, and navigate their way North to freedom. No reservations are required and the content is appropriate for children 8 years of age and over. Dogs are not allowed on the trail during these guided hikes, unless they are theraputic dogs. Hikes are conducted rain or shine, unless there is impending severe weather conditions. (Weekday hikes are available upon request History buffs and hikers alike are invited to hike this beautiful historic trail. For more information about the Underground Railroad Experience in Montgomery Parks visit: www.UndergroundRRexperience.org.
The
Underground Railroad Experience Trail is part of the National
Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to
Freedom Program. It
is also one segment of the Rachel
Carson Greenway Trail Corridor, a 25-mile
trail corridor that will one day connect Patuxent River State
Park to Prince George's County.
Activities |
|
Location |
The trail is located in the northeastern portion of the county in the community of Sandy Spring. |
Trail length/surface |
2.0 miles/Natural Surface |
Trail characteristics |
The trail is very scenic. Although located primarily in the woods, the trail does go around a corn field in one section. The trail has one stream crossing with stepping stones. |
Drinking water |
No. |
Restrooms |
No. |
Access and parking |
Woodlawn Manor, town of Sandy Spring - see map |
Contact |
For guided hikes or tours outside regularly scheduled times contact Shirl Spicer, Museum Manager at: 301-650-4373 or email: Shirl.Spicer@montgomeryparks.org |
Hiking, 
Horseback RidingLast update: August 10, 2009
Montgomery County Department of Parks