Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Gunpowder Falls State Park! An Easy Side of Mod 5.5 Miles in the Sweet Air Area!

March 3 · 11:00 AM
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Sleep in and Hike! Gunpowder Falls State Park: Sweet Air Area: An Easy Side of Moderate 5.5 Miles!

An amazing amount of variety in a relatively short hike—the scenery changes every mile or so. It’s almost a crime that this exceedingly beautiful 1,250-acre section of Gunpowder Falls State Park is so lightly used—but what a treat that is for hikers seeking solitude! A wonderfully quiet hike offering a diversity of experiences: plentiful contact with Little Gunpowder Falls, a small pond in the woods, farm fields, immense tulip poplars, and small pine groves.

There are a lot of hills in this hike. Nothing too steep, but definitely enough throughout the entire hike to get a great workout so don't let the distance fool you!

This time of year, with the bare trees, you can see the river for almost the entire hike. It seems like a completely different hike than the other seasons as a result! Nothing like the clear, crisp views of winter hiking!

Hike Pace

A moderate pace of about 2.5mph which is the speed of the average hiker!

Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Baldwin
Length: 5.5 total miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy to moderate with rolling hills throughout but nothing too steep.
Duration: 2 hours
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elevation: 160 feet
Top Elevation: 530 feet
Local Contacts: Gunpowder Falls State Park
Local Maps: USGS Phoenix, Jarrettsville
Topo Map: Gunpowder Falls State Park: Sweet Air Area Trail Topographic Map

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

Carpool Information
To carpool from the Ft. Meade area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, 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 at 11:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage is 10:00 a.m.

Gear Information

Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

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.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike!

See ya on the trail and please take a hike leaders number with you just in case!

Lei: [masked]

Dave: [masked]

Mike: [masked]

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Wayne Martin

It was really just a perfect day for a hike. Thanks everyone for the wonderful day.

0 · March 3
Cynthia

We also had a great time :) Thx!!

0 · March 3
Karen

Great walk, wonderful leader, boy! am I sore :)

0 · March 3
Rachel S.

Called into work :( Won't be able to make it today. Have fun!

0 · March 3
Oksana Kirichenko

Hello, is anyone driving from DC-MD metro area? Thank you!

0 · February 26
- View all 5 replies
- Marjorie Bloom
  
  Hi! Yes, I'm driving from Chevy Chase. If you need a ride, let's figure out where we can meet.
  
  0 · February 26
- Marjorie Bloom
  
  Oksana, I think we should meet at the Bethesda metro at 9:30. The trailhead is about an hour away and I should leave enough time to get a bit lost, which always happens unfortunately! We should get there nlt 10:45 and the hike leaves at 11:00 so we should be in good shape. Let me know if there are any changes in plans. Thanks!
  
  0 · March 1
- Marjorie Bloom
  
  Oksana, let me know that we're still meeting tomorrow morning and we need to decide on a place at the Bethesda metro and I need to tell you what kind and color car to look for. Marge
  
  0 · March 2
- Oksana Kirichenko
  
  Marjorie, I will have to confirm tonight b/c I might not be able to go. But if I go, then Bethesda metro at 9:30am sounds great. I'll let you know as soon as possible if I can't make it. Thank you!
  
  0 · March 2
- Oksana Kirichenko
  
  Marjorie, I"m afraid I can't make it tomorrow... I hope you all have fun:)
  
  0 · March 3
Alliyah

hey, anyone driving from Bethesda or that area? if so. Id apprciate a lift.. Thanks!

0 · February 26
- View all 5 replies
- Marjorie Bloom
  
  Alliyah, I think we should meet at the Bethesda metro at 9:30 on Sunday. The trailhead is about an hour away and I should leave enough time to get a bit lost, which always happens unfortunately! We should get there nlt 10:45 and the hike leaves at 11:00 so we should be in good shape. Let me know if there are any changes in plans. Thanks!
  
  0 · March 1
- Marjorie Bloom
  
  Alliyah, let me know that we're still meeting and we'll nail down the final details. Thanks. Marge
  
  0 · March 2
- Alliyah
  
  Thanks Marjorie. I should be able to make it to the Bethesda station by 9:30. Im not always checking my emails and follow email threads on here, but here is my phone just in case in running late or anything. Where by the metro station will you be parked, so that I know where to look for you?
  
  0 · March 2
- Alliyah
  
  sorry , forgot to write my phone number earlier! it is [masked]
  
  0 · March 2
- Alliyah
  
  Marjorie, i think I wont be able to make it tomorrow. Hope we`ll hike together some other time and when it is warmer too! Thanks for a ride offer!
  
  0 · March 3
Cathy

I got called into work. I won't be able to make it. Hope someone else can enjoy my spot.

0 · March 3
Kathy M

not feeling well ... hopefully someone else can take my spot

0 · March 2
Andres Alarcon Ramirez

Hi, I also need a ride from any metro station. please let me know if you have a spot? Thank you!

0 · March 2
Kellie Carlisle

How to Move from the Wait list to a “Yes” - If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co... Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.

0 · February 27
Oksana Kirichenko

Thank you Marjorie! I can meet near any metro station. Bethesda metro station works for me if it's best for others.

0 · February 26
- Marjorie Bloom
  
  Oksana, Bethesda is perfect for me. Let's see what Alliyah says.
  
  0 · February 26
- Alliyah
  
  sure, I can meet you up near Bethesda Metro. What time should we meet up there? and Thanks a lot Marjorie!!!
  
  0 · February 27
Marjorie Bloom

Hi, Alliyah. I just told Oksana that I'm driving and live in Chevy Chase. If we can all meet some place reasonably convenient, I'm happy to give you both a ride.

0 · February 26
Marjorie Bloom

Looking forward to some time outdoors and perhaps warmer weather!

0 · February 23
Sidney

Is this supposed to be PM or AM?

1 · February 23
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  Thanks for keeping me on my toes Sidney. I just fixed it and it is in the morning-grin.
  
  0 · February 23

26 attended

Lei

Certifed Hike Leader and Certified in Wilderness First Aid

Event Host
Mike H.

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

Event Host
Dave

Certifed Hike Leader and Certified in Wilderness First Aid

Event Host
Hope Millington
Karen
Louisa Jonas
Jennifer
Nicole +1
Frank
Tom Krygowski
Brian
Kathy +1
Jim Casserly
Evie
Sandy Stromer
Sharonanne
Julie
Diana Councell +1
Wayne Martin
Jessica Perry

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Trevor Gryffyn
Cynthia +1

Your organizer's refund policy for Gunpowder Falls State Park! An Easy Side of Mod 5.5 Miles in the Sweet Air Area!

Refunds offered if:

the Meetup is cancelled
the Meetup is rescheduled
you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup

Additional notes: Refund if you change your RSVP to a "NO" PRIOR to 48 hours of hike time with no questions asked.

Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.

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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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$50 off Basic or One Day Try It Adult Sailing programs

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from American Hiking Society

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Gunpowder Falls State Park! An Easy Side of Mod 5.5 Miles in the Sweet Air Area!

26 attended

Certifed Hike Leader and Certified in Wilderness First Aid

Event Host

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

Event Host

Certifed Hike Leader and Certified in Wilderness First Aid

Event Host

Nicole +1

Kathy +1

Diana Councell +1

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Cynthia +1

Your organizer's refund policy for Gunpowder Falls State Park! An Easy Side of Mod 5.5 Miles in the Sweet Air Area!

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