What we’re about
![img](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/6/8/7/600_449939015.jpeg)
- Reconnecting People with the Natural World - for the Health of It -
Founded in 2007, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG) aka Outdoors for Health was inspired by a passion for promoting and providing low-cost opportunities for people to get up and outside to connect with the natural world and enjoy the health benefits it provides. Today, the organization has grown to become a very active 23,000+ member strong 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to serving our **mission **of providing education, awareness, and opportunities for people to experience the variety of health benefits provided by connecting with the outdoors, “just for the health of it!” Our organization has hosted over ~7000 events ranging from 2-mile newbie sneaker social hikes all the way up to 50+ mile one day fully supported hikes, educational/awareness offerings, paddle trips, and more. So no matter your preference, we should have something for you. We are a diverse organization filled with members who enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including - but not limited to hiking and educational opportunities related to the natural world. MAHG also promotes the importance of being good outdoor stewards through environmental awareness activities.
We enjoy exploring an incredible variety of locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG) appreciates Mother Nature’s diversity and the diversity of people. ALL are welcome and encouraged to join. Whether you are a newbie or a very seasoned outdoor enthusiast, we are sure to have an event for you on our very active and varied calendar.
Our focus is on safety, camaraderie, and having a ton of fun while connecting with the natural world. So a sense of humor is a must with us! \
*** WARNING! — Our Calendar is VERY Active ALL Four Seasons and Can be Beneficial to Your Health ***
Today’s fast-paced and technologically dominated society can take a toll on a person’s psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. Many people are trapped within an indoor and plugged-in lifestyle that can be overwhelming and very stressful. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group promotes reconnecting people with nature by providing plentiful and varied opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s activities are a healthy and fun way to relieve stress and “unplug” while enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Decrease stress - get fitter - get healthier, and get nature empowered, all while knowing you are supporting an important cause with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group.
Click Here for information about our current charitable initiatives and programs/studies serving our mission.
• Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers many opportunities to give back by helping with maintaining trails throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and hosting in addition to participating in other environmental stewardship and community building events and workshops. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers educational classes and certifications in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and our own highly regarded Outdoor Leadership Certification program. Additionally, MAHG has an active outreach program to help with educating others regarding the many health benefits of hiking and the importance of taking care of our trails and our overall environment.
• Youth Education and Re-Connecting with the Natural World - We are currently preparing to expand our program that benefits under-represented and inner-city youth by combining connection with nature and education. Our solutions-based approach begins with a full immersion experience of hiking and other fun, unplugged, and screen-less outdoor activities. We combine the activities while educating tomorrow's workers regarding the abundant employment opportunities the natural world offers in the booming field of green-collar jobs. "For references and more, please visit our main website. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides opportunities for increased confidence, self-esteem, and hope for a better tomorrow. Today's youth will be the earth's stewards of tomorrow, so it is imperative that they become familiar with the world outside of their screens."
Why Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? — As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization, when you hike with MAHG, you are also helping us with serving our mission to benefit the health of others! Every step you take with MAHG is also a step for recipients of our initiatives and programs. We bring people together to have fun and make friends while enjoying the many health benefits of the great outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment. Hiking not only connects people with the natural world but also fosters an appreciation and respect for the environment and an overall sense of community. Whether you are looking to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or are looking to rise to the challenge of hiking 30+ miles in one day, we have a hike for you, all seasons. Remember, we were all newbies once, and we enjoy introducing others to hiking and other outdoor pursuits - in fact, it is a core part of our mission to reconnect people with the natural world.
Who Can Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? — Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, single, in a committed relationship, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy, recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive hiker, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is for you. We do more than just embrace our diversity — we thrive on it! \
When We Hike? — We do it in the morning, afternoon, after work, evening, darkest of night, every weekend day, and all year round and average 10 times a week. Get your mind out of the gutter ‘cause we are talking about hiking, stewardship, and outdoor education here. Seasonally, we offer weekday day hikes in addition to our variety of after-work hikes.
Where We Hike? — We hike throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond! We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend day. MAHG hosts cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, hikes to view frozen waterfalls, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes.
How We Hike — Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a **mission-driven nonprofit charitable organization. Click Here to learn about our mission, programs and initiatives, and accomplishments! We are committed to connecting people with the natural world, community building, giving back/stewardship, and providing educational opportunities. MAHG is a well-established and highly regarded organization well known for its excellent camaraderie — all with safety in mind while emphasizing having fun out on the trails! We limit our hikes to small groups for the comfort and consideration of others and to better enjoy and respect the environment.We have many partnerships. A sample of a few and how we work with them - as a partner with Leave No Trace (LNT), we practice, encourage, and educate others about the importance of practicing proper outdoor ethics and teach LNT certification courses several times every year. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is also proud to be a Gold level Alliance Member of the American Hiking Society. MAHG participates in the "Adopt an Acre" program by adopting land in the Appalachian Mountains to support The Nature Conservancy. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities and other community-building events throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. Contact our office at 410.480.5000 or see our main website for more information regarding our cause and our accomplishments, initiatives, partnerships, and programs.
Our leadership team consists of qualified, dedicated, and very appreciated volunteers who are some of the best in the region!
We hope to see you on the trail soon for great times while enjoying all the health benefits of connecting with the natural world - remember to bring your sense of humor (a must with us) and be prepared to have a ton of fun!
Kellie Carlisle - Founder, MAHGs Board of Directors, and the MAHG Volunteer Leadership Team
Sponsors
See allSaturday Option for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups Annual Hike to the Bluebells at Riverbend Park: A Moderate 5-Mile Hike
Tucked away in a remote river setting, Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5-mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail that links national and regional parkland. Paddlers enjoy exploring islands in the Potomac River. Families and serious anglers bring boats or fish from the shady riverbank. Nature lovers from all around come for the highlights, including spectacular river views, beautiful wildflowers, and birds. The park features a magnificent display of bluebells in the spring.
This park consists of a mature deciduous forest bordering the Potomac River. This stretch of the river is an interesting counterpoint to the drama of Great Falls. Rock Islands interspersed in the river provide a beautiful contrast to the peaceful flow of the river.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: McLean, VA
Length: A Moderate five total miles
Configuration: Modified loop
Scenery: Bluebells, Wooded uplands, river vistas, waterfalls, historic remains
Exposure: Shady
Trail Surface: Mostly dirt; some pavement, gravel; very rocky in places with one steep hill.
Elev. Gain: 250 feet
Skill Level: A Moderate five total miles
Facilities: Facilities include a visitor center at Riverbend. However, more seasonal offerings for concessions, snack bar, gift shop, exhibits, and riverside picnic areas.
Maps: USGS Rockville, Seneca, Vienna, Falls Church; ATC Map D; ADC Northern VA.
Park Hours: Riverbend Park: Open from 7 am to dusk, hours posted. Gates are locked at closing time.
Visitor Center Hours: Riverbend Park: Weekdays: Visitor Center 9-5 and closed Tuesdays. Weekends: Visitor Center 12-5. Winter Visitor Center Hours (December, January, February)-Weekdays: Visitor Center 11-4 closed Tuesdays. Weekends: Visitor Center 11-4.
Park Fee
There is no park fee for this hike.
Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.
Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area we will be hiking.
Our RSVP Policies and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:15-8:25 a.m.
The Hike is at 8:30 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group volunteer leadership team. Click Here to become a part of the team!
Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive and encouraging, focusing on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an integral part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to conserving our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer-supported, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and donations ARE tax deductible.
Tax ID: 47-5141831
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails, and see you there!
Greg: 571.484.7499
• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Sat Hike! Experience the Bluebells at Riverbend Park! A Mod. 5 or 9 MilesRiverbend Park Visitor's Center, Great Falls, VA$5.00
Saturday Option for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups Annual Hike to the Bluebells at Riverbend Park: A Moderate 5-Mile Hike
Tucked away in a remote river setting, Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5-mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail that links national and regional parkland. Paddlers enjoy exploring islands in the Potomac River. Families and serious anglers bring boats or fish from the shady riverbank. Nature lovers from all around come for the highlights, including spectacular river views, beautiful wildflowers, and birds. The park features a magnificent display of bluebells in the spring.
This park consists of a mature deciduous forest bordering the Potomac River. This stretch of the river is an interesting counterpoint to the drama of Great Falls. Rock Islands interspersed in the river provide a beautiful contrast to the peaceful flow of the river.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: McLean, VA
Length: A Moderate five total miles
Configuration: Modified loop
Scenery: Bluebells, Wooded uplands, river vistas, waterfalls, historic remains
Exposure: Shady
Trail Surface: Mostly dirt; some pavement, gravel; very rocky in places with one steep hill.
Elev. Gain: 250 feet
Skill Level: A Moderate five total miles
Facilities: Facilities include a visitor center at Riverbend. However, more seasonal offerings for concessions, snack bar, gift shop, exhibits, and riverside picnic areas.
Maps: USGS Rockville, Seneca, Vienna, Falls Church; ATC Map D; ADC Northern VA.
Park Hours: Riverbend Park: Open from 7 am to dusk, hours posted. Gates are locked at closing time.
Visitor Center Hours: Riverbend Park: Weekdays: Visitor Center 9-5 and closed Tuesdays. Weekends: Visitor Center 12-5. Winter Visitor Center Hours (December, January, February)-Weekdays: Visitor Center 11-4 closed Tuesdays. Weekends: Visitor Center 11-4.Park Fee
There is no park fee for this hike.Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area we will be hiking.Our RSVP Policies and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This HikeMeet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:15-8:25 a.m.
The Hike is at 8:30 a.m.Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group volunteer leadership team. Click Here to become a part of the team!
Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive and encouraging, focusing on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an integral part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to conserving our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer-supported, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and donations ARE tax deductible.Tax ID: 47-5141831
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails, and see you there!
Greg: 571.484.7499
• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission. - Bluebells at Riverbend Park & Great Falls and Difficult Run! A Mod. 9.5 MilesRiverbend Park, Great Falls National Park, & Difficult Run Stream with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group! An Easy 5.3 or Mod. 9.5 Miles, , VA$5.00
Virginia Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park, and Scenic Trails Along Difficult Run Stream! Hiker's A Moderate 9.5-Mile Hike
-----------------------
Mid Atlantic Hiking Group does not require proof of vaccination. Not all hikers may be vaccinated.If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 7 days, then please do not sign up. Also inform the hike leader if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 7 days from the hike.
-----------------------This hike is a two-park, 9.5-mile trek. This hike leads through the uplands, to Great Falls, along the gorge, and onto the floodplain. You’ll experience the assorted scenery, impressive vistas, and about 1,000 feet of elevation change this route provides.
Only about 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area is probably the metro area’s finest close-in natural attraction. Tucked away in a remote river setting, Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. There, the broad and smooth Potomac River suddenly tumbles almost 80 feet in a series of rapids and then squeezes through a narrow, mile-long, and sheer-walled gorge. National Park Service lands protect both banks and provide riveting views of nature at work; especially beautiful with the display of bluebells now.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: McLean, VA
Length: A Moderate 9.5 total miles
Configuration: Modified loop
Scenery: Wooded uplands, river vistas, waterfalls, historic remains
Exposure: Shady
Trail Surface: Mostly dirt; some pavement, gravel; very rocky in places with one steep hill.
Elev. Gain: 1000 feet
Skill Level: A Moderate 9.5 total miles
Facilities: Facilities include a visitor center at both Riverbend and Great Falls parks. Seasonal concessions and snack bar, gift shop, exhibits, and riverside picnic areas. Additional toilets and water located at the Matildaville trailhead area in Great Falls Park.
Maps: USGS Rockville, Seneca, Vienna, Falls Church; ATC Map D; ADC Northern VA.
Park Hours: Riverbend Park: Open from 7 am to dusk, hours posted. Gates are locked at closing time. Great Falls Park: Great Falls Park is open daily from 7 a.m. until dark.
Visitor Center Hours: Riverbend Park: Weekdays: Visitor Center 9-5 and closed Tuesdays.Weekends: Visitor Center 12-5. Winter Visitor Center Hours (December, January, February)-Weekdays: Visitor Center 11-4 closed Tuesdays. Weekends: Visitor Center 11-4. Great Falls Park: The Great Falls Visitor Center and bookstore are open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.Park Fee
There is no park fee for this hike.Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.Our RSVP Policies and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This HikeMeet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 9:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer supported organization that values:
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Click Here to become a part of the team!
Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible.Tax ID: 47-5141831
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!
Christa: 410.610.6254
Tim: 202.744.0289• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission. - Antietam National Battlefield! Easy-Side-of-Moderate 9-Mile HikeBattlefield Hike! Antietam National Battlefield with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group! An Easy-Side-of-Moderate 9 Miles, , MD$5.00
Hike at Antietam National Battlefield! An Easy-Side-of-Moderate 9-Mile History Hike
-----------------------
Mid Atlantic Hiking Group does not require proof of vaccination. Not all hikers may be vaccinated. Carpools with masks.If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 5 days, then please do not sign up. Also inform the hike leader if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 5 days from the hike.
-----------------------This hike is about 70 miles from both Baltimore and DC.
Join us for a pleasant trek at Antietam National Battlefield. Our ~9-mile hike will take us along open fields, woods, and quiet Antietam Creek. "Wild turkey, beaver, barred owls, and other wildlife, inhabits the stream valley. Cows can often be seen grazing on the other side of the creek. The lovely bucolic countryside belies the carnage that took place along the creek on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam (also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg) took place in three phases over 12 square miles. Down by the creek, Union General Burnside tried to move his army over the bridge and into Sharpsburg. The stream-side trail preserves the landscape that saw the death of thousands. Now it is alive with towering oaks and maples, blackberries on the edges, and the scent of pawpaws by the bank. The terrain is gently rolling, and the path is very easy to follow. Numerous trail markers and signs give a sense of how the battle unfolded.”
"3,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The Battle of Antietam was part of what is known as the Maryland Campaign of 1862. Find out more about the people, places, and events that are part of the campaign that changed America and join us on this informative hike!" Parts Above Were Used with Permission From the Antietam National Battlefield Web Site.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Antietam, MD
Length: Easy-Side-of-Moderate ~9 miles
Schedule: Open dawn until dusk, 365 days a year.
Elevation Gain: Rolling hills.
Skill Level: Easy-Side of Moderate, gently rolling terrain and only a few steepish climbs
Trail Surface: Dirt footpaths, gravel paths, mowed grass paths, old farm roads, and paved roads.
Season: Year-round
Land Status: National Battlefield Park
Facilities: The visitor center features restrooms, interpretive displays, a soda machine, and a bookstore. There are picnic tables in a grove of trees adjacent to the parking area.Park Entry Fee
There is a park entrance fee of $10.00 per person ($20.00 per vehicle) which is paid inside the visitor's center and is good for three days admission. They Honor the Golden Age and Golden Access Passports!Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.Hike Pace
The goal for this hike is to maintain an average moving pace of ~ 2.5 mph. This speed is frequently used in popular hiking publications to represent the pace of an average hiker. We welcome you to please sign up for another hike if you know that this is not a comfortable pace for you. We strive to offer a variety of hikes and pace options so we can always have something for everyone no matter their interest and ability.Our RSVP and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for this Special History HikeMeet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 9:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer supported organization that values:
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Click Here to become a part of the team!
Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible.Tax ID: 47-5141831
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!
Greg: 571.484.7499
• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.