ACLT Releases 2026 Guided Hikes Schedule: Here’s When And Where To Hike

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) has published its schedule for this year’s guided hikes. Learn how to register and what a guided hike has to offer.

ACLT’s guided hikes take place throughout the year on the trust’s 26 miles of trails. The trails go through old-growth forests, up and down ravines, along meadows and streams, and Parkers Creek. The hikes are led by master naturalists who will educate you about the nature you see along the way.

Most of the hikes last approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, though some are more challenging than others, so the ACLT encourages hikers to carefully read the descriptions before registering. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toe shoes, and bring water and bug repellent. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on guided hikes.

In the case of inclement weather, guides will determine whether the hike should be canceled or rescheduled and will let the hikers know by email.

To schedule a hike, hikers should go to the ACLT’s guided hikes page and view the schedule of hikes. Each hike’s title leads to the registration form for that hike.

Here are a few of the upcoming hikes.

Saturday, March 28, 2026 — Spring Ephemeral Guided Hike #1
Catch the bloom before it’s gone!
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: NS Trail (arrive by 9:45 a.m.)
Trail: Horse Swamp to Bay Overlook
Note: Some inclines

Sunday, April 12, 2026 — Spring Ephemeral Guided Hike #2
Another chance to catch the bloom!
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: NS Trail (arrive by 9:45 a.m.)
Trail: Horse Swamp to Bay Overlook
Note: Some inclines

Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Migratory Bird Guided Hike
Enjoy walking to the rhythm of birds!
Time: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Location: NS Trail (arrive by 7:45 a.m.)
Trail: Griffin Meadow — Turkey Trail & Spur
Note: Some inclines

Saturday, May 16, 2026 — Mountain Laurel Guided Hike #1
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: SS Trail (arrive by 9:45 a.m.)
Trail: Laurel Loop
Note: Some inclines

See the website for the complete list of guided hikes for 2026. 

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