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Chowderfest! Join Us for a Moderate 9.8 Mile or Shorter 5 Mile Hike Option at Loch Raven Reservoir Plus A Chowder Tasting, Wine Pairing, and Live Music at Boordy Vineyards!
Let's warm up after our hike and enjoy an optional Chowderfest at Boordy Vineyards. There will also be live entertainment! This is our second year having this special event.
Arguably the prettiest trails in the Loch Raven Reservoir watershed. Follow it to Merryman Point, where the reservoir spreads out in several directions. This hike is a little of my own experience combined with a hike from "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Baltimore" by Evan Balkan, 2nd Edition as the 1st Editions is no longer accurate for this hike.
There are two fairly steep inclines, two very minor stream crossings, otherwise fairly flat terrain.
Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience for everyone on the trail and not just our group. For this particular hike you have 2 to choose from so you can hike with others of a similar pace. Paces should be based on your preference but also please know your limitations.
Pace Option 1: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).
Pace Option 2: A faster paced group of up to 3-3.5mph.
Please include your pace preference in your RSVP!
Trail Information
Nearby City: Timonium
Length: 9.8 total miles or a shorter 5 mile hike
Trail Type: Out-and-Back with a place to take a dip near the end of the hike when the weather is warmer.
Skill Level: Moderate. There are two fairly steep inclines, two very minor stream crossings, otherwise fairly flat terrain. The streams tend to dry up in the winter.
Exposure: Shade
Trail Surface: Packed dirt, crushed rock
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 170 feet
Top Elev: 420 feet
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Optional Post Hike Chowderfest! Chowder, Wine Tasting, and Live Music!
Boordy Vineyards is Maryland's oldest family run winery and today they are having a "Chowderfest"! "At Boordy we celebrate life, wine and good food. We enjoy the spirit of challenge and adventure. We treasure art and music, and love to dance. We marvel at nature's beauty. We value our community and our traditions. We are proud to farm and produce our wine for you."-from the Boordy website
"Come to the Boordy Barn to sample chowders with our award-winning wines - our local musicians will keep your toes tapping. Three bowls of chowder, six wine samples and an engraved Boordy wineglass are included. $15 per adult".
Chowder Selections
New England Clam Chowder
Pork, Chipotle, Sweet Potato and Corn Chowder
Turkey, Sage and White Bean Chowder with Roasted Tomato*
*Vegetarian option available, please contact the vineyard in advance
12820 Long Green Pike
Hydes, Maryland 21082
Click Here for more information and to purchase advanced tickets.
Directions to the Optional Winery for Chowderfest Post Hike Event
Click here for detailed directionsto where we meet for our chowderfest event at Boordy Vineyards
Carpool Information
There are 3 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
Annapolis Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Annapolis area, meetup at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpool directions for getting to the carpool location.
VA East Area Carpool (Fairfax Area METRO)
People can also arrange to meet at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Click here for directions to Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to where we meet for this hike.
Hike Meetup Time is at 9:00 a.m.
Carpool Meetup time at Savage Station is 8:00 a.m.
Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station 7:30 a.m.
Carpool Time for Annapolis Area is 7:45 a.m.
Fido is Welcome on This Hike but not at the winery
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Note Regarding Refunds:
There are no refunds, exchanges, reselling, or applying the money toward a future event for this special event. Before you commit, I just want it to be clear so there would not be any possible future confusion. Please keep that in mind before signing up and have a great time.
Let's have good times and see you on the trail for this top rated Maryland trek!
Mike H: [masked]
Barb: [masked]
Great time with a wonderful hike and winery event together. MAHG Rocks. Thanks Mike and Barb for leading...thanks to the rest of the gang for the hike and conversation.
March 18
Cold and gray, but fun to walk along the edge of or above the Loch Raven reservoir. Barb led the pace 1 group and did a great job trying to keep all of her chicks -- some ahead at a slightly faster pace and some behind at a somewhat slower pace -- from getting lost. AND I saw first sign of SPRING! Some skunk cabbage at the edge of a stream. HOORAY! Sorry I couldn't make the Chowderfest afterwards.
1 · March 17
It was a very good day. Weather was not what I had hoped for but I didn't mind. The Chowder Fest was a good time as well.
1 · March 17
Sorry to change our RSVP this late, but we have to back out of this one. See you next time! Enjoy the day all. Happy St. Patty's!
March 16
Forgive this late question but I was re-reading this event Chowderfest Hike and need to know...Do we have to purchased tickets in advance of the Winery's Chowderfest? Or can we get them on site?
March 13
This sounds like a fun day, is anyone driving from the Vienna metro station? I would like to see if I can catch a ride before I RSVP.
Thanks
February 17
I plan to drive or carpool from the Vienna metro or anyplace close to Annadale. Let me know if interested.
February 27
Looking for a carpool group from Vienna Metro for Chowderfest Hike...I can either drive or be a thankful riders...thanks
March 11
I will be driving from Ashburn if anyone needs a ride... Company always welcome.
March 10
I would love to carpool with someone. I'm in NW DC. Anyone driving from somewhere around there?
March 9
Pace 1 for me please. And I'm hoping to be in a car pool traveling from Centreville Commuter Lot (right off I-66) headed to MD and the Trailshead. I can drive or ride...anyone interested in this area?
February 27
Hi Mike,
Pls sign me up on Pace One. Also, I won't be driving & need to carpool. I'll be happy to contribute towards the gas expense.
Thanks,
Fara
February 12
Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.
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