LocalHikes - Hoyles Mill Trail

Reporter

Hoyles Mill Trail

Highlights:	Connector trail between two recreation areas
Near:	Gaithersburg, MD
Scenery:
Distance:	7.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:	166 ft
Hike Time:	3.5 hours
Difficulty:	Easy
Trail Condition:	OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:	Out and Back

Summary: This is a new trail in Montgomery County, MD. that connects the Black Hill Regional Park with the South Germantown Recreational Park (Maryland SoccerPlex) and nearby Schaeffer Farm trail system. The hike is an easy one and includes the blocked-off Hoyle's Mill Road. An excellent map is available at http://www.mc-mncppc.org/trails/trails_MAPS/hoyles_mill_trail.shtm.
The only difficult part is the ford crossing Little Seneca Creek. Bicycles can make it by hugging the downstream side of the ford. The ford is too deep and too swift for hikers, even in low-water conditions. Hikers should travel upstream about 100 paces and find the fallen log over the creek. I was able to straddle the log and shinny across.
On weekends, the South Germantown Rec Park will be full of soccer-mom-mobiles and parking is scarce.

Trailhead: Trail may be entered from either end. To reach Black Hill Regional Park, use Exit 18 from Interstate 270 going west onto Clarksburg Road, MD Rte 121 West. Follow the signs to the park entrance or continue on Rte 121. After crossing the bridge over Littleel Seneca Lake, park along the road. Pass under the railroad overpass to reach the marked trailhead on Rte 117. Use caution. To reach the South Germantown Recreational Park, use Exit 15A from Interstate 270 west onto Germantown Road, Rte 118 West. Turn right at the light onto Richter Farm Road. Turn left onto Schaeffer Road. The South Germantown Rec Park (MD SoccerPlex) is on the right. Park in the back to find the trailhead. (Lat:39.18765 Lon:-77.3116)

Trail Guides for Hoyles Mill Trail:

Best Seasons: Year-Round

User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,

Ranger Contact: SmartParks: (301) 670-8080. Park Police emergency: (301) 949-3010

Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Richard Denton, who has posted 14 other hikes on this site

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Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Montgomery County Hiking, Montgomery County Trails, Montgomery County Hikes