Adventuring LGBTQ+ Outdoors Club

Join us on this Fall hike northeast of DC to Patapsco Valley State Park near Ellicott City, MD. We'll hike through the park by making a loop out of three connecting trails: the Morning Choice Tail, Cascade Falls Trail, and Ridge Trail. This hike is 5-6 miles.

Along the way, we will have three stream crossings so you may want to pack an extra pair of socks just in case. While we won't have steep elevations, there are plenty of places that will require sure footing on this easy to moderate trail.

About halfway through, we'll stop by Cascade Falls to see the park's popular waterfall. Then, we'll veer off of our loop to have lunch at picnic tables next to the Patapsco River; and, we'll have time to cross and pose for pictures at The Patapsco Swinging Bridge - a pedestrian suspension bridge.

Our trip fee is $5, plus a $4 mileage reimbursement to drivers (if you participate in a carpool). Due to limited parking at the trailhead, carpooling is encouraged. We will depart from the Greenbelt Metro Station parking lot at 9:00 a.m. There will be a pit stop at the Sheetz in Linthicum Heights on the trip out. For those meeting us at the Morning Choice parking lot trailhead, we will be there by 10:00.

Effective immediately, Adventuring will waive the $5 trip fee for any federal employee or contractor who has been furloughed during the current Shutdown. Trip participants will still have to pay their share of transportation costs.

Ever wonder what's beyond the infamous and dreaded Old Misery Trail? For this hike, we'll start on the opposite side of Old Misery at the Cunningham Falls State Park's Manor Area and and hike southward on the Catoctin National Recreation Trail into the Frederick Municipal Watershed before we retrace our steps back to our cars.

This moderately strenuous 7-mile hike features approximately 1600-feet of elevation gain and is rated moderately strenuous. A moderately strenuous hike will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline.

Meet at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station at 9:00 AM to form carpools. Note: the Red Line is single tracking this weekend. Bring water, snacks, lunch, sturdy footwear. Total cost of this trip will be approximately $17. ($7 for gas, $3/$5(cash) park admission per car, $5 Adventuring fee). We'll make the usual Sheetz pitstop enroute to the trailhead for our last-minute snacking desires. The group may opt for a meal stop after the hike to replenish us weary hikers. RSVPs will open 2 weeks before the event and close at 7pm the day before the event.

Effective immediately, Adventuring will waive the $5 trip fee for any federal employee or contractor who has been furloughed during the current Shutdown. Trip participants will still have to pay their share of transportation costs.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is a beautiful setting to welcome the changing colors of the fall season. For this trip, we'll head to Snyder's Landing, adjacent to Sharpsburg, Maryland and a stone's throw away from West Virginia. This section of the Canal is notable for its fetching views of the horseshoe bends of the nearby Potomac River and of course, its importance during the Civil War.

This 8.5-mile hike is rated as easy. An easy hike that is generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking. Mostly level or with a slight incline. After the hike, we can take an optional trip into charming nearby Shepherdstown, West Virginia to refresh ourselves at a local establishment.

Bring beverages, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, and about $15 for transportation and Adventuring trip fees. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Forest Glen Metro Kiss & Ride lot. We'll make a stop at Sheetz on the way to the trailhead for any last-minute snacking needs. RSVPs will open two weeks before the event and close at 7pm the day before the hike.

Effective immediately, Adventuring will waive the $5 trip fee for any federal employee or contractor who has been furloughed during the current Shutdown. Trip participants will still have to pay their share of transportation costs.

A 10 mile circuit hike on Massanutten Mountain near Strasburg in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests . Sweeping views from overlooks. The high point is Signal Knob, used as a signal relay station during the Civil War. Elevation gain 2300 feet.

We will stop at the Sheetz on your way (Sheetz, 15315 Washington St, Haymarket, VA 20169) the distance is about 144 miles round trip to the parking lot.