Join us for a 4.7 Mile Easy Social Hike! Piney Run Reservoir with Optional Post Hike Meal!

Let's explore the forests around the crystal clear Piney Run Reservoir and it's clear streams which make for what is my favorite Baltimore area hiking destination. There should be tons of wildlife. We will check out the hummingbird garden and aviary (birds permanently injured and maintained by the park and is pretty impressive); you can see the birds even when the nature center is closed. The birds you might see that were there when I hiked this last include black vultures, turkey vultures, barred owls, great horned owls (the largest resident owl in Maryland), red-shouldered hawks, and red-tailed hawks. I will be leading this hike at a social pace of 2.0 mph so we can enjoy the wildlife, flowers and each others company. Additionally, we will have an optional post hike meal. The location will be based on group the groups preference.

The trails are almost all in the shade and most of the trails are wide enough for socializing while hiking with only a small amount of single track spots.

Note: Take note that if you are interested in staying after the hike, there are boat rentals and tons of shaded picnic areas and tables, in addition to some of the best fishing around for anyone that is interested.

Trail Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Location: Carroll County (Finksburg)
Length: 4.7 total miles
Elevation Gain: 550 feet that you won't even notice
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy with wide trails for the most part and perfect for social hiking.
Duration: About 2 hours
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elevation: 70 feet
Top Elevation: 610 feet
Local Contacts: Piney Run Park
Local Maps: USGS Finksburg

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 2 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 your ability needs to be taken into consideration.

Pace Option 1:A "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and/or take lots of pictures and will be about 2.5mph.

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 3.0mph (Pace of an average hiker)

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

To carpool, please arrange in the comment section below and as I see them I will post them.

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 Trailhead
Click here for directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.

Hike Meetup Time is 11:00 a.m.

Park Entrance Fee:
Carroll County Residents are $5.00 Out of County residents are $10.00 per vehicle.

Post Hike Meal
We will have an optional post hike meal at a location that is nearby the hike location. Since I am not familiar with the restaurants in this area, we will decide as a group were we will be dining. I prefer to know up front so people can look at the menus/prices online before the hike, but without knowing where it will be, I can't do that this time.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike!

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 to help make certain that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please 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

Let's have good times and see you on the trail!

Ken:   [masked]