Chowderfest! Hike, Chowder, Wine, and Live Music! Loch Raven Reservoir Trails!

  • March 17 · 9:00 AM
  • This location is shown only to members

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]  

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  • Karin

    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

  • Christine Walker

    Sorry to cancel so late. I haven't been able to sleep all night :-(

    March 17

    • Christine Walker

      I probably should have gone for the chowder, but I ended up taking the dog to Rock Creek Park so that I didn't totally miss out on being outdoors.

      March 17

    • johnlaughner

      It was super awesome. The winery was really neat too.

      March 17

  • Barb

    Great photos Yoshiko! And glad to know the officer gave you only a warning and didn't keep you from the hike.

    1 · March 17

  • Barb

    Was amazed to see a few flurries today but fellow hikers made it warm and friendly. Thanks to everyone for caring about each other while on the trail. That is what makes MAHG so great! Kevin, again your sweeping skills were much appreciated.

    1 · March 17

  • Yoshiko

    I made it! The police man who stopped me gave me a warning only. :) Luck was on my side today.-Happy Saint Patrick's day!! Hike was great again! Our group leader Barb 5 stars, Our super sweeper Kevin 5 stars, and our helping hand Stefan 5 stars!

    4 · March 17

    • Cindy DeAngelo

      What great news and you made it to the hike. I looked for you at the Chowderfest but didn't see you. I am glad you made it today. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

      1 · March 17

    • Yoshiko

      Thank you, Cindy. I was going to get ticket after the hike, But I was told that all are sold out. But Hike was great so, I'm happy about today!!

      March 17

  • Betsy Levin

    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

  • Frank

    Great fun hike

    1 · March 17

  • Cindy DeAngelo

    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

  • Mike H.

    It was a little cold,but a lot of fun. Thanks everyone for making it out and so much fun.

    1 · March 17

  • Nieri

    Totally a cool experience!!!

    1 · March 17

  • bonnie naradzay

    sorry - late niight last night. But may come to chowder event.

    March 17

  • Trisha

    Running a bit late and will probably be there at 9:15.

    March 17

  • Lucian

    I'll be driving from Bethesda if anyone needs a ride.

    March 17

  • Yoshiko

    I get stopped by police for speeding over 15. Ill going to be late. May not make on time. If I can't. be there, I'm sorry. He is taking long time.....

    1 · March 17

  • Hazel Strahorn

    I am unable to attend.

    March 17

  • Denise

    The longer hike at pace 2 sounds great. But any would work for us.

    March 17

  • natasha edmonds

    unable to attend :(

    March 17

  • Courtney

    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

  • Jenay

    Can't wait!

    March 16

  • johnlaughner

    Pace 1, short hike.

    March 16

  • Debbie

    Sorry for the last minute change. Won't be able to make it tomorrow.

    March 16

  • Anita N.

    9 Mile But Pace 1

    March 16

  • rachel

    9.8 miles please. thinking about pace 2.. see you all tomorrow

    March 16

  • Christine Rinehart

    Pace 1

    March 16

  • Angelica

    I'm Pace 1, and also have tickets to the Chowderfest and Wine. See you all on Sunday!

    1 · March 16

  • Vera

    Thanks for including me into group, I need pace 1, 5 miles, thanks!

    March 15

  • Marjorie Bloom

    Pace 1, please. Thanks!

    March 15

  • Victoria Pursell

    Pace 1 please

    March 15

  • Karin

    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

    • Mike H.

      I just contacted the vineyard. They said you must purchase your tickets online. They will not sell tickets at the event.

      March 13

    • Karin

      thanks Mike....ordering my ticket NOW

      March 13

  • Kate W

    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

  • Stefan Eom

    I plan to drive or carpool from the Vienna metro or anyplace close to Annadale. Let me know if interested.

    February 27

    • Stefan Eom

      Coming from Centerville? If you get off from I66, you'll arrive at South Entrance. Two options there. You can park there and walk to North. Or, from South, continue to drive straight and make right at the stop sign at the end of parking garage (a 4 or 5 story building) on your right. Drive straight and cross over 66 and make first right into North parking garage (a 4-5 story building). Drive straight to the end and park... The latter is quicker to get back to I66 to Centerville.

      March 11

    • Nieri

      Thanks, Stefan! I will meet w/ you at North Entrance by 7:30am.

      March 11

  • Karin

    Looking for a carpool group from Vienna Metro for Chowderfest Hike...I can either drive or be a thankful riders...thanks

    March 11

    • Stefan Eom

      I have room. 9 miles, pace 1 and the fest. Vienna Metro, 7:30 a.m, north entrance, [masked]. Let me know if interested.

      March 11

    • Karin

      thanks Stefan...what time do U want me at Vienna Metro? I was hoping you would be staying for the feast, too.

      March 11

  • Nicole

    Short option

    March 11

  • Courtney

    Pace 2 for us. Super excited about this one! :)

    March 10

  • Kevin Mahoney

    Also Pace 1 for me...

    March 10

  • Kevin Mahoney

    I will be driving from Ashburn if anyone needs a ride... Company always welcome.

    March 10

  • Betsy Levin

    I would love to carpool with someone. I'm in NW DC. Anyone driving from somewhere around there?

    March 9

  • Al Woodward

    left foot still injured -- will try next weekend

    March 9

  • John

    Where exactly is the group meeting at 9am?

    March 4

    • Kellie Carlisle

      The link in the listing provides details for where we meet. we don't publically post them here as non-members show up and is not fair to anyone. If you have any trouble accessing the directions, please contact me offline at [masked] or call one of the hike leaders as we are here to help however we can.

      March 7

  • Debbie

    Pace 1 and the 5 mile option for me. Thanks!

    March 7

  • Betsy Levin

    Is anyone driving from northwest DC who could give me a ride?

    March 4

  • Maria

    pace 1

    March 3

  • Joanne

    Pace 1 and 5-mile option for me.

    March 3

  • Karin

    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

  • Danielle

    Option 1 for me too.

    February 14

  • Fara

    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

  • Mark Bulla

    Pace 1 also, please

    February 12

  • Christine Walker

    Pace Option 1

    February 12

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