[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”332.2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_slider _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#b7b7b7″ custom_margin=”||32px|||” custom_padding=”155px||170px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”The Frederick Douglass Rail Trail” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#8F8F8F” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/FrederickDouglassParkEntrance.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” background_blend=”darken” filter_brightness=”101%” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_fullwidth_slider][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Gallery” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”19px||90px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-32px|auto|13px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”800%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_delay=”100ms” animation_intensity_zoom=”10%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Currently, the trail is in the design phase.\u00a0On April 3, 2025 MODT made the announcement that the State will be using Federal Carbon Reduction Grant monies to take the next step in the feasibility and design of the trail from Easton to Tuckahoe State Park. [Forward to 4:00 into the video]<\/p>\n
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The corridor, running from Queen Anne to Easton used to haul people and freight, but today, it has been converted to a trail within the town of Easton, it sits mostly idle for the rest of its length. Since 1982 it’s been owned by the Maryland Department of Transportation for the purpose of preserving the property for future uses. The proposed Frederick Douglass Rail-Trail would occupy this corridor, providing walking and cycling connections to Tuckahoe State Park.<\/p>\n
What is rail-banking? Railbanking is a process created by the National Trails Act that conserves railroad corridors for other public uses. The US Surface Transportation Board decides whether a railroad line can be “banked” or not, and railroads that were fully abandoned previously are not eligible for this protection. Rail-banking is not a process that conveys property. In the case of the Frederick Douglass Rail-Trail, the railroad that built the tracks acquired the properties for the corridor in the 1850’s and 1860’s. The process to rail-bank this corridor was completed in 2013. While some structures and tracks have been removed over time, the corridor’s protected status allows the old railroad features to be removed and replaced as necessary, such as the former bridge over MD-404.<\/p>\n
What is Fee Simple Ownership? Have you ever bought a house? You probably bought your land in “Fee Simple” which is a kind of absolute ownership of your yard. With few exceptions, railroad builders in Maryland almost always sought to acquire corridor properties in Fee Simple, and these land records are recorded in the county where the property is located. For the Frederick Douglass Rail-Trail, the property records are available through the county’s land office, or online via the Maryland Archives.<\/p>\n
What is Adverse Possession? Maryland has a unique land ownership law called Adverse Possession. It means a person can live on and maintain a property for a certain amount of time and later claim ownership of that land, usually by a process called “quieting title”. However, Federal law regarding railroad corridor operation preempts (nullifys) state adverse possession laws in cases relating to railroad property, and numerous court cases have upheld this principle.<\/p>\n
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“In 2020, a study process was initiated that focused on identifying how the FDRT could spur economic development; improve residents\u2019 health and quality of life by increasing access to community assets such as parks, schools, and businesses; and bring recognition to the African American\/Black historical experience, railroad history, and agricultural heritage of Maryland\u2019s Eastern Shore.<\/p>\n
The purpose of this assessment was to document the potential for trail development within and adjacent to the rail corridor in Talbot County. This section of the rail corridor is approximately 15 miles long, extending northeast from the Town of Easton to Tuckahoe State Park, and was identified as a priority because of the active support of Talbot County for the rail-trail concept, the potential demand from trail users, and the presence of key destinations. This assessment included an inventory of historic, cultural, recreational, and natural assets along the rail corridor, and identification of physical, environmental, design and management issues and opportunities that will inform development of a trail feasibility study in the future.”<\/p>\n
The following partners formed the core planning team to help guide the rail-trail study process:<\/p>\n
The following organizations have signed on as supporters of the trail:<\/p>\n
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The proposed route begins just north of the town of Queen Anne, in Queen Anne\u2019s County and ends at the former rail line intersection with Black Dog Alley just north of Easton in Talbot County, Maryland. The total project length is approximately 9.5 miles. Trailhead amenities are planned within the towns of Queen Anne and Cordova. The proposed trail surface is a four-inch thickness of graded aggregate base underneath a two-inch asphalt concrete base course and two-inch asphalt concrete surface course. One-foot wide grass shoulders are proposed along both sides of the trail, except on bridge approaches.<\/p>\n
The proposed trail uses the existing railway alignment over most of the project length. The railway is within a continuous 65-foot wide right of way, based off GIS property lines, which the State still controls.\u00a0 One proposed deviation from the railway route is to provide a direct connection to the Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe, a master-planned park through Talbot County Parks and Recreation. The County has completed a plan for that Park which includes work in three stages, with a trail along the frontage of the property as part of the first stage.<\/p>\n
The rail line is well-maintained within the town centers of Queen Anne and Cordova, as well as along the frontage of many of the commercial and industrial facilities within the project limits. Trees, weeds, and shrubs currently grow over most of the existing tracks.<\/em><\/p>\n The FDRT was added to the priority list for the County which was ratified by the Council in March of 2024 and submitted to the MD Department of Transportation stating “Frederick Douglass Recreational Trail from the Town of Easton to the Town of Queen Anne: <\/em>Talbot County has been working with the Maryland Department of Transportation agencies, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other State and local stakeholders on preliminary planning for the Frederick Douglass Recreational Trail. This effort has been underway for many years. The alignment of this alternative transportation\/recreational trail is the former Pennsylvania Railroad and Maryland & Delaware Railroad rights-of-way from the Town of Easton to the Town of Queen Anne. Talbot County seeks continued support for this project including funding for the design and construction of this beneficial alternative transportation and recreational facility.”<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/MDOT_FDRT_Flyer-1.jpg” alt=”FDRT Flyer” title_text=”MDOT_FDRT_Flyer-1″ url=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/MDOT_FDRT_Flyer_Smaller.pdf” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Frederick_Douglass_web.jpg” title_text=”Frederick_Douglass_web” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” height=”479px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LPPRP_TrailsWanted.png” alt=”Trails are wanted” title_text=”LPPRP_TrailsWanted” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RailBediQA.png” title_text=”RailBediQA” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||30px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/QueenAnneSign_web.jpg” title_text=”QueenAnneSign_web” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||29px|||” animation_style=”zoom” animation_delay=”400ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cordova_web.jpg” title_text=”Cordova_web” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ animation_style=”zoom” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”13px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#C5310D” global_module=”3725″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Won’t having a trail hurt my property value?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”]<\/p>\n Studies done after trails have been operational for a number of years, consistently reported that they (trails) were better neighbors than skeptics expected. When evaluated against the status quo benchmark, some perceive a retrofitted trail as a liability that is likely to reduce their quality of life. However, over time two scenarios are likely to emerge that cause negativism to dissipate. First, experience with it reassures proximate residents that their fears were groundless or overstated. Second, since proximity to a trail is relatively scarce in many urban communities, those who view it as a desirable amenity are likely to pay a premium for properties when they are offered for sale. (Compton, 2019)<\/a><\/p>\n Articles & Studies [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How can a shared use trail function safely within an active agricultural area?” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Trails and active agriculture areas can and do exist in harmony, as demonstrated by examples from across the United States, including a wide range of use levels, trail surfaces, and management policies. The following strategies have been essential to the success of trails in agricultural areas:<\/p>\n Articles:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Won’t a trail bring crime and homeless people to my property?” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Numerous studies have shown that the development of rail-to-trail projects do not bring with them an increase in crime. The National Rails to Trails Coalition studied the impact of three major rail-trail projects in 1996 and found that the incidence of crimes on trails was very low compared to overall crime rates. Their study<\/a> of rural trails concluded:<\/p>\n Articles & Studies <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How can hunting activities safely coexist with a shared use trail nearby?” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n There are more than 22,000 miles of rail-trails across the US, and as you can imagine, many of them traverse rural areas where hunting is an important part of the community. Trail managers (some might be state or national forest superintendents) have provided different solutions to conflicts that may arise on trails due to hunting. In fact, historic evidence of trail and hunting compatibility is deep rooted in single-track hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail. One of the oldest rail-trails in the nation, the 20-mile Stony Creek Railroad Grade in Dauphin County, PA, traverses through 40,000+ acres of state game lands and has been in operation since 1943 with no known injuries.<\/p>\n Some examples of other rail trails that have been established adjacent to or through public and private game lands and private hunting lands and have successfully accommodated trail users and hunters.<\/p>\n Articles<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My property is next to the rail corridor. How can I benefit from the rail trail and how will the trail provide economic development to this area?” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n How landowners along the rail corridor benefit from the rail trail through business opportunities is up to them and their entrepreneurship. Talbot County Economic Development officials will be actively working with those who express an interest in a business venture to maximize that opportunity and their success. Also, county planning and zoning officials are committed to ensuring the right zoning is in place along the rail corridor to support any business proposals that arise. Agritourism and trails in general can be a major economic driver for the entire area, especially with the uptick in visitors expected from the Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe River.<\/p>\n Articles & Studies “Repurposing old railroad right of ways into vibrant trail systems requires planning, community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and innovative best practices combined with a focus on equity and inclusion. The results are rail-to-trail systems that offer a variety of affordable housing options, promote economic and transportation opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I spray my crops that are grown next to the rail line. Am I liable or responsible for drifting of the chemicals?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]”While no Maryland court has considered the issue of liability from pesticide drift, courts in other states have. These decisions provide some guidance on how a Maryland court might handle the issue. Depending on the facts of the drift case, pesticide applicators and farmers could owe damages for nuisance or trespass case, or for uses inconsistent with the pesticide label.” (Goeringer, 2026) Community support is critical to keep this project moving along! We can’t do this advocacy work without you. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to let you know how you can help.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/h4>\n
Relevant Links<\/h4>\n
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According to the 2022 Talbot LPPRP (Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan) 88% of those surveyed stated that “Access to Trails Should be a High Priority” in Talbot County!<\/h3>\n
Talbot Thrive, in its role as an advocate for more trails, will help push State entities and the County Council on this project. The majority of residents polled in Talbot County wish to make the expansion of trails for recreational and transportation use a priority and this project is a critical piece of that plan.<\/h4>\n
Frequently Asked Questions – Addressing Local Concerns<\/h2>\n
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(Western New York) On this 90-mile multiuse trail, hunters are allowed to use the trail to access hunting locations, but may not shoot from or across the trail. The trail isn\u2019t closed during hunting season, and one of the adjacent landowners is a hunting club.<\/li>\n\n
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\nLink to article:\u00a0https:\/\/medium.com\/maryland-risk-management-education\/current-legal-rules-benefit-spray-applicators-when-it-comes-to-pesticide-drift-57159fe609b4<\/a>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,105,157,0.17)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Do You Support the Frederick Douglass Rail Trail?” button_text=”Sign On Today!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#00699D” body_text_color=”#00699D” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n