Hemlock Gorge at Prettyboy Reservoir

At Gunpowder Falls/Walker Run confluence,Eastern hemlocks grow with very large circumferences and heights. At least five state champions grow in this gorge, and are quite visible along the trail.

The old-growth area is approximately six acres and runs along the Gunpowder Falls from Walker Run. The older growth area becomes narrow towards the east and there is a demarcation where a previous cutting of the forest occurred. All the trees north of the cut are uniform in size. The trees of varying sizes nearer to the Gunpowder Falls, and particularly the largest trees, were spared.  

Non-woody vegetation is a mix of native and non-native wildflowers that include stands of Canada mayflower, marsh violets, hooked buttercup, false Solomon’s seal, yellow avens, mayapple, and other desirable natives. Prettyboy Reservoir lands provide habitat for upland and forest wildlife species, primarily white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, and songbirds.

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