So many choices!
Go ahead and browse -- I bet you'll find something for you!!
Occasionally, there are schedule changes, so please check back for the latest information. The schedule was last updated on 12/29/08.
The Basics:
- All trips require advance registration unless otherwise specified. If weather is inclement, call leader to confirm that hike is still on.
- There is a $2.00 guest fee for non-members.
- The schedule below is an abbreviated version. The full version is available to members only.
- The Hike Grading indicates the estimated length of the hike and difficulty. It is located after the date and name of the hike. The first character is the estimated miles. The second character is the estimated difficulty: (E) Easy, (M) Moderate, (H) Hard, and (S) Strenuous.
- If you have not already, please visit our Trail Policy page before joining a trip. There are also some helpful suggestions for hikers there.
Activities Schedule:
WEDNESDAY – DECEMBER 31 – SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN / EASTERN LOOP – 8H: Approximate 8 mile circuit hike beginning at West view parking area on green-blazed trail, ascending man-made stone stairway, to top then descending to yellow-blazed Eastern loop trail to White Rocks. Overlook for lunch. Total elevation gain approximately 1,200'. Pace averages 2.5 miles per hour. Phone 410-956-2010 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – DECEMBER 31 – PATAPSCO STATE PARK - HOLLOFIELD AREA – 5 E-M: Hike both sides of U.S. 40 including Ole Ranger Trail & view of Union Dam. Phone 410-788-1566 for more information.
THURSDAY – JANUARY 1 – OREGON RIDGE NEW YEARS DAY HIKE – 6M: Start the New Year with this old favorite. Six miles with stream crossings, possible muddy conditions and a couple hills. Phone 443-275-1406 for more information. No calls after 9:00 PM.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 3 – APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN MARYLAND, ALT 40 TO ANNAPOLIS ROCKS OUT-AND-BACK – 14S: Hike 14 miles on the A/T in Maryland. Views from Annapolis Rocks. Elevation gain of 1700'. Phone 410-926-9298 for more information.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 3 – GREENBRIER STATE PARK TO WASHINGTON MONUMENT – 11H: This out-and-back eleven mile hike begins in a far corner of the Greenbrier State Park, proceeds past Greenbrier Lake, ascends the Appalachian Trail via the Bartman Hill Trail, and then heads south for lunch at the Washington Monument. There are many rocky sections of trail, no stream crossings to speak of, a couple of beautiful vistas along the way, and about 2,000 feet of total ascent (including a few decent climbs, the most strenuous of which is 520 feet in .6 mile). Our pace will be moderate (that is, our average speed while moving will be 2.5 - 3 mph). Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
SUNDAY – JANUARY 4 – ROCKBURN BRANCH PARK/PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK: ORANGE GROVE AREA – 6E/M: This six mile hike has multiple stream crossings, a couple of minor climbs, very little by way of rocky trail, and a total ascent of less than 500 feet. The hike will employ the Morning Choice, Old Track Loop and Cascade Falls trails, all of which run through mature forests. Our pace will be moderate (that is, our average speed while moving will be 2.5 - 3 mph) and we will have a five minute snack break. Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 7 – PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK - GLEN ARTNEY AREA – 7M: Moderately paced tweener 7-mile hike with some hills. Phone 419-747-3346 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 7 – APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN MARYLAND – 12M: An out and back hike of a total of 11.6 miles going south from Gathland State Park to Weverton Cliffs overlook. Total elevation gain is 2,000' with longest climb of 450' over 0.8 mile. Pace averages 2.5 miles per hour. Phone 410-730-5957 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 7 – BOLLINGER MILL – 5M: Phone 410-922-6928 for more information.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 10 – PSVP: AVALON AND ORANGE GROVE AREAS – 9M: This 9 mile circuit hike has a total ascent of about 1,400 feet, contains some rocky sections, has one stream crossing, and has lunch on the water. Our pace will be moderate (average speed while moving: 2.5 - 3 mph). Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 10 – BIG SCHLOSS – 12S: Hike 12.5 miles in the George Washington National Forest. We'll start at the campgrounds and hike up to Sugar Knob Cabin which will be followed by an excellent view of the Great North Mountains at Big Schloss. Elevation gain of 1700'. We'll stop both for breakfast and dinner. Phone 410-497-5795 for more information.
SUNDAY – JANUARY 11 – DICKINSON AND GORMAN AREA TRAILS – 7M: 7 mile circuit hike along both sides of the Middle Patuxent River in Howard County. Pace averages 2.5 miles per hour. Phone 410-381-5489 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 14 – GUNPOWDER STATE PARK SWEET AIR AREA – 7M: Moderately paced tweener hike at a beautiful area of the Gunpowder, some elevation. Lunch beside the River. Phone 410-363-2620 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 14 – PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK / MARRIOTTSVILLE ROAD – 8M: This 8.5 mile hike over unmarked and un-maintained trails will be conducted at an average pace of 2.5-3 mph, has about 1,000' of climbing, requires multiple minor stream crossings, with no rocky sections. Scenery is varied open field vistas, river overlooks, ponds, streams and mature forest enclosures. Phone 410-857-9324 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 14 – LOCH RAVEN OVERLOOK AREA – 4E: Phone 410-592-2319 for more information.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 17 – SIGNAL KNOB – 11H: This is about a 10 to 11 mile circuit hike in the Massanuttens with wonderful views. We may add an additional mile or so in search of another view. There are usually icy trail conditions on part of this hike. Phone 410-751-2947 for more information. No calls after 9:30 please.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 17 – LAMBS KNOLL – 17H: Length: 17 miles; Elevation gain: approximately 1800 ft. Hike south from the I-70 footbridge to Lambs Knoll and White Rocks and back on the Maryland AT. Nice views from Washington Monument and White Rocks. Phone 410-889-8225 for more information.
SUNDAY – JANUARY 18 – ROSARYVILLE STATE PARK – 9M: This is a circuit hike over wooded rolling terrain with no significant climbs. Pace will average 3.0 miles per hour. Phone 410-987-8341 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 21 – CROMWELL VALLEY PARK/LOCH RAVEN – 7M: Moderately paced tweener hike on the trails of Cromwell Valley Park and Loch Raven Reservoir. Phone 410-828-9519 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 21 – PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK / WOODSTOCK AREA – 9M: This 9.5 mile hike employs both the new Patapsco Valley Thru Trail and some unmarked and unmaintained trails. Pace averages 2.5-3 miles per hour, elevation gain will be modest at less than 500', and lunch will be atop a scenic overlook. There are no major stream crossings, but a few of the crossings may be muddy. Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 21 – MIDDLE PATUXENT TRAILS – 5M: Some hills & stream crossings. Phone 410-747-2366 or 410-788-1566 for more information.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 24 – PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK: WOODSTOCK AREA – 9M: This 9 mile hike employs both the new Patapsco Valley Thru Trail and some unmarked and unmaintained trails. Total ascent will be modest at about 500 feet, our pace will be moderate (that is, our average speed while moving will be 2.5 - 3 mph), and lunch will be atop a scenic overlook. There are no major stream crossings, but a few of the crossings may be muddy. Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
SUNDAY – JANUARY 25 – LOCH RAVEN MERRYMAN TRAIL – 10M: This is an out and back hike that follows the Loch Raven shoreline between Dulaney and Warren Road. Expect about half a dozen stream crossings and some mud, with several moderate climbs. Our pace will be moderate (that is, our average speed while moving will be 2.5 - 3 mph). Phone 805-300-4698 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 28TH – HEREFORD AREA – GUNPOWDER STATE PARK – 7M: Tweener hike on the trails of the beautiful Gunpowder State Park. Phone 410-653-9393 or 410-486-7317 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 28 – GYNNS FALLS TRAIL – 12M: An out-and-back hike from Leakin Park to Carroll Park Golf Course. Average pace 2.5 mph. Phone 410-486-8737 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 28 – BOWLEY’S QUARTERS – 5E: Flat nature trail, small beach, paved roads. Tour waterfront community that was damaged by Tropical Storm Isabel & is still rebuilding. Lunch on shore of Chesapeake Bay. Phone 410-335-2266 before 10 PM for more information.
SATURDAY – JANUARY 31 – COOT PENINSULA IN LIBERTY RESERVOIR – 10M: This moderate 10-mile hike follows the northern bank of Liberty Reservoir immediately off MD-32 in Carroll County. We will hike through mixed hardwoods and pines on mostly smooth, unmarked dirt service roads and single-track side trails used by local equestrians. Lunch will be at Coot Peninsula with a 270-degree view of the water. Total ascent is minimal, with a few small hills, and there are a few stream crossings. Our pace will be moderate (average speed while moving: 2.5 to 3 MPH). Phone 410-747-1081 for more information.
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 1 – MORGAN RUN – 7M: 7 mile hike along Morgan Run and Liberty Reservoir. Moderate pace with stream crossings. Phone 410-857-9324 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 4 – APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN MARYLAND – 9M: An out and back hike of a total of 8.8 miles going south from Wolfsville Road (MD-17) to Pogo Campground. Total elevation gain is 700' with longest climb of 500' over 2.5 miles. Trail is quite rocky at places. Pace averages 2.5 miles per hour. Phone 410-956-2010 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 4 – LAKE ROLAND/ROBERT E. LEE PARK – 5M: Phone 410-764-3234 for more information.
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 7 – APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN VIRGINIA, THE MINI-ROLLERCOASTER OUT-AND-BACK – 21S: Hike 21 miles on the Appalchian Trail in northern Virginia. Begin at Snickers Gap and follow A/T north to the David Lessor Shelter then back. This could be considered an early training hike for the Hike Across Maryland. Elevation gain around 3200'. Phone 410-926-9298 for more information.
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 8 – SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN – 10H: This is circuit hike utilizing the green, blue, yellow and white trails. Lunch will be at White Rocks. The total elevation change will be approximately 2000 feet. Our pace will be moderate (our average speed while moving will be 2.5 - 3 mph). Phone 805-300-4698 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 11 – GUNPOWDER FALLS ST. PK. /BELAIR RD. TO HARFORD RD. – 9M: Hike 9+ miles (out and back) between Belair Road and Harford Road. Terrain is flat and trail could be muddy or icy in spots. Pace averages 2.5 miles per hour. Phone 410-661-3182 for more information. No calls after 9:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 11 – MA & PA TRAIL, BEL AIR – 5E: Four miles on the Ma & Pa Trail, then 1 miles to Shamrock Park for lunch. Phone 410-879-7627 for more information.
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 14 – PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK: GLEN ARTNEY, ORANGE GROVE & AVALON AREAS – 6M OR 12H: (New combination hike.) This 12 mile hike is best described in halves. The first half, which is six miles long and ends after lunch, contains a couple of very rocky sections, has a total ascent of about 1,000 feet, and has one stream crossing. The second half of the hike, which is six miles long and starts right after lunch, includes multiple stream crossings, has a total ascent of about 1,000 feet, may require some bushwhacking, and includes a few sections of rugged trail. The pace for both halves of this hike will be moderate (that is, our average speed while moving will be 2.5 - 3 mph). Most hikers will do both halves of the hike, but it's perfectly okay to do only the first half. Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 14 – PENN-MAR TO I-70 FOOTBRIDGE – 18S: 18 mile shuttle hike on the Appalchian Trail in Maryland. We'll begin at the Maryland-Pennsylvania border and follow the A/T south to the I-70 Footbridge. The elevation gain is around 2000'. We'll stop both for breakfast and dinner. Phone 410-497-5795 for more information.
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 15 – PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK: HILTON AND ORANGE – GROVE AREAS – 6M: This 6 mile circuit hike crosses both swinging bridges in the park, provides striking views of Bloedes' Dam from both sides of the river, and employs both blazed and unmarked trails. The hike has a couple of stream crossings, some rugged sections of trail, and about 900 feet of climbing (including two climbs of 200+ feet). Our pace will be moderate (average speed while moving: 2.5 - 3 mph). Bring water and a snack. Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 15 – GUNPOWDER FALLS (Hereford Area) – 8M: We will hike approximately 8 miles at a moderate pace in the Hereford area of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Phone 410-871 0066 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 18 – PVSP / GLEN ARTNEY-ORANGE GROVE-AVALON AREAS – 12H: 12 mile hike with couple of very rocky rugged sections, several stream crossings, elevation change of approximately 2,000' and possibly some bushwhacking. Pace averages 2.5-3 miles per hour. Phone 410-747-2868 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 18 – MCKELDEN AREA – 6E: Phone 301-498-3006 or 410-552-3398 for more information. If Carroll or Howard County schools are closed or delayed, hike is cancelled.
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 21 – CROMWELL/LOCH RAVEN – 12M: Start at Cromwell Valley Park and hike to Loch Raven Reservoir for lunch and return. Approximately 12 miles, some rolling terrain, a few hills, a few minor creek crossings. Hike will be at a moderate to fast pace. Phone 410-532-6597 for more information. No calls after 10 PM.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 25 – JERUSALEM MILL TO KINGSVILLE AND BACK – 7M: Tweener hike from Jerusalem Mill to Kingsville Athletic Fields and back. Some rock scrambling and possible mud. Phone 410-661-3182 for more information. No calls after 9.30 PM
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 25 – BROAD CREEK – 9M: Approximate 9 mile circuit hike with some hills. Pace averages 2.5 miles per hour. Phone 410-730-5957 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 25 – HASHAWA – 5-6M: Phone 410-583-7402 for more information.
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 28 – CATOCTIN TRAIL NORTH FROM MD-77 – 8H: Hike a figure 8 circuit of about 8 miles at a moderate pace from MD-77. Phone 410-730-5957 for more information.
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 28 – CUNNINGHAM FALLS/CATOCTIN PARK – 15S: Length: 15 miles; Elevation gain: approximately 2,000 ft. Hike from the Manor Area of Cunningham Falls to Bobs Hill and Cat Rock. We’ll then hike to Catoctin Park to Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Return to the Manor Area on the Old Misery Trail. Nice winter views from several overlooks. Phone 410-889-8225 for more information.
SUNDAY – MARCH 1 – MARYLAND AT – 8H: This is an 8-mile, one way hike from Washington Monument to Gathland State Park. The long climb up to Lamb’s Knoll is rewarded with great views at our lunch spot just past the top. Phone 410-751-2947 for more information. No calls after 9:30 PM.