TRAILS ARE OPEN DAWN to DUSK
Weather Permitting
Trail Closures are Announced on the Museum Facebook Page
SAFETY AND TRAIL ETIQUETTE
The safety of all users of the trails is of paramount importance.
PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW TRAIL USERS.
SAFETY TIPS:
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PARK: Only at designed areas designated by signage.
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STONE HOUSE: A private home. Please be respectful!
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GATE ADJACENT TO STONE HOUSE: Vehicle access past gate is only permitted when gate is open. There may be times when gate is closed but vehicles are located on the other side. Please be respectful of the closed gate and park in adjacent parking areas.
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TRAIL ACCESS: Available to hikers, bikers & horseback riders.
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NO MOTORIZED VEHICLE USE BY VISITORS PERMITTED: This includes snowmobiles, motorcycles & ATVs.
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ROADWAYS: Some trails cross roadways. Stop, look, and listen prior to proceeding across any roadway.
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LEAVE NO TRACE: Do not disturb anything on the trail or neighboring livestock. Do not pick or break wildflowers, trees, shrubs, or animal habitats. Do not litter. Do not leave animal waste anywhere in the park. Pack out what you bring in. Stone stacking is prohibited.
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STAY ON THE TRAILS: All trails are marked. Do not leave trails for any reason. The boundaries of the park are not marked well and private property surrounds the park on all sides.
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FIRES ARE PROHIBITED: No fires of any kind, including fireworks, sparklers, or firecrackers.
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ALCOHOL AND DRUGS ARE PROHIBITED: The trails are located on Howard County public property.
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PASS ON THE LEFT: Just like out on the road, faster trail users should pass slower users on the left. Give an audible warning with a bell, or call out “Passing on your left!”
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DO NOT WALK/HIKE/RIDE A HORSE ALONE: Many people visit the trails but if you are alone there may not be anyone around to help you. Visitors may never see another person while visiting the trails. Cell phone service is weak near the river.
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ANIMALS/BIRDS/INSECTS: Coming in contact with many animals, birds, and insects is common while using the trails. Stay away from all wildlife and observe from a distance only. Inform Howard County Park Rangers of any injured animals. Protection from ticks and mosquitoes is highly suggested.
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The trails are maintained by the volunteers of the
Living Farm Heritage Museum
TRAIL USE TIPS
Trail Use for Parents with Small Children
• Keep an eye on children on the path. Be mindful that kids (on foot or bike) sometimes veer into the path of oncoming traffic especially cyclists who may not be able to slow down.
• If your child is cycling, be sure they are skilled enough to control the bike, and maneuver as needed to share the trail and safely pass.
• Teach children that they must share the trail.
Physically Challenged Trail Users
• Nearly all portions of the trails are accessible. Physically challenged users could be in a wheelchair, or a "racing chair." Both are about twice as wide as a bicycle and neither is as maneuverable as a bicycle.
• A physically challenged trail user may not have an obvious disability. They may have hearing or vision problems. Some may have a problem with their balance.
• Physically challenged trail users may need an extra bit of courtesy when they interact with horses and riders since they cannot ambulate without the vehicle, so they can't yield off the trail.
Trail Use for Walkers
• Walkers are always the slowest trail user. All of the others are faster and may be coming from behind to pass.
• Walk on the right side of the trail, slowest traffic keep right; pass on left.
• At busy areas on the trail, avoid walking three abreast. Two people walking side by side fills up a lot of trail. When faster traffic comes up from behind switch from walking abreast to in-line to give them room to go by you safely.
• Pay attention to the traffic. Look and listen for oncoming, overtaking and crossing traffic.
• Be sure pets are under control at all times.
Trail Use for Runners
• Runners are faster than the walkers but not as fast as cyclists.
• When approaching slower traffic move to the left side of the trail (pass on left only) and say loudly before you get to the walkers: "On Your Left". This will give them time to clear the way.
Trail Use for Bicyclists
• Bikes are the fastest traffic on the trail. Very fast riding is inappropriate for the trails.
• Bicyclists should consider using helmets on the trails.
• You can be quite a distance from your car so be prepared to change a bike tire or to do minor maintenance.
• Warn slower moving traffic that you are passing. Sound your bell or say loudly before you get to the other traffic "On Your Left". The speeds of a bike make it possible to startle other trail users, so don't wait to give your warning until you are right next to the walker or runner. Do give enough time.
Trail Use with Equestrians
• Horseback riding is allowed on trails.
• Horses are large (1000 pounds or more), skittish and shy creatures. Small things will cause them to shy or buck.
• They can be startled by a bicycle or runner so make verbal contact with the rider and be sure it is safe to pass.
• Park horse trailers in designated areas. Do not block roadways.
• Remove Horse droppings, hay, etc. from parking areas and trails.
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Trail Use with Dogs
* Must have up to date Rabies shot and have tag on the dog’s collar
* All dogs must be on a leash at all times [what about Police dogs?
* Please be aware that when a pet sees another animal, especially if a wild animal, the pet may be hard to control. Be prepared for pet/wild animal interaction.
* All fecal matter must be picked up and taken with you, DO NOT put in any trash cans on the property! Dog waste is an environmental pollutant.
Trail Map
