Frequently Asked Questions
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Question: Where is the MA & PA Trail? Question: How long is the MA & PA Trail? Question: Will the trails ever be connected? Question: Are dogs allowed on the trail? Question: Where are the restrooms? Question: Is water available on the trail? Question: What do trail monitors do? Question: Is the trail safe? Question: What do the mile markers mean? |
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Question: Where is the MA & PA Trail? Answer: The MA & PA Trail currently has two sections: "Phase One" stretches between Williams Street in the town of Bel Air to Tollgate Road, across from Heavenly Waters Park (site of the Harford County Farm Fair). "Phase Two" stretches from Friends Parks in Forest Hill (behind the soccer field) to Melrose Lane, which is off Bynum Run Road. Top of Page Question: How long is the MA & PA Trail? Answer: Phase One (in Bel Air) is approximately 2 miles in each direction. The trail meanders through mature woods, through a tunnel under Rt. 24 and past the Harford County Equestrian Center. Phase One is moderately hilly in some areas. Phase Two (Forest Hill) is approximately 1 3/4 miles in each direction. It is mostly flat and wanders past a marshland, through residential and industrial neighborhoods, and through Friends Park where a fishing pond and picnic area attract many visitors throughout the year. Top of Page Question: Will the trails ever be connected? Answer: The MA & PA Trail is a work in progress! On May 30, 2007 a groundbreaking ceremony took place to celebrate construction of a two-mile extension of the trail from Tollgate Road to Edgeley Grove (near Annie's playground) in Fallston. The Board of Directors and MA & PA Heritage Trail members continue to monitor land exchanges and acquisitions that could lead to a trail extension between Williams St in Bel Air to Melrose Lane in Forest Hill. We strongly support all efforts to make this trail connection a reality for Harford County citizens and visitors. Such connections would make the trail length about 8 miles in length and allow people to walk from Fallston to Forest Hill along the approximate route of the MA & PA Railroad. Top of Page Question: Are dogs allowed on the trail? Answer: Dogs are welcome on the trails, but they must be leashed at all times. A dog park, located on the Tollgate Road side of the Bel Air trail, has fenced areas in which dog owners may let their animals off a leash. Naturally, so that all may enjoy the trail, dog owners should clean up after their pets in both the dog park and on the trails. Top of Page Question: Where are the restrooms? Answer: Temporary restrooms can be found at the Bel Air trail's parking lot off Williams St. and at the foot of the hill that leads to the trail's end near Tollgate Rd. Permanent restrooms, open from April through November, are located on each end of the Forest Hill portion of the trail. There is also a temporary restroom near Friends Pond on the Forest Hill trail. Top of Page Question: Is water available on the trail? Answer: Water fountains can be found on the outside of the permanent restrooms on both ends of the Forest Hill trail. There is a water fountain on the Tollgate Road end of the Bel Air trail. The MA & PA Heritage Trail, Inc. is monitoring progress on a proposed water fountain to be located at the Williams St. end of the Bel Air Trail. Top of Page Question: What do trail monitors do? Answer: Trail monitors represent both Harford County Parks and Recreation Department and the MA & PA Heritage Trail and include both paid and volunteer monitors. They do what's needed to ensure that the trail is a pleasant place for all visitors. They answer questions, check trail conditions, pick up trash, and serve as trail ambassadors. They have cell phones and carry limited first aid supplies. Monitors walk the trails during selected hours on weekends, Wednesdays and holidays. Top of Page Question: Is the trail safe? Answer: The MA & PA trails provide citizens with a place to walk, run and bike on an off-road nature place. In most areas, the trails are in close proximity to roadways and neighborhoods. The local police department, as well as volunteer and paid trail monitors, randomly patrols the trails. However, as in any public place, citizens are urged to follow their usual safety precautions. These may include walking with a partner, carrying a cell phone, using the trail during daytime hours and being aware of people and surroundings. The trails are open from sunrise to dusk all year and citizens are encouraged to use the trails only during those times. If an emergency does occur, take note of the number on the nearest trail mile marker and call 911. Top of Page Question: What do the mile markers mean? Answer: The Harford County Parks & Recreation Department placed mile markers every 1/4 mile. If you need to tell someone your location or report an emergency on the trail, tell the police or 911 dispatcher where you are by using the number on the closest trail markers. The markers are arranged as if the Bel Air and Forest Hill trails are connected. (There is a plan to connect these trails in the future.) Top of Page |