St. Mary's -- Staying on Track

It was just a small announcement in a local Southern Maryland news service, but the Roman numeral was noteworthy.  Phase V of the Three Notch Trail in St. Mary's County will have its groundbreaking June 29th at a park in Mechanicsville.

Phase V?   How many segments does it take to complete a trail?

In pursuing an answer, I learned about one of the most interesting --certainly one of the most useful -- sports and recreation facilities in Southern Maryland.

The Three Notch Trail, once the rightaway for the old Southern Maryland Railroad, will stretch 28 miles when finally complete in about six years.  It extends from Hughesville in Charles County all the way to Lexington Park and the Pax River Naval Station in St. Mary's.  As communities were built around the railroad industry in the last two centuries, many town centers, schools, libraries and markets (from farmers to WalMart) are connected by this route. 

As with just about every rail trail developed in Maryland, there were NIMBY concerns that stalled early development.  It wasn't until the first one mile segment was completed four years ago that many folks realized having a community connector, exercise trail and linear park all rolled into one was a major asset and not an intrusion.

(Interestingly, the Amish were early fans of the trail.  Since it is equestrian-friendly, it provided a safer and more direct route for their buggies.)

Phase II, which is a little over two miles, was completed in 2008.  Phase III and IV are under construction now, and they are part of a public-private partnership with land developers incorporating them as amenities to the property.

Phase V, which will kickoff this month, will provide walkers and bicyclists a scenic three-mile section of trail through woodlands and open fields. This section will begin at Baggett Park and end near MD Route 5 at the Gospel Light Baptist Church. With ample parking and restrooms, Baggett Park will serve as a trail hub for travelers in both directions.

Funding for Phase V was provided by St. Mary’s County; the Federal Highway Administration (via MDOT’s Transportation Enhancement Program,) and Maryland’s Program Open Space.

Future phases (all the way to IX) will be complete -- not necessarily in contiguous order -- through 2014 and beyond, as funding becomes available.  But even in segments, the Three Notch Trail has become a visitor attraction and event venue in Southern Maryland --- and one more place I have to try.