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Today we hiked along the Gunpowder River to the Sweathouse Trail. We followed Sweathouse Branch up to the top of the Wildlands Area and followed part of the Stocksdale Trail back down, for a total of about 4.5 miles. I would call the loop a moderate hike. If you have young children or want something shorter or easier, you can just follow the trail along the river and turn around whenever you are ready. That portion is flat and there are plenty of places to play in the water or climb on the rocks. Water and rocks make for happy kiddos!
Maybe 3/4 mile along the trail, the Stocksdale Trail turns right and heads up the hill away from the river, while the Sweathouse Trail continues straight. Today there was an odd little purple thing atop the signpost. We went straight along the water.
About 1.25 miles from the parking lot, the trail turns sharply right when it gets to Sweathouse Branch. Almost immediately, the trail splits. You can continue straight up the right/south side of Sweathouse Branch to a great swimming hole, but the official trail crosses the creek and then turns right. Whichever side you choose to hike, there are many great places for kids and dogs to play in the water.
Once you get to the top of the Wildlands Area, the trail levels out and goes through some beautiful pine forest. In the summer, you’ll find enough raspberries to fill any container you can carry!
All of this underbrush is a huge raspberry patch. If you visit when they are ripe, you can pick more than you carry!
This trail has a variety of flowers, depending on whether you are down by the river or up on the hill. Here are a few that we found today, in October.
For some reason, my gps didn’t start tracking us until were were almost to Sweathouse Branch, so our distance total is a bit short. According to the map in the parking lot, we went about 4.5 miles. There is definitely some up and down once you get away from the river, but there are plenty of level areas too where you can catch your breath.
Just remember, nature is constantly changing, and the trail you find is likely to be different than the trail we encountered today. Please always use your common sense and good judgment any time you take a hike.
Happy Trails!