An Easy Side of Moderate 4 Mile Trek at Oregon Ridge with Post Hike Meal!

Hike up and down easy side of moderate hills in one of the Baltimore area's most packed with wildlife parks on uncrowded trails. Oregon Ridge is the largest county run park in Baltimore County. It has several miles of trails, a nature center, and picnic areas. Oregon Ridge is set in the hills of northern Baltimore county.

Although it is relatively short, at a little over 4 miles, it has a couple of very gradual, yet long hills, so it earns an easy/moderate instead of just an easy rating. Please wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes as this is not a paved trail and has four EASY stream crossings where you cross very shallow water on stepping stones or with the assistance of one of our guides. If you prefer, hike in water shoes (during warm weather) which is my preference for this hike in hotter weather. Take note there are stepping stones and water shoes ARE NOT REQUIRED, but very nice to have in the summer.

There are several different trails running through Oregon Ridge Park and we found a way to hike most of them without any retracing of steps. The trails are generally wide and fairly even with a few relatively steep spots and perfect for a social hike. Trails travel through woodlands over hills and down along a small stream. There is also a small pond at the end of one trail where we usually stop for a group photo.

Click here to see some pictures from a past hike on this trail!

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. Paces should be based on your preference but also please know your limitations.

Pace Option 1: This is a "social pace" and a little faster than a walk. Great for those just started an active lifestyle or who focus on stopping to smell the roses over focusing on pace.

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace for those who already have an active lifestyle. This pace will about 2.5mph and is the pace of an average hiker.

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

Trail Information

Length: 4.2 total miles
Scenery:Upland forest, Baisman Run, Historic Structures
Exposure: Shade
Trail Surface: Packed dirt with many sections of exposed roots and four easy stream crossings on stepping stones or the aid of a guide or fellow hiker
Configuration: Loop
Elev. Gain: 410 feet
Skill Level: Easy side of Moderate
Duration: 2-3 hours and depends on which group you hike with as the paces will vary.
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 260 feet
Top Elev: 610 feet
Facilities: Restrooms in the nature center and lodge at main park entrance where we meet; the park includes a swimming beach as well so in the summer, bring a suit along or something else suitable for a post hike dip between April and October!

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead

Carpool Information

If you can drive or want to carpool from any 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 Trailhead

Click here for detailed directions to the trailhead.

Hike Meetup Time is 10:00 a.m.

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.

Please note that our holiday and holiday weekend hikes are not refundable due to too many people backing out of the at the last minute before the refund cut-off. Sorry, but this is the only way to help make sure that there is a good turnout and our leaders not offer to lead a hike on their holiday in vein...or they will be burned enough that they will no longer offer. Since we have made holiday hikes non-refundable it has boosted attendance rate significantly and often have perfect attendance, yay! Thanks so much for your understanding.

Fido Is Welcome on this Hike!

Please take the hike leaders number with you just in case! 

Kristopher: [masked]

Don't forget to come visit us on Facebook