Hiking Around Baltimore (HAB)

Enjoy a scenic hike in Cromwell Valley culminating in nice views of Loch Raven Reservoir.

For everyone's comfort and safety, THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN VACCINATED FOR COVID-19.

Details

Cromwell Valley Park

2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd

Parkville, MD 21234

Directions:

Take the I-695 beltway to Exit 29.

Turn left at the first light onto Cromwell Bridge Road.

Turn left onto park entry road at 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road.

Signs say, “Cromwell Valley Park, Willow Grove Farm, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.”

MAKE SURE TO TAKE THE 2nd ENTRANCE TO THE PARK.

Follow the road across the bridge and park in gravel parking lot on left.

Cromwell Park has a couple trails that you can hike in a number of ways, so there are a few ways to change things up. There are a few small stream crossing.

Dog's Allowed

Bring Plenty of Water and a Snack

Greg's Cell:[masked]

*** IMPORTANT ***

BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

• This event is limited to members who have been vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Please follow all local, state and CDC guidelines.
• Please bring a mask in case you need it at some point.
• Please be respectful of anyone who desires to wear a mask or keep social distance.
• If you don't feel well, have a cough or cold, or may have been exposed to any type of flu in the last 14 days, please stay home.
• If you have any problem with these guidelines, please don't come.

Thank you for your cooperation and please be safe!

Let's enjoy a beautiful sunrise atop Old Rag. Old Rag is a very scenic and challenging hike. We'll make it even more challenging by hiking up in the early morning darkness, then resting at the summit to watch the sunrise. We'll then do the famous rock scramble on the way down in the morning light.

Note that we are starting Saturday night and finishing Sunday morning. Sunday is Fathers' Day, but we'll be back in time for you to visit family if that's your plan.

If you would like to join us on this hike, please RSVP to the wait list. Note this hike is not for beginners. Please only RSVP if you hike or walk at least 6 miles per week at a faster pace. If you can't keep up, we will leave you behind, so it's your responsibility to know the route and how to get home on your own if you have to.

This hike is cross posted with the Fast and Fun Hikers meetup group.

WHAT TO BRING
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- I recommend hiking in long pants and long sleeves. The temps may be cool (50's), and the long pants and sleeves will protect your arms and legs in the rock scramble.
- A jacket/sweatshirt/fleece, a light winter hat, light gloves for the summit.
- Hiking boots and a change of socks. IMO, tennis/running shoes are not sturdy enough for this hike.
- A headlamp and a backup flashlight, with extra batteries for both.
- Hiking poles but only if you have a way to stow them securely strapped to or inside your backpack. You will need both hands completely free during the rock scramble.
- A knee brace/wrap and ankle brace/wrap if you have them, in case of injury.
- Water and snacks, esp. for the summit.
- We'll be hiking somewhat into the sun after sunrise, so you might want to bring a baseball cap or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes, and sunscreen for your face.
- Change of shoes/clothes for after the hike.
- Cash $$, including $30 for the park entrance fee, $10 to give your driver for gas, and some $$ for snacks or b'fast after the hike.

WEATHER OUTLOOK
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TBD, possibly in the 50's at sunrise.

MEETING POINTS
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If you would like to carpool, meet Saturday, 11 pm sharp at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Rd, Laurel, MD 20707. (This is just off I-95 at Konterra Dr., which shares an exit with Rt 198. To avoid missing the exit, follow the signs for Rt 198.) Please bring $10 cash to give your driver for gas costs.

Otherwise, meet Sunday around 1:45 am at the Old Rag Parking Information and Fee Station, 2577 Nethers Rd, Etlan, VA 22719 (GPS[masked],[masked]).

VERY IMPORTANT: YOU WILL LOSE CELL SIGNAL at some point after you pass Warrenton, VA. Therefore, PRINT OUT THE DIRECTIONS FROM WARRENTON TO THE TRAIL PARKING (Warrenton VA to Sperryville VA, then Route 231 south for 8.2 miles, right on Route 602/Nethers Road, and follow Nethers Road 3.8 miles to the parking entrance on the left.)

FACILITIES
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There are restrooms at the Wawa, 510 Frost Ave, Warrenton, VA 20186. There are pit toilets at the start, and another about 90 minutes into the hike (4 miles in). After that, there are no facilities at the summit or on the way down until we get back to the parking lot.

PRE-HIKE CHECK-IN
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When you get to the mountain, please check in with me first. We'll get ourselves organized and then check-in with the park ranger as a group.

Approximate Schedule
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Sat 10:30 pm - start driving
Sat 11 pm - meet in Laurel MD for carpooling
Sun 1:45 am - meet at Old Rag base parking
Sun 2:15 am - start hiking
Sun 5 am - reach summit
Sun 5:15 am - civil twilight
Sun 5:45 am - sunrise
Sun 6:15 am - start down
Sun 8 am - back at cars
Sun 11 am - back home

*** IMPORTANT ***

BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

We will meet at the Terrapin Nature Park lot and bike along the cross island trail bike path (which is paved) towards the Kent Narrows bridge with a break for lunch either at the Jetty or Bridges, which overlook the Kent Narrows waterway.
Be aware that you will be driving through sort of a business park to get to TNP and the entrance sign is neutral in color, wood and low to the ground so easy to miss if you have never been there. Text if lost or late[masked] thx

The total trip will be right under 10 miles (4.5 out and back). Please bring cash or credit card for lunch as we will get separate bills. Hope you can join us!

Below is a map of the trail - https://www.qac.org/documentcenter/view/14180

We will meet at the Glen Rock library and bike south along the heritage rail trail bike path (which is paved at times) towards New Freedom with a break on the way back at Fox & Fern & Alecraft brewery which is right off the bike path. Fox & Fern has food, restrooms and a brewery: (4) Fox & Fern | Railroad PA | Facebook
AleCraft To-Go
The total trip will be right under 10 miles (out and back), please were helmets for safety. Hope you can join us!
Below is a video of the trail -
https://youtu.be/jIi8-gmXm1s