Hampstead Bypass Orchard – State Highway Administration

This orchard was founded in 2010, originally as a demonstration orchard, but in 2011 was converted to a backcross breeeding orchard. A deer fence was constructed in 2011 by our chapter members. The first lines were planted in 2011 and 2012, and 2 additional lines were planted in the spring of 2014 and 2015.  

The Curtis line was inoculated with the blight and has been culled with no trees remaining.   The Mt. Phillip and the Berryville lines were not inoculated since the natural blight was very aggressive here.   Many of these trees have been removed, but some remaining trees produced nuts in 2025.

Address:
Rt 30 bypass, Hampstead, Carroll Co.  – Google map  – see below

Directions:
Starting at Westminster, Md., go north on Rt 27 about 3 miles to a right turn on Rt 482. Take Rt 482 about 4.5 miles to the Rt. 30 Hampstead bypass circle. Take the bypass north about 0.8 mile. The orchard is on the left (across the highway) behind a fence.  Due to a deep swale at the entrance, you will need a vehicle with good ground clearance (P/U or SUV) to enter the orchard proper.  Also, use caution when crossing the highway.  If traffic is heavy it is wise to continue north to the circle (about a mile) and return on the south bound side.  Note: See the map below.

Orchard steward – Jim Curtis

State Highway contact:  George Geatz

Plantings:

2014 – Mt. Phillip line MD72A x MDMO :   125 seeds.

2015 – 112 seeds- Berryville line MD 73A x CY 430 (BC3). Controls were 10 seeds – Haines 45 x open, 10 seeds – Hood Chinese x open and 10 seeds – Scrivener x open.

Click here for a diagram of the orchard plantings.