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Newbie Friendly/Easy 3.8 Miles on Downs Memorial Park Trails!
Enjoy a heady combination of mature forest, boggy marshland, self-guided nature trails, golden sand beach, and stunning water views. This land, now owned by the Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation, comes well stocked not only in natural beauty but also in human history. Downs Memorial stands on Bodkin Neck, a peninsula at the confluence of the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay. Deeds to its earliest settlement date back to 1670 and include Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, among its initial landowners. © Copyright 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Baltimore, Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved
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 "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be about 2.0mph and great for people who take tons of pics.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Gibson Island
Length: 3.8 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy and Newbie Friendly
Duration: 2 hours
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elevation: 20 feet
Top Elevation: 20 feet
Local Contacts: Down Memorial Park
Local Maps: USGS Gibson Island
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 any locations such as the DC area, please post your location and needs 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 this hike.
Hike Meetup Time is at 1:00 p.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 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.
Park Fee: 6.00 dollar entrance fee payable by the honor system at the gate entrance. However, it is FREE for service connected military individuals, veterans and their families
Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Kellie: [masked]
Justin: [masked]
First Hike..it was fun ecperience. Nancy and I enjoyed meeting the Group.
1 · February 21
Thanks to all. John and I enjoyed our first hike and hope to see you on another one!
2 · February 2
I WILL BE SURE TO HAVE KELLIE AND JUSTIN'S PHONE NUMBER ON MY SPEED DIAL FROM NOW ON....ENJOYED SEEING THE BOTH OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR THIS DYNAMIC AND AMAZING GROUP YOU HAVE BUILT UP OVER THE YEARS. YOU MAKE MY HIKING A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE ADVENTURE.
2 · February 2
If there are any DC folks driving that way, can I get a lift? I will gladly help with fuel costs.
January 25
My husband John and I are new to hiking (although we have enjoyed walking and recently started a couch to 5K program). We look forward to meeting everyone!
2 · February 1
This is a stupid question but can I add a plus 1 after I RSVP? I thought I had it on there but didn't. I'm on an app so maybe I'll try to edit online?
January 15
Refunds offered if:
Additional notes: Refund if your RSVP is changed to a "no" prior to 48 hours of hike time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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