Hiking Around Baltimore (HAB)

Hike along the Patapsco River and enjoy scenic views through a nice valley with rolling hills. A few hills to climb that are not too steep. A pleasant hike that is rated as moderate.

Parking can be difficult, so Starting at 10 AM

Optional: Woodstock Inn after hike. Half Price Burgers on Monday !!!

Directions: Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock MD 21163.

Location near Rt 70 and Marriotsville Rd and close to Ellicott City. Meet in the parking lot across from the Woodstock Inn. Park in the lot across from Woodstock Inn or on the side of the road.

Bring water.

Greg's Cell # 443-794-0683.

DOGS ALLOWED.

*** IMPORTANT ***

The Catoctin Hike:

The trail starts out with a fairly steep climb from the Visitor's Center. The first hike lasts approximately 3 hours and includes Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, and the Thurmont Vista. Experience outstanding views from Wolf and Chimney Rocks. This Trail is considered moderate to slightly difficult with a steep climb. Second option includes a walk to Cunningham Falls from the visitors center. Great views of the falls from the observation area. This hike has outstanding views from Wolf and Chimney Rocks.

Parking: The Visitor Center lot has limited parking. Plenty of Parking available on the shoulder of Rt 77 on both sides about a block or two from the Visitor Center.

Optional: Springfield Manor Winery
Address: 11836 Auburn Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Greg's Cell: 443-794-0683

Bring plenty of water and food for lunch/snacks

Dogs Allowed

Directions:

VISITOR CENTER DIRECTIONS:

For GPS Use Only: the Street Address of the Visitor Center is 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD. This is NOT a mailing address. The Park mailing address is: Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

From Baltimore, MD Take I695 beltway to I70 West to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 North to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. The Visitor Center is on the right.

From Washington DC take I270 north 27 miles to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 about 17 miles north to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West, the exit sign is marked Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. The Visitor Center is on the right.

*** IMPORTANT ***

Let's walk/hike to the Christmas Tree, Lights & Fireworks @ The National Harbor

Come join us on an easy-moderate approx 8-9+/- mile 243 ft elevation gain 2.5 mph walk from Alexandria, starting at Jones Point Park. We will walk along the water in Alexandria, then walk across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to the National Harbor located in Maryland (Oxen Hill).
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We will eat dinner (bring your own or there are many take-out places) at the National Harbor (you can pick your own place to get food). I am bringing my own food and I plan on eating outside by the tree & harbor. You are welcome to join me. But if you are cold there are several restaurants with indoor dining.

We will enjoy the daytime views of Alexandria, DC and the National Harbor from the bridge. Then we will enjoy the sunset, and the lights at the National Harbor. At 5:30 they light the 60 foot Christmas Tree adorned with over 2,000,000 twinkling Christmas lights. Following the lighting of the tree, there will be a fireworks show as well. When that is done, we will start to head back to our cars and enjoy the lighted views of the National Harbor, Alexandria and DC. We should be done and in our cars by 7pm (But plan for 730pm just in case.

BRING WATER, & HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT

WEAR SNEAKERS or any hiking shoes, your choice. (I am wearing sneakers)

DRESS WARM-BE PREPARED AS THE TEMPERATURE WILL DROP AS THE SUN SETS & AS WE WALK BACK ACROSS THE BRIDGE. And there is always wind as you walk across the bridge AND IT CAN BE COLD!!!

NO PETS

Cross posted with HAB, and MAO for a total of 76 participants

THE CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP IS BACK! This is a truly amazing event! We get to visit 10 churches as they open their doors to the public. They are beautiful decorated for the holidays. The churches have their choirs and have music events and most have refreshments free for visitors. And yes, there are restrooms available once this starts and we are allowed to enter the churches.

Come join us and meet as a group outside of the Calvary Church at 2:45pm.

We can then head into Calvary Church together. If you are a few minutes late, come in and look for us. We will probably be in the dining room. The Cavalry Church that we start at has a large dining room with many long tables, their food is great (home-made corn chowder, hot chocolate, hot teas) and sometimes they have Christmas ornaments and/or posters that they give away. Really great place to start. They will have maps there showing the location of all the other Houses of Worship.

Then as a group we will head out at approx 3:20 to the other churches together. Or you can split off on your own. Your choice. We will go from church to church spending a short time at each. If the music is great and/or you are feeling comfortable you can hang out as long as you want. That’s up to you.