Friday, July 26, 2019

South Germantown Bike Park, Boyds Maryland






South Germantown Recreational Park has many great activities. I've known and written about the beautiful playground. I have also written about the Splash Park. However, a friend recently shared that there is a bike park tucked away, and I knew my boys would love it (As a warning, I followed the directions on Waze, and it took me to a spot about .5 mile away, so do not follow the directions on Waze). See directions below.

Once we arrived at the bike park, both boys immediately got started on the course. I don't know if it  was because of the warm weather or because it is so hard to find, but we were the only ones there! The course has a ton of great hills and curves, and both boys (10 and 12 years old) loved navigating each part of the course. There is also a small shaded pavilion right next to the course, so I  had a nice shady place to relax and watch them. I read that the people that maintain it can often be found there and love volunteers to help with the maintenance of the bike park. We are definitely going to be going back here in the fall when it warms up and is a little lighter on "bug season."

In terms of finding the place, go into the main South Germantown Recreational Park entrance. Drive straight past the multiple fields (I think we went past a sign that said fields 10 and 11).  To the left, you will eventually see a pond. There is a parking lot there. Pull in and park. Then walk across the street towards the hill with power lines. You will not be able to see the bike park until you walk up the hill. Once you get to the top, you will see a large field, with the bike park in the back.

Verdict: Hard to find, but worthwhile!

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGermantownBikePark/

To return to the Family Fun in MD and Beyond website, click here.



Underground Railroad Experience Trail, Sandy Spring, MD

The Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is a great place to hike. It allows people to gain a much better understanding of the history behind a group of people who were seeking refuge from persecution and slavery as they made their way through Montgomery County. This part of their trek from the south to the north was dangerous, and many people used a series of hidden networks, passageways, and safe houses instead of above ground travel in order to find their way to freedom. The terrain is not paved, and is 4 miles to and from Woodlawn Manor. Certain parts are covered by trees while others are open areas. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. You can find a map at the beginning of the trail in order to help guide you through your hike.

You can do this hike independently, with a guide, or as part of special programming that is held in this location.

Address:
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860