Trail Maintenance
The Heart of the MTBMD community
Dispelling Rumors
about the trails at the Hashawha Environmental Center and the Union Mills Equestrian Trails
1) There's a rumor going around that the county may close the trails to mountain bikes
This is not true. We have spoken with the Dept. of Parks and Recs and they have been working with us to make these trails better for everyone, including MTB riders. From the Dept. of Parks and Recs, "No consideration has been given to banning mountain bikes on these trails, despite the continued dangerous and illegal activities by a few that include rogue trails, trespassing, etc."
2) About the Union Mills Reservoir area
It has been shared at various public meetings that it is very unlikely that the area will ever be a reservoir. The Dept. of Parks and Recs now refer to it as the Union Mills Recreation Area. This doesn't mean that it could not be used for a reservoir, only that it is not likely to happen.
3) The Union Mills Equestrian trails are off-limits to bicycles
Again, this is not true. The Union Mills trails are multi-use trails and open to mountain bikes. In fact MTBMD works with the various equestrian groups to help maintain those trails. That said, rules of the trails apply when riding the Union Mills trails—yield to the horses. Slow down or stop your bike when approaching equestrians, horses scare easily; say hello, a warm greeting goes a long way to cultivating good relationships.
Trail maintenance and building
The Hashawha Environmental Center along with the Union Mills Equestrian trails are an environmentally sensitive area with a number of Maryland plant species only growing in these areas. We will always work with in cooperation with the county land manager and park service to ensure that the work being done is what they need and require. We also work with naturalists at the HEC to ensure we do not disrupt a sensitive ecosystem, if there is no other choice we relocate sensitive plants to a safe new location. We follow IMBA/MORE standards in fixing issues and or re-routing any trails.
Project Trail Signs
Getting lost at Hashawha shouldn’t be part of the adventure!
In 2025 MTBMD began planning and is now working to install a clear, consistent trail signage system throughout the Hashawha Environmental Area—one of Westminster’s most heavily used outdoor spaces.
Many trail intersections are unsigned or inconsistently marked. This leads to confusion, users getting turned around, and unintended off-trail travel that damages sensitive areas. For families, beginners, and visitors, it can make the trail system feel frustrating instead of welcoming.
We plan to install approximately 50 signs with high-visibility decals to mark trail names, directions, and key intersections across the network. These signs are designed for long-term outdoor use and will dramatically improve navigation and safety.
UPDATE 04/26/2026
We are in the process of ordering 50 Carsonite signs and the tools to install them in the park. Decals for names and directions are being designed. We hope to have some of the signs in place by the end of May.
If you are interested in helping or want more information, use our contact page to reach out to us!
Trail Work Gallery
We are a volunteer organization an it’s the volunteers who come out time and again to help with trail maintenance that gives us our strength. Without volunteers none of what we do would be possible. It is with the deep appreciation and gratitude that we say thank you to those who give their time and their labor to improve the tails at the Hashawha Environmental Center.
