Union Mills! An Easy Side of Strenuous 6 Miles in Carroll County!

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/1/7/7/event_46324471.jpegUnion Mills! An Easy Side of Strenuous 6 Miles in Carroll County!

Take a rugged hike through rural northern Carroll County, through steep switchbacks, and pleasant rolling fields. The trail, which is dirt and crushed rock, plunges into a grove of pines. Then it runs along a ridge with a slight rise on the left and a steep plunge on the right. At the top of the hill, it opens up, which gives you a nice vista of woods and fields loaded with goldenrod when in season! This hike is a great adventure!

Note: This is not a hike for new hikers due to how rugged it is. This is considered on the easy side of strenuous not because of the mileage but because of the terrain, switchbacks, and slogging over creeks (springtime and summer). If you are doubt as to whether this is a hike for you or not, please do not hesitate to contact a hike leader(s) so you can make an informed decision.

Pace Options
This hike will be led at a faster side of moderate pace of about 3.0mph (a bit faster the pace of an average hiker)

Trail Information

Length: 6.2 total miles
Scenery: Forest, streams, bogs
Exposure: Half and Half
Trail Surface: Dirt and crushed rock
Configuration: Out and back with large loops
Elev. Gain: 650 feet
Skill Level: Easy side of Strenuous and not an easy hike so not for beginners
Duration: 2-3 hours and depends on which group you hike with as the paces will vary.
Note to Hike Leaders: Please use the hike number 42 from the book "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Baltimore" 2nd Edition. Click Here (http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/mapserver4/gis/webpage/images/WebMaps/Trails/2010TrailsUpdate/Union%20Mills%20Area%20Trails%20Web%208-09.pdf) for a map of the area. If you do not have the book, please let Kellie know and I will get a copy right out to you and for now, I have the hike scanned in as a .pdf for you to use.

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

Carpool Information

If you can drive or want to carpool from any 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 (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Directions%3A_Union_Mills_Hike/) to the trailhead.

Hike Meetup Time is 10:00 a.m.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Hiking_and_Trail_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 (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Leave_No_Trace_Hiking/) outdoor ethics.

Fido Is Welcome on this Hike!

Please take the hike leaders number with you just in case!

Justin: 240.393.7641