An Easy Side of Moderate 2, 4.2, or 6 Miles in Savage Park Along the River

A very forested ramble along the Middle Patuxent River to its confluence with the Little Patuxent River, then upstream, with a return via an abandoned quarry road. Most of the hike follows the streams closely. Within minutes of setting off, you will be transported from one of the most densely populated suburbs in America to a lovely woodland along two former mill streams. Sandwiched between I –95 and US-1.

This trail takes you through beech, oak, and pine trees before confronting the rapids-filled Patuxent River. The Wincopin Trail begins as an asphalt path but quickly turns to packed dirt. Consequently, the trail becomes narrower and tighter, but it’s well maintained and easy to follow. Very thick woods— beech, oak, and poplar—crowd either side

Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Laurel
Length: 2.4, 4, or 6 Miles
Elev. Gain: The 2 mile option of this hike has one short but rather steep hillearning it an easy side moderate rating. Other than the aforementioned hill it is pretty flat and easy. The 4 mile hike has undulating hills in addition to another rather steep but long hill which is why it receives a "moderate" rating. The 6 mile option adds more undulating hills in a separate section of the park.
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Pace: We divide into smaller groups based on interest and abilities
Scenery: Middle Patuxent and Little Patuxent River; Savage Mill historic sites
Exposure: Mostly shade
Trail Surface: Packed dirt and in some places rocky
Skill Level: Easy to Moderate depending on how far you hike with us. The hills are mostly further along the trail.
Season: Year-round

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. This also allows us to offer a variety of hike paces and for this particular hike you have 3 to choose from which allows us to be put together with those of a similar pace. Paces should be not only based on your preference but also ability needs to be taken into consideration.

Pace Option 1: "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and/or transitioning to longer hikes and will be about 2.0mph.

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5-3.0 mph (most common pace).

Pace Option 3: Often referred to as "The Justin Pace", this is a very very fast hiking pace of about 4.0 mph and only for those who know they can hike that speed without many stops. This is a hike where the focus is on the workout.

Please put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly
  

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.

Carpool Information
If you can drive or want to carpool from anywhere, please post your location in the comment section below. Be sure to say if you needing or offering a ride. 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 6:45 p.m. 

Please remember we hike the pace of the group and it can vary. We take breaks as necessary. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group. We are very supportive and encouraging with no pressure on speed but focus on safety while leaving no trace.

FIDO Is Welcome on This Hike!

See you there for good times out on the trail!

Mike H: [masked]

Kellie: [masked]

Justin: [masked]