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Helmstetter's Curve
4.7 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in La Vale, Maryland · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Helmstetter's Curve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Helmstetter's Curve
“A great place with scenic views of the Cash Valley along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Trail.”
A really cool place to get some pics of the WMSR. There is enough parking for 15 cars and a great place to walk to Brush Tunnel. Its a few degrees cooler here than Cumberland in the summer. This curve offers one of the few places to frame the entire train in a single picture.
What a beautiful example of American railroad civil engineering! And now running with #1309, the world's largest operating compound Mallet steam locomotive; built in 1949. The last steam locomotive built for domestic use by the mighty Baldwin Locomotive Works near Philadelphia.
A great place with scenic views of the Cash Valley along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Trail. Ample parking and trail access close by, just off of Cash Valley Drive. With the changing leaves, now would be the perfect time to visit and hike.
My son and I love walking the trail by Helmstetters curve and up toward Frostburg. Scenery is beautiful and a great way to stay fit.
Trail conditions & character
“A great place with scenic views of the Cash Valley along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Trail.”
“Plenty of parking here but can get full if 1309 is on the line with everyone getting pictures and video.”
Plan your run at Helmstetter's Curve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteatatrail.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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