Trail maintenance and building

The Hashawha Environmental Center along with the Union Mills Equestrian trails are an environmentally sensitive area with a number of Maryland plant species only growing in these areas. We will always work with in cooperation with the county land manager and park service to ensure that the work being done is what they need and require. We also work with naturalists at the HEC to ensure we do not disrupt a sensitive ecosystem, if there is no other choice we relocate sensitive plants to a safe new location. We follow IMBA/MORE standards in fixing issues and or re-routing any trails.

Dispelling Rumors about the trails at the Hashawha Environmental Center and the Union Mills Equestrian Trails

1) There's a rumor going around that the county may close the trails to mountain bikes

This is not true. We have spoken with the Dept. of Parks and Recs and they have been working with us to make these trails better for everyone, including MTB riders. From the Dept. of Parks and Recs, "No consideration has been given to banning mountain bikes on these trails, despite the continued dangerous and illegal activities by a few that include rogue trails, trespassing, etc."

2) About the Union Mills Reservoir area

It has been shared at various public meetings that it is very unlikely that the area will ever be a reservoir. The Dept. of Parks and Recs now refer to it as the Union Mills Recreation Area. This doesn't mean that it could not be used for a reservoir, only that it is not likely to happen. 

3) The Union Mills Equestrian trails are off-limits to bicycles

Again, this is not true. The Union Mills trails are multi-use trails and open to mountain bikes. In fact MTBMD works with the various equestrian groups to help maintain those trails. That said, rules of the trails apply when riding the Union Mills trails—yield to the horses. Slow down or stop your bike when approaching equestrians, horses scare easily; say hello, a warm greeting goes a long way to cultivating good relationships.