NCR Trail & Beetree Run: A Mod 4 Mi in the Woods and Rolling Countryside

Beetree Run Area and NCR Trail: A Moderate 4 Miles in the Woods and Rolling Countryside with a Jaunt on the NCR Trail

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Named for Beetree Run, a trout stream that meanders through the property, BeeTree Preserve's natural beauty and resources have welcomed hikers and inhabitants — both animal and human — for hundreds of years. BeeTree Preserve is a tremendous natural resource and diverse habitat with grassy fields, wooded hillsides, mature forests, new growth woodlands, and valuable wetland areas. You will find many examples of indigenous wildlife species and native vegetation. Several main areas have been designated for their unique natural features, their accessibility, and their types of use.

This biodeverse hike combines views of the open rural Baltimore County countryside with a circuit through the woods. It also offers one of the few circuit hikes along the Northern Central Railroad Trail, allowing you to hike a little on the wide flat path of the famous NCRR through the rolling countryside, then duck into the woods for a ramble around a hilltop nature preserve.

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The hike’s main attraction is the varied experiences that it packs into a short hike —the NCRR, the babbling of Beetree Run, passage above a scenic stream hollow, and beautiful forestland. This is a particularly enjoyable short ramble in spring, when you will see the varied blooms of flowers and trees in the woods and under the NCRR’s open skies.

Special Considerations: Beetree Preserve is privately owned and calling in advance of your hike is required. We have special permission for this hike for up to 20 people.

Pace Options:
We break down into groups no larger than 15-20 hikers per leader for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. This also allows you to be put together with those of a similar pace. Paces should be not only based on your preference but also, your 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 hike. Please note this is still a hike pace and not a stroll...

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5 mph (most common pace).
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly

Trail Information

Nearby City: Cockeysville

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Length: 4 total miles
Scenery: Rolling countryside and upland forest
Exposure: Shade
Trail Surface: Packed dirt
Configuration: Modified Loop
Elev. Gain: Minimal
Skill Level: Easy side of Moderate
Duration: 2-3 hours and depends on which group you hike with as the paces will vary.
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 260 feet
Top Elev: 610 feet

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USMD0099?lswe=Cockeysville&from=searchbox) for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead

Carpool Information

There are 3 carpools for this hike

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for information (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Directions_to_Centerville_Park_and_Ride_Carpool/)and directions to the Centerville location.

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Annapolis Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Annapolis area, meetup at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpool (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Carpool%3A_Starbucks_at_Harbour_Center_in_Annapolis/) 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 (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Directions_to_Vienna-Fairfax_Metro_Station/) to Vienna/Fairfax Metro 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 (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Directions%3A_Beetree_Preserve_Hike/) to Where We Meet for this Hike

Hike Meetup Time is 10:00 a.m.

Carpool Time from Savage is 9:15 a.m.

Carpool Meetup time at Centerville Park and Ride is 8:45 a.m

Carpool Time from Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station 8:30 a.m.

Carpoool Time for Annapolis Area is 8:45 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 leader in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the rear to help ensure 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!

Ted: 443.844.0350

Justin: 240.393.7641