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The Little Known, Biodeverse and Wild Rachel Carson Area!
An Easy Side of Moderate 4 or 6 Miles!
This hidden gem is densely populated by numerous species of wildlife, high quality forest and features spectacular rock and massive boulder out-cropping throughout the park.
This area remains undeveloped for some of the best hiking trails around!
The Hawlings River passes through the park and almost the entire hike is along this beautiful river where the temperature drops making this a fantastic hike for hot weather.
Rachel Carson offers 650 acres of undisturbed wooded parkland and trails surrounding the Hawlings River in upper Montgomery County.
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. The pace you select should be not based on only your preference, but also 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 transitioning to longer hikes and will be about 2.0mph.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5-3.0 mph (most common pace).
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly!
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Brookeville
Length: 4-6 miles of natural surface trails
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Easy Side of Moderate
Season: Year-round
Amenities: This is a "conservation park," which means there are no bathrooms and no water available.
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. 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 Where to Meet for This Hike.
Hike Meetup time is at 2:30 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.
Fido Is Welcome on This Hike!
Please take the hike leaders number with you just in case!
Mike: [masked]
Brad: [masked]
Kellie: [masked]
Justin: [masked]
Sherry: [masked]
Shmuel: [masked]
Lovely day, beautiful walk, met lots of very nice folks. It was worth the 75 miles, 95 minute stunning drive up....I invite any and all to come this way as well! Thank you all for a very good day.
March 11
This was my first meetup/hike and it was awsome. It was just enough of a challenge for a "newbie" like myself. Can't wait to go again soon.
March 10
thank you SO much for including phone numbers of hike leaders - that is a stroke of genius!
March 10
Option 2 as Chip my trail dog walks that pace. I had seen where you offered this before and couldn't make it. So very glad to make this trip to see this area. big fan of Rachel Carson. I will coming from Winchester, VA if anyone doesn't mind riding with me and Chip. Rt. 7 East then Rt. 340 out of Berryville. Let Me know by 12 noon. Thanks for offering this again. Can't wait. What a beautiful day to be out and about in nature :)Contact me email for cell # at:[masked].
March 10
Let's all remember to set our clocks an hour forward tomorrow morning. We'll be on daylight savings time then.
March 9
I'm interested in going but I don't have a car. I am in DC "Van Ness" any Metro station on the Red line would be great. Anyone have room? Thanks!
March 7
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.
March 8
Refunds offered if:
Additional notes: Refund if your RSVP is changed to a "no" prior to 48 hours of hike start time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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