At the end of Leaf Treader Way there is a gate to block vehicles. Beyond the gate, and in alignment with Leaf Treader Way, there used to be an old road. It ran East for a 1/4 mile or so until it was stopped by an embankment (entrance to southbound Route 29 from eastbound Route 175).
The long lost road was elevated a couple feet because the area is marshy with the Little Patuxent River passing through. The road was in decent shape considering its obvious age. In some places along the edges of the road there were white painted ines that were unusually raised. Raised white paint on asphalt seems to be something that occurs over time - probably because of heat. But it takes a lot of time. Because of the surrounding woods, the road could not be seen unless you were on it. The abandoned road appears on old maps, back when what is now Route 29 was a two lane country road.
I found it very satisfying to walk the old road, trying to imagine what it was like when it was in use. It was possible to walk most of the way to the cache on the old road with no concern for getting a wet or muddy foot.
Several years ago the middle section of the road was removed and replaced with vegetation, probably to naturalize the area. This occurred during a large construction project that installed a new sewer pipe along the path of the river.
There are still sections of the old road remaining at both ends. It's hard to understand why they were left, when all the rest was removed, but I'm glad they were. Depending on recent weather, the middle section of the route can be wet and muddy. So it may be good to wear boots that you don't mind getting dirty.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:
It was built before Columbus, oops - make that Columbia, discovered the area. I stumbled upon it recently and was hugely surprised. Although it is surrounded by thousands of people, very few, I’m sure, know about it. It really does compare to a lost Mayan temple: built to last, used for years, then abandoned and forgotten. It is masked by Nature, and that protects it. There is only one practical way in, and that protects it too. It is somewhat remote, but personal safety shouldn’t be a serious concern. It isn’t that kind of place. Entrance is N39 13.456 W76 51.150. Keep going to the end before taking a right.