Trail Ph 2 - Construction at Gathland State Park

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for construction of Phase 2 of a battlefield interpretation trail at Crampton's Gap/Gathland State Park near Burkittsville, Washington County, with bids due November 3, 2026.

The scope is approximately 5,150 linear feet of new natural surface singletrack trail designed for pedestrian use only; motorized use is prohibited. The trail will tie together existing developed park areas, eliminating the need for additional parking, sanitary facilities, or other related infrastructure. Construction must comply with the Maryland DNR Trail Specification Matrix, which establishes baseline standards for three difficulty classifications—Easier (Green), More Difficult (Blue), and Very Difficult (Black)—across tread width, average and maximum grade, minimum turn radius, corridor width and height, exposure limitations, obstacle parameters, and surface roughness. The specifications emphasize sustainability, requiring grade reversals at least every 100 feet, minimum three percent grade and camber for drainage, and terrain-modification techniques such as "lift and tilt" construction. Specifications account for soil quality variations, with high-quality clay-based soils with rock assumed as baseline; contractors must consult the project manager for terrain-condition exceptions requiring design adjustments.

The project has received final approval from the Maryland DNR. No contract value, contract term, or incumbent information is disclosed in the solicitation materials.