Hike Report: MCoMD Rings In 2016 In The PVSP

By Bill Saunders

Hike Report – PVSP: OELLA TO PICKALL HIKE – 10 M/H

On Saturday, January 2, MCM conducted a 10-mile Oella to Pickall hike in Patapsco Valley State Park. This figure-eight hike began at a trailhead on St. Johnsbury Road in Oella, stopped for lunch at the Pickall area of the park, and used different trails for much of the return hike. Twenty-two hikers, including 4 guests, joined hike leader Bill Saunders to take advantage of the crisp sunny weather.

This fast-moving hike included several pleasant stretches along the Patapsco River, a few steep climbs to help burn off holiday calories, and a view of the work of beavers that have moved into the area and are begun busily taking down trees (see the attached photo). We made a difficult stream crossing without incident and traversed two large dead trees that had fallen across the trail during a recent storm.

Several of the guests indicated they plan to become members.