Bacon Ridge Trail in Crownsville, Maryland
Although I don't often have the opportunity, I enjoy walking forest trails and taking pictures of beautiful nature. Several years ago while visiting Anne Arundel County in Maryland, I enjoyed a springtime walk along Bacon Ridge Trail and was surprised by the unexpected sight of a junk car graveyard. What a cool find! Recently I was in the area again and re-visited the trail with the intention of photographing for a second time the old junk cars that line two ravines.
Junk car graveyard, Spring 2018
Junk car graveyard, late Summer 2022
Beginning in 2015, the trail was designed and built with dirt biking in mind. Bacon Ridge Trail consists of almost 18 miles of twisty trails within a beautiful hardwood forest. The family friendly trails are great for hiking, jogging, and especially mountain biking. This natural area is permanently protected and maintained by the Scenic Rivers Land Trust for the State of Maryland and Anne Arundel County. The junk car graveyard is a short walk from the small parking lot, if you take the trail head that starts to the right.
The remains of the 18th century Charles S. Waters Mill have been found near a creek that runs through the preservation area. The creek is named Bacon Ridge Branch. Local folklore indicates that it was named Bacon Ridge because long ago, much of this area was cleared of trees and housed a hog farm. Pigs roamed the land and eventually provided bacon for local folks.
So why are there old cars in the ravines of Bacon Ridge? How did they get there? What is the story behind their ruin? One theory is that they were dumped there to reduce erosion along the ridge. Whatever the reason may have been, it has been long forgotten. What is known is that these cars have been in the ravines for a long time, so long that the once cleared farmland is now a forest that has reclaimed the land. And these broken and rusted cars from another era.
So why are there old cars in the ravines of Bacon Ridge? How did they get there? What is the story behind their ruin? One theory is that they were dumped there to reduce erosion along the ridge. Whatever the reason may have been, it has been long forgotten. What is known is that these cars have been in the ravines for a long time, so long that the once cleared farmland is now a forest that has reclaimed the land. And these broken and rusted cars from another era.
Spring 2018
Late Summer 2022
I counted at least six ruined cars in the first ravine. Several are 1950s Mercury sedans. The rust and faded paint, the vines and fallen leaves, all mingled to create a fascinating photo opportunity. After four years, it was interesting to compare the changes that the forces of nature have wrought and to think again about the secrets these old cars may conceal.
Target practice?
Or a mafia hit job?
An old Mercury squeezed by trees, Spring 2018
Still squeezed by trees, late Summer 2022
A rusted car staircase plunging down the ravine
This old yellow and black Mercury looks like a 1956 Mercury Montclair. What do you think?
1956 Mercury Montclair front
Rear view 1956 Mercury Montclair at Bacon Ridge Trail
Rear view 1956 Mercury Montclair
In its day, this car was quite a snazzy sight! It's still quite a sight, albeit weather beaten, crushed, rusted, and decayed.
Interior Mercury Montclair, Spring 2018
Interior Mercury Montclair, late Summer 2022
Here is the classic car graveyard from a different vantage point, taken four years apart.
Spring 2018
Late Summer 2022
The adjacent ravine has a few more cars, but the overgrowth is denser, so they are harder to see, and the foliage made it difficult to get a count. Both ravines are very steep.
Spring 2018
Late Summer 2022
If you are ever near Crownsville, Maryland, Bacon Ridge Trail is a great place to hike or bike. Be on the lookout for the junk car graveyard. You won't be disappointed.
