Easy 4 Miles: Schooley Mills Woodland and Meadow Trails and Happy Hour! (07-25)

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Thursday After Work Hike on Schooley Mills Woodland and Meadow Area Trails: An Easy 4.0 Miles with Optional Post Hike Libations/Meal

Schooley Mill Park offers a wide variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. Wildlife thrive in these meadows that are maintained in a natural state to provide food, cover, and nest sites. This hidden gem is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Peer into the stream to see minnows, crayfish, frogs, and turtles. The 4.6 miles of trails provide an excellent way to discover the natural side of this wild area.

This area offers a variety of habitats including woodlands, wetlands, a sediment pond, secondary growth areas, and meadows. The meadows are maintained in a natural state to provide food, cover, and nest sites for wildlife. Lots of lush shrubbery for bird habitat and underbrush along the trail for small mammals.

Half the loop is thru woodlands on crushed rock/dirt trails, and other half is through meadow/grasslands on manicured and mowed grass trails.

Trail Information
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/3/4/7/event_39389511.jpegNearby City: Fulton, MD
Length: 4 total miles with 1.96 miles of mulched trails through the woods and 2.48 miles of mowed paths around and through the beautiful and open fields.
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Easy and Newbie Friendly
Habitat: Wooded stream valley along the perimeter, large beaver pond, and a sediment point.
Season: Year-round

Amenities: Restrooms, portable toilets adjacent to the riding ring.

Operation and Hours: 7:00 a.m. to dusk or as posted

Special Attractions: A beaver-created wetland and Marlow House, the restored farmhouse.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USMD0145?lswe=Ellicott%20City,%20MD&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared&from=searchbox_typeahead) for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead.

Optional Post Hike Meetup at Twist & Turn Tavern

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/d/a/c/event_263452652.jpegAfter the hike, let's take it up the street to enjoy some post hike libations, good eats, and continue the camaraderie from the hike at Twist & Turn Tavern (thanks to Brad for the suggestion). It is only about a mile from the hike and is at the intersections of 108 and 216 in Highland.

Founded in 2010 and located in historic Highland, Howard County, Maryland. Twist and Turn Tavern is a new breed in the genre of neighborhood pubs. A comfortable interior reflects the nature of our beautiful horse country. Fresh regional and internationally inspired food is offered for every taste as well as beverages to suit your lifestyle. Cordial and friendly staff will treat you with casual resect. Twist & Turn Tavern: 13380 Clarksville Pike, Highland, Maryland 20777, Phone: 301-854-2170

Click Here to View Their Menu (http://www.twistandturntavern.com/) and for further information. Hope to see you there!

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/c/b/event_39389131.jpegDirections to the Trailhead

Click Here for Directions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Directions_-_Schooley_Mill_Trails/) to Where We Meet for This Hike.

Hike time is 6:45 p.m.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-NoVA-Hiking/pages/Hiking_and_Trail_Etiquette/?name=Hiking_and_Trail_Etiquette) . We take breaks as necessary. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing leaving no trace (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-NoVA-Hiking/pages/Leave_No_Trace_Hiking/)

Fido is Welcome on This Hike!

See you there for good times out on the trail ...

Brad: 240.620.6885