New Fern Trail Opens At Chaptico Park, Offering Scenic Ride For Cyclists And Hikers

Fern Trail at Chaptico Park (Photo courtesy of the Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers)

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Outdoor enthusiasts have a new reason to visit Chaptico Park with the debut of the Fern Trail, a 0.63-mile path winding through the park’s wooded rear section. The new addition offers a fresh route for both hikers and cyclists looking to explore the natural landscape of western St. Mary’s County.

The trail connects near the existing Nature Trail and features a mix of rolling terrain, forest views, and gentle curves ideal for beginners and families. Early visitors say the route provides a quiet, shaded escape that captures the park’s rural charm.

The project was made possible through sponsorship by Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers, a local volunteer group known for maintaining and improving regional trails. Members worked with county parks staff to design and prepare the route, clearing undergrowth and ensuring the trail’s sustainability through natural drainage and erosion control.

Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers recently shared video footage highlighting the Fern Trail from a rider’s perspective. The clip below shows cyclists weaving through dense greenery and fern-lined singletrack before emerging into open park fields—a firsthand look at the trail’s flow and scenery.

“Community partnerships like this make a huge difference,” said one volunteer with the organization. “We’re proud to help expand access to outdoor recreation and keep these spaces thriving for everyone.”

The Fern Trail complements several other recreational features at Chaptico Park, including the Hiking and Cycling Trail, a 1.4-mile cross-country route that winds through the park’s natural areas. Visitors can also enjoy paved highways and pathways for walking, as well as a blockhouse with restrooms located beside the playground.

Managed by St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks, Chaptico Park continues to grow as a hub for outdoor activity, offering a mix of hiking, biking, sports fields, and family-friendly amenities. The Fern Trail can be accessed from the park’s rear trailhead and serves as a new way to experience the beauty and biodiversity of St. Mary’s County.

Photos courtesy of Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers show riders navigating the Fern Trail at Chaptico Park, weaving through shaded woods and fern-lined paths before exiting into open fields.

For more updates and trail footage, visit Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers on Facebook.