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Join Us for a Moderate 9.8 Miles Along Loch Raven Reservoir Plus a Winter Chili Tasting (Vegetarian Options), Wine Pairing, and Live Music at Boordy Vineyards!
Let's warm up after our hike and enjoy an optional chili tasting and red wine paring at Boordy Vineyards. There will also be live entertainment!
Arguably the prettiest trails in the Loch Raven Reservoir watershed. We head out to Merryman Point, where the reservoir spreads out in several directions. There are two fairly steep inclines, two very minor stream crossings, otherwise rolling terrain. This hike is a little of my own experience combined with a hike from "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Baltimore" by Evan Balkan, 2nd Edition as the 1st Editions is no longer accurate for this hike.
"So, let me think here....great temp, varying scenery, clean air, awesome diversity of personalities and stories, hot chili, local wines (enjoyed in a fantastic barn), hot waisel, and did anybody try the firepit with loaner prongs and freebie marshmallows for roasting, well, makes for a great day!! Superb hike"-A comment from a member from our last visit!
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 moderate pace of about 2.5mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).
Pace Option 2: A vigorous paced group of up to 4mph so no complaints about this pace being too fast because you know what you are getting into.
Please include your pace preference in your RSVP!
Trail Information
Nearby City: Timonium
Length: 9.8 total miles
Trail Type: Out-and-Back with a place to take a dip near the end of the hike (seasonable)
Skill Level: Moderate with two rather steep hills. Aside from those, the majority of the hike is rolling hills.
Exposure: Shade
Trail Surface: Packed dirt, crushed rock
Duration: About 5 hours but varies by the pace, group, weather, etc.
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 170 feet
Top Elev: 420 feet
Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Optional Post Hike Chili/Wine Tasting, and Live Music
Boordy Vineyards is Maryland's oldest family run winery and today they are having a chili tasting! "At Boordy we celebrate life, wine and good food. We enjoy the spirit of challenge and adventure. We treasure art and music, and love to dance. We marvel at nature's beauty. We value our community and our traditions. We are proud to farm and produce our wine for you."-from the Boordy website
Chase away the chills by sampling delicious hearty chili's paired with red wine to the tunes of live music! Sip piping hot Wassail as you tour the winery $15 per adult.
12820 Long Green Pike
Hydes, Maryland 21082
Click here for more information and to purchase advanced tickets.
Directions to the Winter Chili Days Post Hike Event
Click here for detailed directions to where we meet for our chili winter days event at Boordy Vineyards
Carpool Information
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
Annapolis Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Annapolis area , meetup at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpool directions for getting to the carpool location.
VA East Area Carpool (Fairfax Area METRO)
People can also arrange to meet at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Click here for directions to Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station.
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to where we meet for this hike.
Hike Meetup Time is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool Meetup time at Savage Station is 9:00 a.m.
Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station 8:30 a.m.
Carpoool Time for Annapolis Area is 8:45 a.m.
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 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.
There are no refunds for this special event. We just want it to be clear that there are no refunds, exchanges, selling, or giving away your space, or applying the money for this hike to a future one if you pay and then are unable to go. Pretty please keep that in mind before signing up as we do not want any misunderstandings. If you disagree with this, please do not sign up. Thanks for your understanding and see you there for this fantastic annual tradition for our group!
Let's have good times and see you on the trail for this top rated Maryland trek!
Mike: [masked]
Justin: [masked]
Ethan: [masked]
Great hike, enjoyed the chili & good people. Track of the hike:
http://www.everytrail.com/view_...![]()
1 · January 20
Beautiful day, trail paralleled Loch Raven Reservoir and the water glistened. Mike, as usual, led a great hike, pausing at the top of each hill to allow those of us who move more slowly up inclines to catch up. Good pace. Good company. Interesting seeing Justin as sweep. :) Justin, hope your hip gets better soon.
1 · January 20
Hey!!! Anybody willing to take 3 more in Maryland. We have a ride back. Headed there now on 295. My number is [masked]. Thank you!
January 20
Off the waitlist. Please reach out to me if you'd like to carpool. We can meet up anywhere in the Silver Spring/Rockville/Columbia area. I will be staying for the post event.
January 19
I'm driving from the Frederick/Mt. Airy area if anyone would like to carpool. Plan to stay for chili event afterward.
January 14
Important question: Does cell service work out there? I'm using the GPS on my phone for navigation ... I assume it does, but wanted to check just in case!
January 19
If I am able to move off the waitlist, would anyone be interested in carpooling from the Silver Spring/Rockville/Columbia area? I don't mind driving but I will be staying for the event at Boordy's Vineyard.
January 19
I asked a question, and it seems to have disappeared. What time can we expect to arrive at the post hike event?
January 18
Hello DC-ists: I have been fortunate enough to get rides from at least 3 people and it's my turn to return the favor. I rented a van (sits 6) and will be driving from Convention Center in DC. Let me know if you need a ride. So far, Trisha is on board. :)
January 18
Is anybody leaving from DC-area or any metro-accessible place in either DC, Virginia or Maryland. Willing to meet anywhere to join carpool and can chip in for gas. Please let me know! Thank you!
January 14
Is anyone planning to make the trip from the Vienna area? I live near the metro stop and would be willing to chip in for gas on a carpool.
January 18
I'm driving from Arlington, if that is convenient for anyone. I plan to go to the wine tasting after
January 14
So, is there one or two steep inclines? I was just wondering. Glad I made it on the list! Sounds like a blast!
January 18
I am still on the waitlist. And hoping to make it in. Is anyone travelling from the Centreville Park and Ride area? I'd love to carpool with someone and pitch in for gas.
January 17
Forgot to include my pace. I will do 1 or 2, wherever there is room for me! Looking forward to it but not going to Boordy afterwards - need to get ready for the big Ravens win!
January 16
Driving from near Capitol Heights Metro (blue line). If anyone needs a ride, e-mail me.
January 15
Hello everyone! I'm very new to the group and am looking forward to hitting the trails! I was just wondering, I saw that "fido is welcome", but does that include the after hike fun as well?
Thank you!
Rose
January 5
Hi! I'd like to hitch a ride with someone at the Vienna/Fairfax metro station (I don't have a car). Are people planning to carpool from there?
January 14
How to Move from the Waitlist 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.
January 11
If you're going to the winery event, remember to buy your ticket online in advance. I heard it sold out last year...
January 7
Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.
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