patapsco State Park...

[rtodd1586]

Went hiking in the state park this past weekend and got to part of a trail that was over grown, not wanting to push through the brush I turned back and went down another trail. My question is...is it frowned upon to bring a machete or a bush knife to cut through said brush so I could continue to enjoy the trails?
I looked on the website and cant find anything on it.

 

[sxs]

While I'm pretty sure it would be frowned upon....it may not be for an actual trail. I have a good friend who is the Park Ranger for Sandy Point (and before that Patapsco). I'll pose the question

 

[Wendigo]

I frequent the McKeldin area and they generally keep the trails clear and maintained. Although they do change the trail paths occasionally, maybe you missed a turn and ended up on a dead end part of trail?

 

[Dave.B]

If you go chopping through the brush at a state park with a machete or a brush knife you can almost guarantee a citation or worse.

 

[Crab Bait]

Pocket size clippers may be easier to carry... not as fun, but safer all around. It's funny that I was in Patapsco today and saw a guy with small clippers cutting back briars sticking out in the trail.

 

[DC-W]

Even a good pocket knife would probably help and would be more discreet.

 

[rtodd1586]

I had my daily carry knife with me. Didnt fair to well on the thick parts lol.
The trail was great until the thicker stuff.

 

[MaraD]

In the past the park was pretty good about people trimming back overgrown trails. I think the best thing to do is to make sure you are on an official trail and not a trail the park service doesn't recognize or has shut down. Then check with the park people to see if the have any objection to you doing some trimming. The park has had a problem with some invasive plant species and with a limited budget they just can't keep up. The might just welcome your offer to help.

 

[Topher]

It has been years since I have been in Patapsco State Park but I remember deer trails all thru the place. Not official trails but deer paths.

I wonder if you happened upon a deer path.

 

[rgramjet]

See any snakes?

 

[llkoolkeg]

I would also caution against it as the trails that are officially in-use are usually pretty well maintained if by nothing else but volume of foot and bike traffic. Any implement other than a lame-o pen knife might elevate eyebrows and attract unwanted attention or grief.

 

[lee2]

i think a flame thrower would be much more efficient.