At a Glance
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Cost: Free.
Tips: Adjacent ballfields can be crowded and noisy when in use. ◾ Bathrooms and concessions are only open during games. ◾ Pets must be leashed.
Best Seasons: Spring, summer, and fall.
Breeding Bird Atlas Block: Oakland SE
Local MOS Chapter: Allegany-Garrett Bird Club
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 the paved walking path around the Athletic Complex. The area contains five distinct habitat types: wet-meadow; shrub swamp; young Allegheny hardwood forest; warm-water stream; and emergent wetland (marsh).
Birdlife:
The eBird list for the Loch Lynn Wetland Trail includes over 140 species. It is a good spot to see warblers during both spring and fall migration. Both Alder and Willow Flycatcher have been reported. Look for American Tree Sparrow in spring and Lincoln’s Sparrow 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.
Parking:
Small lot at the end of West 2nd Avenue. Additional parking along Bonnie Boulevard.
Special Features:
The Loch Lynn Wetlands are 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. ◾ The trail has an observation deck overlooking the wetland, and informational signs regarding plants, wildlife, and town history. ◾ 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.
Directions:
From MD Route 135, turn south onto Gorman Street/MD Route 560 toward Loch Lynn Heights. Cross the railroad tracks and then take West 2nd Avenue on the right to the parking lot and beginning of the trail.
Nearby Sites:
Broadford Lake, Mt. Nebo WMA, and Herrington Manor State Park.
Habitats:
Bottomland DeciduousConifers 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 / FamiliesType:
Audubon Important Bird AreasCommunity and Urban Parks