The possibility of a trail along the power lines has just developed recently and I don’t think there has been very much planning regarding this trail. From what I’ve heard part of the trail would be paved and part might be natural surface.
As I work closely with Montgomery County on the development of both paved and multi-use natural surface trails, I researched Serpentine rock when the possibility of the power line trail was first mentioned. From my findings and as the article you linked also mentions, Serpentine rock is truly a rare and unique formation which affects a whole eco-system in the adjacent area in a unique way. I can pretty much guarantee that Parks will suggest that any trail along the power line should be places in such a way to do as little damage as possible and that the wooded trails should be limited access (hiker only).
As the Serpentine Barnes Park is isolated from any other Park land, with the exception of the power line trail, it is very unlikely that any trails in the wooded areas would be candidates for connector trails. There is some mention of equestrian access along existing roadbed in the Park. I do not know the exact location of these roadbeds or if they are used as connector trails.
If access to the Park trails are limited it will be important to provide other nearby natural surface trails for multi-use (bicycle and equestrian) to fill the recreational needs so that there is no temptation to use the trails located at Serpentine Barnes.
That’s as much as I know, and my thoughts on what might happen.
Joe
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