BETHESDA, MD — The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission staff in Montgomery County announced that a portion of Little Falls Trail in Bethesda that had suffered repeated storm damage has been repaired and is now open sunrise to sunset for hikers, walkers, bikers, strollers and roller skaters.
In July 2005, a portion of the trail was closed due to unsafe conditions, particularly a concrete slab that had been undermined by storm flows in the adjacent stream. The newly reopened trail section is located between Massachusetts Avenue and Westmoreland Hills Local Park on Elliot Road. Park management had been encouraging trail users to use the Capital Crescent Trail as an alternative since it parallels Little Falls Trail in this area.
Andy Frank, M-NCPPC project manager, encourages trail users to return to Little Falls trail. “Our contractor has completed their extensive work on this popular trail, and all the inspections are complete that clear the way to allow trail users to return and enjoy this scenic stream valley.”
During the reconstruction, crews installed a system of concrete piers with steel support beams and placed a reinforced concrete bridge deck to permanently provide needed support. “A future stream restoration project, planned for this winter, will provide even more stabilization to this situation,” said Frank.
Trail maps of both the Capital Crescent Trail and the Little Falls Trail can be found on the Department’s website at www.montgomerytrails.org.