Coot Peninsula Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This is a mixed-use trail so please careful of horseback riders. There are dog walkers with dogs off leash but I am not sure of the restrictions there. My favorite time to hike this trail is the morning when the sun is rising over the trees and shines on the reservoir.

These trails are unmarked with many fishermen trails branching off to dead ends. It can be frustrating to accidentally following a dead end, but at least you won't get lost.

You cross Middle Run just before the one mile mark and on the way back just before the six mile mark. Around 1.5 miles, there is a little stream that the trail goes over but there is land subsidence right now so be careful!

Head to Java Mama's in Reisterstown for a great breakfast or Harryman House for a good brew depending on when you go to the trail.

There is parking right on Deer Park Rd. From the trailhead, follow the main fire trail at about a quarter of a mile and take a right at first trail split. Follow this trail to the creek called Middle Run. You'll cross the creek (high erosion here). Take a left when you cross the creek. Stay on the main trail that hugs the shoreline of the Reservoir (the trails to the left of each intersection). Just after two miles the trail will split, one headed to reservoir and one headed up a hill. Follow the hill up. By 2.6 miles you should be able to see that you have reached the peninsula. Follow the small spit of land until the trail ends and then head back!

Typical eastern deciduous forest of central Maryland. Lots of Japanese silt grass in the underbrush.