Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Forest Hill Section
Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Forest Hill Section
2.9
(13)
24
hikers
00:55
3.55km
10m
Hiking
The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Forest Hill Section offers a delightful, easygoing experience through pleasant wooded areas, perfect for a quick escape into nature. You'll enjoy the sounds of babbling brooks and might spot wildlife in the marsh areas, all while walking on a predominantly flat, gravel surface. This 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route, with its minimal 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward walk.
Planning your visit to this section of the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail is straightforward. Parking is generally available at the trailhead, and the route is easily accessible. Be aware that the trail occasionally runs alongside a sidewalk and requires crossing several roads. It's a great choice for dog owners, as pets are welcome.
This trail gets its name from the historic Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad corridor it follows, and you'll find trailside signs providing interesting historical and environmental context. The Forest Hill section is part of a larger ongoing project to connect separate trail segments, aiming to create a continuous route stretching between 7 and 8 miles, enhancing its regional significance.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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1.62 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
3.16 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
3.55 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.10 km
397 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.72 km
336 m
247 m
217 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 12 July
29°C
19°C
46 %
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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Parking for the Forest Hill Section is typically available at Friends Community Park, as this section of the trail leads directly to the pond there. It's a convenient access point for starting your hike.
Yes, this section is considered
easy
and is ideal for beginners or families. It features a predominantly flat, gravel path with only a couple of gently sloping hills, making it very accessible for a relaxed outing.The terrain is mostly flat, consisting of a well-maintained gravel path. While the broader Ma & Pa Heritage Trail can have some varied sections, the Forest Hill portion is known for its relative flatness and ease of navigation.
Yes, the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail, including the Forest Hill Section, is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.
The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides lush green scenery. Even in winter, the flat, gravel path can be manageable, though conditions may vary.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Forest Hill Section. It is freely accessible to the public.
You'll experience varied scenery, including pleasant wooded areas and views of the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for babbling brooks and an enchanting marsh teeming with wildlife. The trail also leads to the pond at Friends Community Park.
Yes, this section is part of the larger Ma & Pa Heritage Trail system. It also intersects with sections of the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail "North", the East Coast Greenway (MD), and the 9-11 Trail (Maryland).
The Forest Hill Section is approximately 1.7 to 2 miles long. A typical hike on this easy, flat terrain might take around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
The trail follows the corridor of the historic Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad, giving it a unique rail-trail character. You may find trailside signs highlighting historical and environmental features, connecting you to the area's past.
While specific amenities directly on the trail are limited, the Forest Hill Section leads to Friends Community Park, which may offer facilities. For cafes or other services, you would likely need to venture a short distance into the nearby Forest Hill community.
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