Seneca Creek State Park Trail Guide

Seneca Creek State Park
Trail Guide Hiking * Biking * Paddling * Fishing

Seneca Creek State Park offers a natural oasis amidst the growing urban areas of metropolitan Washington, D.C. The park provides over 6,000 acres of open space along the Great Seneca Creek Stream Valley, including a 16.5 mile greenway trail. Panoramas of the Park's Clopper Lake and surrounding forests and fields greet visitors who enjoy hiking, fishing or recreational boating. The nearby Schaeffer Farm trails offer additional recreation opportunities.
Seneca Valley Heritage
Upon arriving in the Seneca Valley in the late 1600s, European settlers found suitable climate, rich soils for farming and an abundance of fish and game. The availability of waterpower from many streams supported the development of gristmills in the valley. Traces of the Black Rock and Clopper Mills are still present today. Black Rock Mill has been stabilized and outdoor exhibits interpret its operation. The Seneca Sandstone Quarries historic site is near the Potomac River and contained a number of buildings, including the Seneca Stone Cutting Mill and the Seneca Schoolhouse, which is open to the public. The red sandstone was used in the construction of the C&O Canal and the original Smithsonian Institution "Castle." The Grusendorf Log House, seen near the park office, was built in 1855, and is one of the few remaining structures from the original Germantown.
Clopper Lake Day-Use Area
Clopper Lake is the centerpiece of the park's 500 acre day-use area. Water recreation opportunities include fishing and boating on the 90-acre lake. Rental boats are available from May through September. Pontoon boat tours are routinely scheduled, including group reservations. Hand-launched private watercraft are permitted except for weekends and holidays May through September. Anglers can enjoy put and take fishing in Great Seneca Creek during the spring and lake fishing for largemouth bass, blue gill, crappie, tiger muskie and channel catfish. To fish, anyone 16 years and older must possess a Maryland Freshwater Fishing license. For more information about fishing in Maryland, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries
An 18-hole disc golf course provides one of the most challenging and scenic courses on the East Coast. If you have not tried this sport, stop by the park office for information and a starter set of discs.
Wildlife and Nature Appreciation
Seneca Creek State Park features a wide variety of wildlife habitats, including forests, fields, wetlands, streams and rock outcroppings. Common sightings occur of white-tailed deer, red fox, squirrel, turkey, raccoon and many other species of mammals. The park has recorded over 200 bird species sighted within its boundaries. The habitat diversity makes it an extremely attractive birding area, with frequent visits by local birders.
Trails
Please Play Safe!
Seneca Creek State Park is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, rocky and slippery trails and biting insects. Remember that you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally friendly visit.
Clopper Lake - Day-Use Area Trails

Long Draught Trail (Part of the Greenway Trail) 2.5 miles - moderate
This scenic trail follows the Long Draught Branch stream with its beautiful woodland glades. The trail travels from the Clopper Lake Dam to the Blue Jay and Nuthatch Picnic Pavilions, and then continues under the Great Seneca Highway to a wetland area with an observation deck. After following a gravel road along Great Seneca Creek, to Riffle Ford Road, the trail makes a loop on a hillside covered with ferns and mountain laurel.

Great Seneca Trail (Part of the Greenway Trail - Hiking Only) 1.2 miles - moderate
Follow the rock outcroppings and forested slopes along Great Seneca Creek. At the creek, an old stone bridge abutment is still visible. Trail users can access the Clopper Lake Dam from the park office via this trail. Be aware of several steep and rocky areas.

Mink Hollow Trail 1.2 miles - easy
Mink Hollow crosses many habitats, including old fields, pine plantations, woodlands and a boardwalk through a marsh. Visitors can access the lake and several picnic areas on this trail.

Lake Shore Trail 3.7 miles - moderate
Encircling the lake, this scenic trail offers continuous views of the lake on woodlands or open field settings. Several streams are bridged and shore locations offer good opportunities for wildlife observations of waterfowl, herons, fish and turtles, as well as access to fishing.

Old Pond Trail (Hiking Only) 0.33 mile - easy
This short section of trail follows a small spring-fed tributary of the Great Seneca Creek and pases an old pond in its last stages of succession.

Schaeffer Farm Trails
10 miles - moderate
This trail system was designed with mountain biking in mind, but is a multi-use system open to cyclists, hikers and equestrians. Equestrian trailer parking is available. The layout provides access to attractive scenery of wooded stream valleys and open farm fields while making efforts to protect the natural environment. The trails provide a variety of challenges for different skill levels. Be sure to stay on the marked trails, blazed in color. These trails may be closed during extended periods of wet, freezing and thawing conditions during the winter. For general trail information, call the 24-hour taped trail condition message line at 301-924-1998.
Seneca Creek Greenway Trail
16.5 miles - moderate
This natural surface trail follows the Great Seneca Creek from the Potomac River upstream to Route 355. The trail continues on Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission park land. The Greenway provides access to the Great Seneca Creek stream valley for those who enjoy the challenge of a long hike in the beauty of the outdoors. Due to the environmental sensitivity of the trail's location, bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the state park section of the trail. Equestrians are permitted on the section between Route 28 and Berryville Road. The Greenway follows the Great Seneca and Long Draught Trails in the Clopper Lake Day-Use Area. A detailed trail description is available at www.greenwaytrail.org

Trail Access Points

Section 1: C&O Canal to River Road and Seneca Road (0.9 mile)
This area of the Greenway Trail reveals traces of the past as you see red sandstone remains of a large stone-cutting and polishing mill. Further up the canal is a stone quarry and Seneca Red Sandstone cliffs, which were used as early as 1774.

Section 2: River Road/Seneca Road to Berryville Road (1.4 miles)
Trail users have a unique opportunity to visit the historic Poole's General Store, located just across River Road from Tschiffeley Mill Road. Experience the ambiance of a traditional general store. Snacks and refreshments are available. The Berryville Road access almost touches the creek at a scenic area known as "Horse Hole."

Section 3: Berryville Road to Route 28 (4.2 miles)
The Greenway Trail traverses various successional stages of forest growth and is accessible near its mid-point via an unmarked spur trail from Berryville Road. This section is shared with equestrians.

Section 4: Route 28 to Black Rock Road (1.2 miles)
Discover the stabilized remains of Black Rock Mill on this trail. Learn about the mill's history and operation by visiting interpretive exhibits displayed inside.

Section 5: Black Rock Road to Route 118 (1.5 miles)
Departing the Black Rock Mill, the trail parallels Seneca Creek, which is popular for fishing. Near Route 118, the trail passes a large open marsh area, which offers great birdwatching potential.

Section 6: Route 118 to Riffle Ford Road (2.5 miles)
Portions of this trail pass old dikes and canals of a long abandoned water impoundment system. As you approach Riffle Ford Road you may hear the distant sound of gunfire from the National Capital Skeet and Trap Club.

Section 7: Riffle Ford Road to Clopper Road (2.4 miles)
A wildlife viewing stand is available to view the large wetland area, created for wildlife habitat. Just below Clopper Road, the Clopper Mill ruins are located across the Great Seneca Creek.

Section 8: Clopper Road to Route 355 (2.4 miles)
The trail passes under the three arch stone Waring Viaduct built for the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Later, the trail parallels Game Preserve Road, passing under Interstate 270.

Paddling Great Seneca Creek
The Class I flatwater of Great Seneca Creek is suitable for kayaks and canoes during wet weather period. Be sure to check the USGS gauging station at Route 28, which should read 2.1 feet. The section from Route 28 south to the Potomac River is recommended for its ease of paddling and scenery of fields, woods and a few rock outcrops. A parking lot and put-in site are available on Route 28. Take out is recommended at the old C&O Canal aqueduct. Paddling time is approximately 2 hours.
Paddling Safety Tips

Always wear your lifejacket.
Paddle with others.
Watch for hazardous log jams.
If air and water temperatures combined total less than 120 degrees, wear a wetsuit.

The American Canoe Association advocates for paddler safety, clean water, the preservation of natural resources and paddler access to our waterways. For more information visit www.acanet.org or call 703-451-0141.
Friends of Seneca Creek State Park
The Friends of Seneca Creek State Park is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the visitor's experience by providing financial support and resources to the park. For further information, contact the park office at 301-924-2127, or write to the park c/o Friends of Seneca Creek State Park.
Guides and Outfitters
To obtain information about outdoor adventures in Maryland or guides and outfitters in your area, contact the park or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures
To make picnic pavilion reservations May through September, call Park Reservations year-round at 1-888-432-2267. Or, make your reservations on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us
For reservations for April and October contact the park office.
Pets are not permitted in the Clopper Lake Day-Use Area. Pets on a leash are welcome on the Schaeffer Farm Trails and on the Greenway Trail.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit www.lnt.org

While you are enjoying the park, please help us protect its natural and historic resource by following Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
Do not ride when trails are wet and muddy. Trails are extremely vulnerable to damage during and following rain events. Please allow at least 24-48 hours for trails to dry after significant rain. Call the park office for updated trail conditions.

Directions

From Washington, D.C., Virginia and points south: Take I-270 north towards Frederick, Maryland. Take Exit 10, Clopper Road (Route 117). Turn right at the light at the bottom of the ramp. The park is approximately 2 miles on the left.
From points north: Take I-270 south towards Washington, D.C. Take Exit 11 (MD Route 124 west). Turn right at the light at the bottom of the ramp. At the second light, turn right onto Clopper Road (Route 117). The park is approximately 1.5 miles on the left.
Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg MD 20878
301-924-2127
TTY users call via the MD Relay
E-mail: Park-Seneca@dnr.state.md.us
Maryland Park Service General Information: 1-800-830-3974
Please report any problem to a park employee or call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275.
Seneca Creek State Park is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve and Day. March through Otober hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. November through February hours are 10 a.m. to sunset.

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the trails, is available for sale through the park office by calling 301-924-2127.

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