Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content
» Back to: Parks home » Planning & Stewardship » Cultural Resources Stewardship » History in the Parks » Underground Railroad Experience

Underground Railroad Experience Trail

Volunteer guides lead groups on Underground Railroad trail, 2005at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
General Information: 301-650-4373

Volunteers | Self-Guided Hikes | Free Guided Hikes

Self-Guided Hikes

This 2.0 mile trail is natural surface and includes interpretive sign markers keyed to the trail map that may be downloaded from this site. Trail stops include Woodlawn Manor and Barn and the Sandy Spring itself. One half-mile north of the spring is a 300 year-old Champion White Ash tree.

Underground Railroad Experience Trail Viciinty MapThe time is the 1850s. The Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, have helped make Sandy Spring a prosperous farming and commercial center. The Friends Meeting House, built in 1817, is the center of religious and community life. Even though slavery will not be abolished in Maryland until 1864, Maryland Quakers outlawed the owning of slaves by its members in 1777. In Sandy Spring, free blacks own their own homes and have organized churches, schools, and an array of social clubs although such public gatherings are extremely dangerous in this anti-abolitionist county.

Local patrols and slave catchers stalk the fields and woods. Quakers and free blacks assist escaping slaves via the secret “Underground Railroad”— a system of people and places organized to help slaves escape to freedom. Now you must travel through woods and skirt the edges of farm fields to safely reach the Sandy Spring itself. Can you do it? - Trail Map

Volunteers

Become a Volunteer Conductor!

Step back in time and become an Underground Railroad conductor! Volunteer to be a conductor (trail guide) for the Underground Railroad Experience Trail in Sandy Spring, Maryland! The Underground Railroad Experience Trail hikes commemorate the involvement of Montgomery County residents in the Underground Railroad and celebrate the Quaker heritage and traditions of Sandy Spring. Training session includes a guided hike on the trail.

Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older, and be able to commit to six Saturdays (or weekdays) per the season through the first weekend of November. Volunteers are especially needed to provide tours during the week for school groups.  SSL hours are eligible. Stay tuned for the next training date for new conductors. To become a volunteer conductor, please apply online at ParksVolunteers.org. For more information, please contact 301-650-4373.

Free Guided Hikes

Saturdays, April - October 2012

Runaway Slave ImageThe Underground Railroad Experience Trail hikes commemorate the involvement of Montgomery County residents in the Underground Railroad and celebrates the Quaker heritage and traditions of Sandy Spring.

NPS Network to FreedomThe 2011 season has ended and will resume next year, April through early November 2012. Guided hikes are provided by talented volunteer "conductors" who lead groups on a simulated Underground Railroad experience covering 2.0 miles from Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park along a wooded, natural surface trail to the historic Sandy Spring, then back to the park.

Hikers learn about various techniqes that "freedom seekers" used to elude trackers, find food, and navigate their way North to freedom. The Underground Railroad Experience Trail is part of the National Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.

Woodlawn Stone Barn, built 1832.What to know before you hike ...

  • No reservations are needed for Saturday hikes.
  • For large groups (15 or more) joining the Saturday hikes, please contact Parks a few days ahead.
  • Guided hikes are usually conducted rain or shine. But, please call ahead to make sure the park will be open.
  • Hikes are 2 hours long and begin at the Stone Barn at Woodlawn Manor Park.
  • Interpretive materials are suitable for children ages 8 and up.
  • Only therapeutic animals are allowed on the guided hikes.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking.
  • Trail is not ADA-accessible and not suitable for all strollers.
  • Be ready to hike outdoors, tick season is here! Learn more.

NOTE: In the event of severe weather, please call ahead to make sure the park will be open. On Saturday mornings, please call 301-650-4373 and a recorded message will advise you of the park hours.

Last updated: January 6, 2012