Hard Cider, Purdum, and Loggers Loop
Hard Cider, Purdum, and Loggers Loop
3.0
(28)
41
hikers
01:11
4.37km
60m
Hiking
The Hard Cider, Purdum, and Loggers Loop offers a delightful journey through the varied landscapes of Little Bennett Regional Park. You'll wander through dense forests, open meadows, and along rolling hills above Little Bennett Creek, experiencing a pleasant mix of natural settings. While the 2.7-mile (4.4 km) loop is rated easy with only 201 feet (61 metres) of elevation gain, some sections can be muddy and rocky, so sturdy shoes are recommended for the roughly 1 hour and 11 minutes it takes to complete.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with the trailhead for the Hard Cider Trail easily accessible from the Kingsley Parking Area. This shared-use path is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians, so expect to encounter others enjoying the park. A convenient porta-potty is available at Earl's Campsite, and a charming picnic spot under pine trees provides a great place for a break, making it a well-equipped option for a family-friendly Loggers Loop hike.
This trail is a fantastic way to experience Montgomery County's largest natural area, Little Bennett Regional Park, which spans over 3,700 acres. The park boasts more than 25 miles of natural surface trails and historic sites, offering a rich environment for nature and wildlife observation. The Hard Cider, Purdum, and Loggers Loop provides a perfect introduction to the park's diverse ecosystems and is an excellent choice for those seeking an accessible outdoor adventure.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
4.32 km
Highlight • Rest Area
4.37 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.78 km
497 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.78 km
489 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (200 m)
Lowest point (140 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 15 July
35°C
21°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
You can typically access trails that form this loop from the Kingsley Parking Area, which is a common starting point for the Hard Cider Trail. The Purdum Trail can also be started from the Burnt Hill Parking Area.
Yes, trails within Little Bennett Regional Park, including those that make up this loop, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash and practice courteous trail sharing, as these paths are also used by bikers and equestrians.
Little Bennett Regional Park offers a variety of habitats and seasonal beauty, making this loop enjoyable year-round. Spring brings new growth, summer offers lush greenery, fall showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides a peaceful, quiet experience. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain or snowmelt.
Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for day hiking on the trails within Little Bennett Regional Park. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Montgomery Parks website for any specific regulations or changes, especially if you plan on activities beyond hiking.
Yes, this loop is generally considered easy and suitable for beginners and families. It features rolling terrain through forests and meadows, making it a pleasant and accessible outdoor experience. The overall difficulty is rated as easy.
The loop traverses through dense forests and open meadows, often featuring rolling terrain above Little Bennett Creek. While mostly gentle, you might encounter some sections that can be muddy or rocky, especially after rain. It offers a diverse and engaging natural landscape.
Along the route, you'll experience beautiful forest scenery and open meadows. There's a notable Pleasant picnic spot under pine trees with table, perfect for a break. The park is also known for its diverse habitats, offering opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Yes, this route combines sections of several trails within Little Bennett Regional Park. You'll hike along portions of the Loggers Trail, Hard Cider Trail, Kingsley Trail, Purdum Trail, and Pine Knob Trail, offering a varied experience of the park's network.
While there might not be regular facilities directly on the entire loop, there is a porta-potty available at Earl's Campsite, which is situated roughly halfway between the Loggers Trail and the Hard Cider Trail sections of the park. It's always recommended to carry enough water for your hike.
While Little Bennett Regional Park is popular, longer loops combining trails like Logger, Purdum, Kingsley, and Windy Ridge are noted for not being overly crowded, offering a peaceful hiking experience. This specific loop is generally tranquil, especially outside of peak weekend hours.
Given the easy difficulty and varied terrain, comfortable hiking shoes are recommended. Dress in layers suitable for the weather, and consider bringing water, snacks, and insect repellent. If hiking after rain, waterproof footwear might be beneficial due to potentially muddy sections.
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