Tall Poplar Trail South Fork

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildlife

The south fork of the Tall Poplar Trail offers a gentle climb down towards the south branch of the Patapsco and the Switchback Trail. The path splits off of the Tall Poplar Trail Main Branch just as the trail reaches a small hiking shelter built near the trailhead.

The trail is generally easy with few obstacles and only low-grade slopes. Due to its overall flatness, the trail does have areas that drain poorly and hikers should avoid it after heavy rains to prevent damage to the trail. Before the trail opens up to the Switchback Trail to the southwest, there is a short connector to another parking lot and the disc golf course in McKeldin.

True to its name, Tall Poplar Trail is covered in old growth tulip poplar trees, creating a high canopy for the trail with an impressive view.