Arborology Series (HLRG) LbNA #60516 (ARCHIVED)

This series was originally planted by La Chola in March 2003. As part of the Historic Letterbox Restoration Group, I have adopted this series to keep it active. La Chola has carved awesome, new stamps for the revival!! I have also moved this series from its original location of White Marsh Park in Bowie, MD to a MODERATELY CHALLENGING hike on a beautiful trail the Daniels section of Patapsco State Park. **These imprints are large - approx. 3 1/2" x 5" so plan accordingly.

Find your way to Daniels Road off of Old Frederick Road and park at the first large lot on the left (if it is full, there is more parking down the road a little ways.) Cross over the small creek and take the trail to the left heading in a Southerly direction. At the intersection with a wavy bridge, stay right. If you want to see cool waterfalls, then take the trail over the wavy bridge - it is an out and back and not that far to the falls. Pass ruins on the right and to the next intersecion where you will take a right and head uphill. At the top of the ridge you will find a cluster of rocks with a very pretty view off to your right. From this overlook continue very briefly on the trail until you see a white "blaze" on a tree. Stop and take a bearing of 160* and walk about 50 ft. to a triple with a SPOR for Box 1: American Hornbeam.

Return to the trail and continue past the larger rock cluster with another great view of the valley. At the next intersection go Right. The trail winds downhill and then crosses water again. After a ways, you will come to a T intersection with the Patapsco River. Stop, turn around, go back about 50 ft to the first big tree on the left - a large Sycamore with an orange spot. Take a bearing of 210*, climb uphill 50 ft to a tree paralleling the trail. You will find a SPOR at the rootball containing Box 2: Yellow Poplar.

Return to the trail and turn Right at the T intersection, following the Patapsco. After a ways, you will come to the posts across the trail with the Authorized Access Only sign. Just beyond there will be a broken up paved road heading to the right. Following this old paved road will take you to an old, abandoned house and outbuildings sure to bring a little creep factor into the hike. No boxes here, just creepy. Continue down the main trail until you find the utility pole with number 483668. At this pole take a bearing of 235*, climb uphill about 100ft to a tree with a 4' cut log resting next to it. You guess it, Box 3: White Oak is between the log and the tree under another SPOR. After stamping into Box #3, return to the main trail and continue following the Patapsco River back to the parking lot, not terribly far now.

I hope you enjoyed the hike and the wonderful carves by La Chola!