MAIN STREET SPONSOR
Originally envisioned as outdoor classrooms and a community green space, the trails were developed through the efforts of local educators, students, and volunteers. Today the site continues to be cared for by community volunteers who work to maintain the paths, restore habitats, and preserve this natural space for recreation, education, and relaxation.
The Franklin Woodland Trails are a natural wooded trail system located just off Main Street in Reisterstown. This scenic area offers walking paths, small bridges, and a gentle creek, creating a peaceful place for residents and visitors to enjoy nature close to town.
Hours
Open daily (daylight hours recommended).
Volunteer Workdays:
Second Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM
Our town's trail system began with a letter to the Board of Education in 1959, laying the foundation for what would become the Franklin Woodland Trails. In the fall of 1972, Kenneth Mays, Principal of Franklin Elementary School, and Carroll Swam, a 6th-grade teacher, surveyed the land to begin transforming it into a natural space for learning and recreation.
With the help of 6th-grade students who cleared man-made debris and rough walking paths, the initial groundwork was laid. A faculty committee was formed, and community members, along with a forester, became involved. The goal was to create outdoor classrooms and a space for the community to enjoy, understanding that as Reisterstown grew more suburban, the need to preserve natural spaces for both children and adults would become even more important.
Fast forward to 2018, when Jeanne Andrews, a certified Master Naturalist and Librarian, had a vision for revitalizing the trails. She joined the Reisterstown Main Street board, and the work began anew. Thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers, the Franklin Woodland Trails have made significant strides toward becoming a beautiful community asset. Volunteers have invested their time and energy, and their ongoing efforts have been instrumental in the transformation process.
