Muddy Creek Oak-Heath Forest

We will hike up and back on part of the Mason Dixon Trail through this unusual forest area. Parking will be by the Susquehanna River and then hiking along Muddy Creek. The creek is far from muddy, as it’s quite clear and rushing. The river’s gorge is covered with huge native Rhododendrons. The gorgeous natural beauty will be worth the brief bit of challenging uphill at the beginning of the hike. (Coming down is easier!) There are several water crossings.  The leader will wait and help as needed.  Also, since all of it is up and back, hikers can stop anywhere along the way.  The leader believes that this is the most special trail, within 1 hours’ drive of Newark, DE!   CARPOOLING: From Fair Hill Natural Resources Area – P1 (MD-273), 4640 Telegraph Rd, Elkton, MA 21921, by 8:00 AM.  Fair Hill does have a parking fee …Cold Cabin does not.  Bring water and lunch.  We hope to see the Rhododendrons in bloom!

Expect a 55 minute drive, under normal conditions. From DE-273 at the DE/MD state line. Continue west on MD-273 for 15.8 mi. Proceed half way around the traffic circle, to remain on MD-273, continue 0.7 mi. Turn left onto US-1 south and proceed 7.4 mi, crossing the Conowingo Dam. Turn right onto MD-623 and proceed 2.9 mi. Turn right to stay on MD-623 (Flintville Rd) and proceed 7.7 mi. (You have entered PA.) Veer right onto Paper Mill Rd for only 66 feet. Then veer left onto Cold Cabin Rd and proceed 1.2 mi. The parking lot will be straight ahead, as the road turns left.

This is the best parking lot for hiking to the Muddy Creek forest trail.  It’s beach is also used to launch boats.