Seth Demo Forest Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Wildlife

The Seth Demonstration Forest is part of the Chesapeake Forest Lands on the Lower Eastern Shore. There are not many public forest lands in this part of the state, so this hike is a welcome opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes from spending time in a forest.

Bow hunting is allowed in the forest during hunting season.

The trailhead for the forest is easy to miss and not well marked, so keep your eyes out for the red metal fence and small parking area. There are two access points here to enter the trail system. The trails are not well marked, so definitely bring along a map or the Hiking Project mobile app to keep yourself oriented. Fortunately, the forest is only 122 acres and surrounded by neighborhoods, so getting off on the wrong spur is not a major problem.

The trails are wide with little elevation. The surface is hard packed and covered with pine needles and leaves. You'll also cross the occasional root. There is a great variety of trees and native plants to see, along with small wildlife, deer, and a multitude of bird species. Once you get a few hundred yards along the trail, you can no longer hear cars, only bird calls and rustling leaves. This loop gives a nice tour of the entire forest, but there are other smaller loops and connectors available to explore.

It is a nice getaway for an hour or two, an enjoyable family escape, and a great place to hike with the dogs.

For great information about the history of the Chesapeake Forests, check out the Department of Natural Resources website.