Loch Lynn Heights Wetland Trail

Loch Lynn Heights Wetland Trail

300 West 2nd Avenue, Loch Lynn Heights, MD 21550
(301) 334-8339

The Loch Lynn Heights Wetland trail traverses a 24+ acre wetland adjacent to the Loch Lynn Heights Town Athletic Complex and the Little Youghiogheny River. The trail includes sections of gravel trail and elevated boardwalks that form a 0.75 mile loop by connecting to a portion of a paved walking path around the Athletic Complex. The area encompassed by the trail contains five distinct habitat types: wet-meadow; shrub swamp; young Allegheny hardwood forest; warm-water stream; and emergent wetland (marsh).

An interpretive sign at the parking area includes a map of the wetland trail, as well as text describing wetlands and why they are important. The trail has two observation decks overlooking the wetlands, and informational signs regarding plants, wildlife, and town history.

Birdlife:

The eBird list for the Loch Lynn Wetland Trail includes over 153 species. Wood Ducks breed here and are present from March through early fall. Both Alder and Willow Flycatchers have been reported. Look for American Tree Sparrows in spring and Lincoln’s Sparrows in fall. Purple Finches and Pine Siskins have been present in spring and fall. Both Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes have been reported during fall migration. This is also a good spot to see warblers during both spring and fall migration, with 26 species reported.

Wheelchair Access:

The boardwalk part of the trail is wheelchair-accessible, but the gravel parts may be difficult for wheelchairs. Also the walking loop around the athletic fields is entirely paved. There are restrooms at the athletic fields, but they are only open during scheduled games. During business hours, you might ask for permission to use a restroom at Town Hall.

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed on leash; you must pick up after your pet. Do not allow pets to go off the trail or to swim in the water of the ponds.

Special Designation:

The Loch Lynn Wetland is included in the Pleasant Valley Important Bird Area (IBA) as designated by the National Audubon Society. See http://netapp.audubon.org/iba/Site/4092 for more information on the IBA.

Local MOS Chapter:

The local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society is the Allegany & Garrett Counties Bird Club, which hosts field trips in the region and meetings with informative presentations, all free and open to the public.

Parking:

Parking for the Loch Lynn Wetland Trail is at the west end of Second Avenue, Loch Lynn Heights, MD 21550. (Enter 300 Second Avenue in navigation system.). GPS Coordinates: 39.393312, -79.376203. Additional head-in parking is along Bonnie Boulevard at the south end of the Athletic Complex; GPS Coordinates 39.390904, -79.376634.

Directions:

From I-68 in western Maryland, at Grantsville take Exit 19 for MD Route 495/Bittinger Road south toward Swanton, MD. When you reach Swanton in about 19 miles, turn right (west-southwest) to continue following MD Route 495 on Swanton Road for 3.2 miles. Near the town of Wilson, MD Route 135 will come in from the south (left); continue straight (west) here and note that the road name and number will change to MD Route 135/Maryland Highway**. Go another 5.8 miles to enter the town of Loch Lynn Heights, and turn left (south) onto MD Route 560/Gorman Street, which in a block or two becomes Paull Street (may be spelled with one “l” on some maps). Turn right to go west on Second Avenue and continue to the end of the street where there is head-in parking on the right for the Loch Lynn Wetland Trail. If that parking area is full (unlikely), there is additional parking at the south end of the Athletic Complex. To reach that area, go back on Second Avenue to make a right (south) onto Wyandott Street. In two blocks, turn right to go south on Bonnie Boulevard. Continue past the Town Hall on your right and follow Bonnie Boulevard as it curves to the right around the Athletic Complex. Head-in parking will be on your right.

*The Eleanor and Chandler Robbins MOS Sanctuary at Red Run is near Exit 22 on I-68, and is worth a detour on your way to or from Loch Lynn Heights..

**In addition, at the point where MD 135 joins MD Route 495 on the way to Loch Lynn Heights, you are passing just north of the MOS Caroline W. Wilson Sanctuary; if you turn left (south) onto MD 135, you can take a short detour to visit the sanctuary.

Nearby Sites:

Garrett County: Broadford Lake ■ Caroline W. Wilson MOS Sanctuary ■ Cunningham Swamp Wildlife Management Area ■ Herrington Manor State Park ■ Mt. Nebo Wildlife Management Area ■ Robbins MOS Sanctuary at Red Run ■  Swallow Falls State Park ■ Youghiogheny River Reservoir

Habitats:

Bottomland Deciduous ForestsConifers Garden or ArboretumLawn, Ballfields, Golf CourseUrban or Small Town Landscape Forested SwampFreshwater Marsh or FloodplainRivers & Streams

Features:

BeginnersBoardwalkFree - No Entry Fee at Any TimeHiking/Walking TrailsParkingPets AllowedRestroomsWater ViewWheelchair Accessible FeaturesYoung People / Families

Type:

Audubon Important Bird AreasCommunity and Urban Parks