Lower Shore Land Trust installs new trail system just west of Berlin

February 5, 2025

Han Cechini,

BERLIN, Md. – The Lower Shore Land Trust (the Trust) is working to bring a new trail system just west of Berlin.

Bringing New Trails to Berlin

The Trust worked with the State of Maryland to acquire two parcels just west of the town. The 675 acres were once home to the now-shuttered Bay Club golf course and an old farm. Now, the plots are being transformed to include about 12 miles of trails.

“(The trail network) will follow closely with those golf cart paths. There are also a couple of ditch crossings with bridges … We envision this being a place where lots of folks with different uses can come. Equestrian, bicycling, mountain biking, hunting, hiking, all sorts of things,” said Matt Heim, executive director of the Trust.

Work Ahead

Heim added the Trust is working alongside the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (the Department) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the efforts.

“(The Department) is taking a look at (the bridges) and evaluating whether or not they need to be repaired … We’ll be restoring wetlands on the property. We don’t have a lot of those habitats left here on the shore. We’ll also be installing pollinator meadows … There’s a lot of reforestation going on, as well,” Heim said.

The Department will periodically mow the property, Heim said. He added the Trust is looking to form a friends group to help monitor conditions and advise the Department on needed maintenance.

“This will be a constantly evolving process. We do have a grant right now that we’re working on over the next three years,” Heim said.

Hunting Safety

And while hikers, bikers, and horseriders will have to share the property with hunters, Heim does not anticipate any issues.

The Trust plans to install signs featuring QR codes around the property. Visitors may scan the signs to learn more about hunting season schedules.

“Most of the hunting will be taking place off the trails. The hunters take safety courses and recognize that they need to hunt further away from the trails … Just make sure you’re wearing orange during hunting season, and make sure your dogs—if you’re walking your dogs out here—are leashed and wearing brightly-colored things. And, stay on the trails,” Heim said.