Project Description:
The Gunpowder Falls State Park Sweathouse Area Trail Network Expansion proposes the development of a multi-use trail network on the south side of the Big Gunpowder Falls. The need for this project stems from an overuse of the existing trails in the Sweathouse Area, which has caused strain on these trails and their surrounding ecosystems. The project aims to identify opportunities to expand the south side trail network through the addition of loops, switchbacks, and at least three community access points to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. Using the natural geography along with community feedback, a new series of engineered single-track trails were proposed. Factors like keeping a 5% average grade, minimizing stream crossing disturbance, and connecting the surrounding neighborhoods to the park guided the design of the proposed network. The final network was submitted to the Maryland DNR for the basis of construction and implementation of the new trails in this area.
