Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Our 6th Annual Garden of Lights Sneaker Hike at Brookside Gardens!

December 8, 2012 · 6:45 PM
This location is shown only to members

Join Us for Brookside Gardens Annual Garden of Lights Sneaker Hike and Live Music!

"This will be our groups 6th year to enjoy the walk of lights as a group and once again I am certain that good times will be had by all who join us for this night of fun and festivities! Now, it wouldn’t be a party without candles, or in this case 940,000 twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. Enjoy the four seasons, illuminated as giant summer sunflowers, autumn leaves, winter snowflakes, spring flowers, rain showers, and more. Walk along the paths and you’ll see what sets this light show apart from the others; it’s the hundreds of wrapped trees and shrubs, beautifully lighted gazebos, cascading fountains, and the individually formed displays in the shapes of blooming flowers and wild animals.Look for new moving displays such as a flock of geese landing in the Gude Garden or an 11 foot giraffe covered with 9,000 lights. This festive, secular light show, now in its 16th season, is a popular family tradition in the Washington, DC area drawing close to 40,000 visitors each winter.

Live Music and Refreshments

Light refreshments may be purchased and enjoyed during the live entertainment. We will enjoy local musicians perform in the Visitors Center Auditorium about halfway through our trek. They perform from 6:30pm to 8:00pm tonight so plenty of time to catch a set or more if you like. Light refreshments may be purchased and enjoyed during the entertainment. While you’re here, do a bit of holiday shopping at theirgift shop, Marylandica.

Admission Information

Although this event is a sneaker hike thrugh the garden, they charge when you park in the lot by vehicle and NOT by person so be certain to meetup and carpool even if from very near by: $25 (cash only)

Advance Sale Tickets: $20 (available starting November 1) and save 5 dollars per vehicle! Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Conservatory or Visitors Center Gift Shops during posted gift shop hours, using cash, check or credit. I highly encourage you to save and make an advance ticket purchase!

Carpool Information

To carpool from the Baltimore area, meet people at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station. This will also save a ton of money considering the entry fee is by vehicle and not by person. So, you can share the entry fee with everyone in car. There is a limit of 8 people per vehicle so no car piles-grin!

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations such as the DC area, please post your location in the comment section below. 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 Event and Where Our Group Meets Once You Arrive

Click here for directions for directions to the event in addition to info for where we meet once you arrive and park.

Event is at 6:30 p.m.

Carpool Meetup Time is 5:45 p.m.

Food Drive

Brookside Gardens is sponsoring a "Community Food Drive". Please bring nonperishable food items when you visit the "Garden of Lights". Donation boxes are located in the Visitors Center lobby. Food will be donated to the Shepherd's Table in Silver Spring

This was whimsical and breathtaking last year so come on out and join us again this year for good times!

Please take the one or all "leaders" numbers with you in case you have any trouble finding us. We have not had any problems over the past several years we have done this ,but you just never know...

Mike Harris: [masked]

Kellie: [masked]

Justin: [masked]

Join or login to comment.

Kathy M

This was my very first meetup event and I had a very enjoyable time. The three ladies that I met to carpool with were fun ... which was a good thing because we never actually met up with the entire group since we got stuck in the very long line waiting to get in to the Garden. Although we did run into Justin at the Visitors Center later in the evening. The lights at the Gardens were whimsical and fun ~ just what I needed to get in a real Christmas mood.

0 · December 10
Betsy Levin

Lovely -- thanks to Mike for waiting for us and others in the dark and for senidng us out in groups or waves. Mike, my boots (wide) are Vasques, not vlasics (which are, indeed, pickles). Betsy

1 · December 9
Glenn

I have a FORD FOCUS that sits four people comfortably, five less comfortably. I will be leaving for the Brookside Gardens for the meetup at about 5:30 PM from the Grosvenor Park/Strathmore metro station. Anyone wishing to share a ride contact me at [masked].

0 · December 7
- Enas
  
  Glenn, what color is your car so I am not roaming a round scaring people :)
  
  0 · December 8
- Glenn
  
  Enas----You told me Thursday or Friday that you would email me in a few minutes. You never did. So after not hearing from you by 4PM, Saturday, the day of the hike I gave up and assumed you were not interested.
  
  0 · December 9
Priyanga

What a cool light display, thanks so much for organizing!

0 · December 9
Mike H.

Had a great time. Saw a lot of new faces!

0 · December 9
bonnie naradzay

fun to have this change of "pace" and to have a reason to be out on a mild December evening....

0 · December 8
Janice

I'm here, but the line of cars will probably take me an hour to get in, & you guys will be long gone, so I'm going home disappointed. Sorry.

0 · December 8
Sue Smith

Is this long line of cars all our group?

0 · December 8
Diego

Ill be leaving from Annapolis and will swing by Savage to carpool (can drive or ride)
Kellie, first time doing this, should i have my camera with me? can i bring a tripod along or are we walking all the time?
thanks!

0 · December 3
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  Diego, please do bring your tripod. We will have a pic pace and there is not rush at this event. Looking forward to seeing you there:)
  
  0 · December 4
- David Sloan
  
  Diego, are you still coming to Savage Station?
  
  0 · December 8
David Sloan

I'll leave here @ 6:00pm

0 · December 8
David Sloan

I'm at Savage MARC Park & Ride. I'm the only car here at this time.

0 · December 8
David Sloan

I'm at Savage MARC Park & Ride. I'm the only car here at this time.

0 · December 8
David Sloan

I'm at Savage MARC Park & Ride. I'm the only car here at this time.

0 · December 8
David Sloan

I'm at Savage MARC Park & Ride. I'm the only car here at this time.

0 · December 8
Jenise

Coming from Bethesda via Randolph Rd. with a friend. I have room for 3 more riders.

0 · December 8
- Catherine
  
  Jenise... Pls see my post just now... Sorry i did not use the reply field...
  
  0 · December 8
- Doug
  
  I need a ride. Cain meet you anywhere!
  
  0 · December 8
Betsy Levin

I was hoping to join a carpool from DC, but there seems not to be one. So -- I will be driving from DC and can pick someone up at the Van Ness metro stop. Does anyone want a ride? Betsy

0 · December 4
- View all 8 replies
- bonnie naradzay
  
  Hi, Betsy - I can pick you up at the Forest Glen metro stop, which is very close to where I live (and not far from Brookside). Will that help?
  
  0 · December 4
- marie
  
  I live right in this place; as you want, my car or yours. Marie
  
  0 · December 4
- Anna
  
  yes I would like to ride with you two, what time?
  
  0 · December 5
- Tina
  
  Betsy,
  
  0 · December 8
- Tina
  
  Betsy, Are you still planning to drive from DC? I live near Van Ness metro stop and would like to join your group.
  
  0 · December 8
- Linda
  
  I'd like to carpool with you all, too. I'm near Woodley Park. My car fits 4 comfortably if that's preferable. Let me know - Linda [masked].
  
  0 · December 8
- Kalyan
  
  Hi Linda, do you have space in your car? I can meet you at the VanNess metro!
  
  0 · December 8
- Linda
  
  Hi Kalyan, I have space in my car and am happy to pick you up at 6:00. Please call/text me [masked]) so I have your contact info to help us find each other. I'll still have space for 1 more (maybe 2 if needed), if others are looking for a ride from NW DC, give me a call.
  
  0 · December 8
Kathy M

I live in Arlington right near the East Falls Church Metro and would be willing to drive - cars not fancy but runs well. I can take 3 passengers.

0 · December 7
- View all 3 replies
- Kathy M
  
  still have room for two passengers - leaving from East Falls Church Metro
  
  0 · December 7
- Kiki
  
  Hi I am interested, I live in Arlington too off south glebe
  
  0 · December 7
- Doug
  
  Interested. Tell me where and when to meet. Coming from Old Town.
  
  0 · December 8
Tina

Is anyone driving from DC?

0 · December 8
- Doug
  
  I'm driving from Alexandria through DC.
  
  0 · December 8
Catherine

Jenise, I will also come from Bethesda. I am close to the intersection of River Rd and Wilson Lane. If I drive to where you are is there a place I could leave my car to continue with you?

0 · December 8
- Jenise
  
  Sure, you could come to my house as I'm not far from you. Call or text me at [masked] for address.
  
  0 · December 8
- Gerry
  
  Is there room for one more to join?
  
  0 · December 8
Kalyan

Any idea, how long this hike is going to be?

0 · December 8
Rebecca FitzSimons

I live in nearby Kensington and could pick up at the metro (eg Forest Glen). Or park at my house and go in one car. I hate to go alone in a car!

0 · December 4
- Silvia
  
  I live in the area as well. Did you want to meet up and ride together?
  
  0 · December 7
Silvia

I live near the Forest Glen Metro in Silver Spring. I can give someone a ride to Brookside. The car fits 3 people comfortably or 4 not-so- comfortably.

0 · December 7
- Enas
  
  Hi Silvia do you still have space
  
  0 · December 7
- Silvia
  
  Enas, I do have space. However, I just heard that Fort Totten, Takoma Park, Silver Spring and Forest Glen metro stations will be closed this weekend for track work. If you want to go to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station I could pick you up there. Let me know if that works for you
  
  0 · December 7
Cindy G

Anyone driving from Loudoun County who would like to carpool? I'd be interested in driving or sharing expenses for someone else to drive...

0 · December 7
Margaret R.

Ok I'm still looking for room in a car that is leaving from NoVA. Anyone who has room please contact me via email. I'll be happy to meet you at any orange line metro near Falls Church or other convenient location.

0 · December 6
- View all 3 replies
- A former member
  
  Margaret you are closer to me than Steve - do you still want to carpool or have you found a ride?
  
  0 · December 6
- Margaret R.
  
  Yes I still need a ride so I'm going to carpool I think Steve's got a full car
  
  0 · December 7
- Kathy M
  
  I live in Arlington near the East Falls Church Metro and can drive ... still have room for three in my car
  
  0 · December 7
Kwok (Jeff)

Hello. is there anyone who lives not too far from Brookside Gardens. I could meet at Rockville Metro, White Flint Metro or Shady Grove Metro or Grovener Metro. Priyanga, do you have a spot left?
Thanks!

0 · December 7
- View all 5 replies
- Priyanga
  
  Hi Jeff, sure - how about 6:00pm at Twinbrook metro station? Could you email me your cell phone please.
  Anyone else interested in carpooling from Twinbrook to share admission? I can fit one, maybe two more - email me to confirm.
  
  0 · December 7
- Jeffrey Wong
  
  Ok. THANKS. CONFIRMED. SEE U st 6PM twinbrook.
  
  0 · December 7
- Andy
  
  hi priyanga, do you have one spot for me?
  
  0 · December 7
- Priyanga
  
  Arindam - yup. See you 6pm at Twinbrook.
  
  0 · December 7
- Andy
  
  thanks, got it.
  
  0 · December 7
Anna

Saw this on metro's website, just wanted to pass on in case anyone is meeting there to account for the delay. Five stations -- Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont -- will be closed. Shuttle buses will be provided.

0 · December 7
- Anna
  
  orange line will be doing some single tracking
  
  0 · December 7
Steve S

Driving from NOVA. First 3 people that confirm that they will meet me East Falls Church Metro can ride with me. I plan to meet at 5:45 at the smaller "kiss and ride" lot. We can split the entrance fee when we get there. Let's make this easy...confirmations only, please.

0 · December 6
- View all 5 replies
- Ross Garner
  
  I'm in.
  
  0 · December 6
- A former member
  
  I'm in!
  
  0 · December 6
- A former member
  
  I'm in.
  
  0 · December 6
- Steve S
  
  OK, it looks like I have a full car. I will see you all Saturday. I will send my phone # privately (I won't post it here) in case you need to call or text on Saturday.
  
  0 · December 6
- Steve S
  
  I'll be there at 5:45. Look for the 4 door silver BMW.
  
  0 · December 7
Jennifer Eberhardt

Anyone interested in commuting/carpooling from Gaithersburg/Rockville area. I live in Frederick but can meet up in Gaithersburg/Rockville area to commute in one car.

0 · December 7
Diego

I wonder if we could park at the glenallan elementary school and carpool from there since I can't find anyone near Annapolis

0 · December 7
Sue Smith

I'm coming from western Howard Co./Ellicott City if anyone wants a ride, let me know.

0 · December 6
Johanna

anyone want to carpool from Reston?

0 · October 16
- View all 6 replies
- Mac
  
  Yes, definitely!
  
  0 · October 20
- Ross Garner
  
  Hi, could I join up with you for this hike?
  
  0 · December 3
- Johanna
  
  Hi Ross - looks like there are several of us (I know of a few others who have sent a note to me personally). We may need a few cars!
  
  0 · December 3
- Margaret R.
  
  I live near the Vienna metro, if you are willing to stop by there I can help with gas. Or I can meet you somewhere near the beltway and 267 (Tyson's?). Email me if this may work with your other carpoolers.
  
  0 · December 4
- Mac
  
  Hi Margaret, it works for me! (I'm coming from Ashburn).
  
  0 · December 4
- Margaret R.
  
  Do you still have room? Sorry for the delayed reply, I've been crazy busy.
  
  0 · December 6
Beth

Is there going to be any place to meet up just outside the 'park' so that we can ride together into the park to share the cost?

0 · December 6
- Diego
  
  I hope since I'm going from Annapolis and no one is carpooling from here
  
  0 · December 6
Margaret R.

If anyone is driving from NoVA I live near Vienna, Dunn Loring and East Falls Church metro stations and would like to meet up there and car pool. Thanks!

0 · December 4
- View all 4 replies
- A former member
  
  Hi Margaret - I live in McLean and would love to carpool/split gas with you. W. Falls church is closest but I can easily get to Dunn Loring - whatever works for you.
  
  0 · December 4
- Steve S
  
  I live in Falls Church. Wiling to drive and take 3 or be a passenger. Either way.
  
  0 · December 5
- A former member
  
  I'm out in Gainesville and would be super happy to carpool from the Vienna/Falls Church area. Let me know - thanks!
  
  0 · December 5
- Ross Garner
  
  I live right at the Vienna Metro, and could jump on the train to Falls Church if that's a good place to meetup.
  
  0 · December 6
Steve S

Do you know the rules about using cameras with tripods?

0 · December 4
- Ansu
  
  I called. They are not allowing tripods or anything which could "trip" up other people. I think a discreet monopod with retractable legs might work.
  
  0 · December 4
- Steve S
  
  Thank you for checking!
  
  0 · December 5
Latena Hazard

Can I pay the fee when I get there?

0 · December 4
giuliana

Kelly,
Is the admission price separate from the parking price?..the info says discount $5.00 per vehicle.

0 · December 4
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  Hope this helps. If not, please give me a call offline to chat about it becuase I am here to help anyway that I can. :Admission Information
  Although this event is a sneaker hike thrugh the garden, they charge when you park in the lot by vehicle and NOT by person so be certain to meetup and carpool even if from very near by: $25 (cash only)
  
  Advance Sale Tickets: $20 (available starting November 1) and save 5 dollars per vehicle! Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Conservatory or Visitors Center Gift Shops during posted gift shop hours, using cash, check or credit. I highly encourage you to save and make an advance ticket purchase!:
  
  0 · December 4
A former member

I am driving in from Gainesville VA - send me a private message if you'd like to carpool. I'll be driving past Manassas, Centreville, Fairfax.

0 · December 3
Debbie

I have access to a 14 passenger van and am willing to drive/carpool from the Columbia, MD area (Broken Land Park N Ride).

1 · October 18
- View all 3 replies
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  Debbie, Wow! That would be fantastic!!!! They charge the same for a car with one passenger all the way up to 14, but I am guessing you are aware of that, hence your very generous and thoughtful offer. Please e-mail me offline to work out how you will go about who get to ride in the van - such as first come first serve, random drawing, etc. I can be reached at [masked] or [masked]. Thanks so much-grin
  
  1 · October 19
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  Debbie, are you still a go regarding the van?
  
  0 · December 3
- Debbie
  
  Actually, I changed my RSVP a couple of weeks ago and I'm not going to be able to make it now. Sorry.
  
  0 · December 3
Ann-Marie Cruz

Can anyone tell me whether it would be all right to bring my 4 year old in her stroller? I asked previously, but I think my question may have been overlooked...thanks!

1 · November 21
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  We will absolutly have a group for those with children. It will be specifically for those with strollers and toddlers so come on out:)
  
  0 · December 3
Anna

Is anyone driving from DC?

0 · November 21
cynthia sinclare

Johanna I wld like to ride w u. Will help w gas. Cynthia [masked]:

0 · October 20
Jamie

I'll be driving from Baltimore (White Marsh) area...

0 · October 16

69 attended

Kellie Carlisle

Certified Hike Leader and Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Organizer

Event Host
Justin Carlisle

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer

Event Host
Mike H.

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer

Event Host
Ross Garner

.
Glenn +1
Johanna
Beth
Enas

.
Anita
Margaret R.
Jenise
David Sloan +1
Paul
Catherine
Tina
Scott S.
Talya Gulman +1
Kim
Chris L

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
marie
Doug
Peter Nation
Leigh
Kwok (Jeff)
Laurie Hill
Rebecca FitzSimons
Anna
Ansu
Noelle
Maria Rivera
T.J. Burnside Clapp +2
Sue Smith
Cindy
carol
Steve S
Kalyan
Jackie +1
Ivonne
Emily Scheeler
Mac
M White
Kelly
Andy
Hiromi
Linda
Chris
Melody (MC)
Kathy M
Betsy Levin
Priyanga +1

Certified Hike Leader

Your organizer's refund policy for Our 6th Annual Garden of Lights Sneaker Hike at Brookside Gardens!

Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.

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Washington, DC

Founded Jul 21, 2007

About us…

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We are a laid back group of diverse people who enjoy hiking with others while exploring trails in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. A sense of humor is a must and we are very much a social hiking group. Our group focuses on camaraderie, safety while having good times out on the trail, and leading an active lifestyle. We enjoy Mother Nature's diversity as well as our own, so get your rear in gear and come on out and join us for a hike!

Why We Hike - To have good times, make friends, and maybe even meet that special someone along the trail while enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors. Whether you want to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or have a goal to rise up to the challenge of ultra hiking 30 miles in one day, we have a hike for you. Remember, we were all newbies once and we enjoy introducing others to hiking. It is a great way to relieve stress while getting great exercise and enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer.

When We Hike - In the mornings, afternoons, evenings, darkest of nights, every weekend, all year round. We average 10 hikes a week. Seasonal, after work hikes are offered in many areas throughout our region as well.

Where We Hike - Anywhere within the Mid-Atlantic region. We also have special trips to places farther away. Hikes range from very easy sneaker hikes on paved paths along gentle streams and clear lakes, to very strenuous, steep climbs and rock scrambles to mountain summits. We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend. Additionally, we have cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes that have been featured in the Washington Post.

How We Hike - With safety and camaraderie! We will NOT leave anyone behind and we strive for a 1:15 volunteer hike leader to member ratio. Hiking in large groups is not fun for you or anyone else on the trail, including our own volunteer leadership team. Hikes with a large number of people signed up typically have more than one leader to maintain our goal ratio. This also allows us to offer various pace options so you can hike at the right pace for you. We have pledged to practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and we do. We also offer many volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities in addition to community building events, so come on out and make a difference in our parks!

Who Should Join - Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy (but hopefully you don't want to be or we just might have a problem with this one-grin), recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive speed hiker, this is a group for you. We love our diversity and thrive on it!

WARNING - Our calendar is very active ALL FOUR SEASONS and may become addictive and beneficial to your health!

To keep up with our very active schedule, you can follow our activities via Twitter and socialize with your fellow hikers on Facebook.

I hope to see you on the trail soon and let's have good times!

Kellie and the Entire Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group Volunteer Leadership Team

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Our 6th Annual Garden of Lights Sneaker Hike at Brookside Gardens!

A former member

A former member

A former member

A former member

A former member

A former member

69 attended

Certified Hike Leader and Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Organizer

Event Host

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer

Event Host

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer

Event Host

.

Glenn +1

.

David Sloan +1

Talya Gulman +1

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

T.J. Burnside Clapp +2

Jackie +1