Saint Marys Lake Trail Series

Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, Saint Mary’s Lake is a 250 acre freshwater lake with a 7.5 mile main route along the lake, and approximately 8 miles of additional trails in the connected Salem Forest. The trail system is only a few miles from your typical chain shops and stores as well as many local restaurants and amenities. The trail itself is very tranquil, surrounded mainly by forests with some sections (~½ mile) backing up to neighborhoods. The trail series will be 1, 2, or 3 laps of an ~10.5 mile loop along the lake perimeter and into Salem Forest. The main aid station will be located at the main entrance to St Marys Lake (also the start/finish of the event) on Camp Cosoma Road. A second aid station will be located approximately halfway through the loop near the Salem Forest parking lot on Indian Bridge Road (alternate access road by the power lines). The route is comprised of ~75% single track dirt/root/rock/wooden bridge, 20% forest road, and 5% crushed gravel along the dam. A gpx file of the route provided here (https://api.sports-tracker.com/apiserver/v2/routes/export/xgRBdyLWB3qtw3ZRjJqi12SJJS3i8qbktex_rOenLm22Ld0FssgweQwbMEYVquwb?brand=SUUNTOAPP&format=gpx-route) and trail markings will be present. Depending on conditions, some mud and wet sections may be present that can usually be avoided while staying on the trail. There are no significant climbs or descents, but there are several small hills that total ~500ft of elevation gain/descent on each lap. The trail is generally fast and is a great venue for a first trail race or expanding your current distance goals. Check-in for all distances begins at 0700 (adjusted from 0630). All distances will begin at 0800 (adjusted from 0730) and will have a cutoff time of 1630 (8.5 hours). Runners are required to begin their final lap by 1330 or will be asked to run independently of the race event for the remainder. During the event, the trail system will continue to be available to the general public, but is not generally busy. Mountain bikers, walkers/runners, leashed pets, and horseback riders may join you on the trails. The day use service charge for the main entrance (start / finish on Camp Cosoma Road) is credit-card only, $3/vehicle for Maryland residents. Out-of-state residents add $2. Charges are collected at the automated gate system at the entrance. While there should be ample parking, we request carpooling to the maximum extent possible to leave room for other park users. Parking in the grass or along the road is not allowed. Passholders (Maryland Passport, Golden Age and Universal Disability) may contact the park office at 301-872-5688 or by email (pointlookout.statepark@maryland.gov) to receive an additional swipe card that allows free entry through the automated gate system located at the Lake Area of the park. More information about the park can be found here (https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/stmarysriver.aspx).