Lake Needwood 10:30 Sunday

Let's go for a hike Sunday morn around Lake Needwood and along the Rock Creek Trail.

• What we'll do:

• From the meetup point, we'll follow the Westside Trail along the south and west sides of Lake Needwood to Needwood Road. Then we'll follow Needwood Road east to Beech Drive, then follow Mudcat and Needwood trails south to return to our meetup point. After a break, we'll follow the Rock Creek Trail southeast to the second bridge past Avery Rd and return.

• The hike is about 5.25 miles, easy going, and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is a mix of paved and dirt trails.

• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/o2jl474

• How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take I-270 N towards Rockville. (Depending on your direction of travel, you may use the I-270 Spur.) Follow I-270 N for almost a mile after the I-270 Spur junction and take the Montrose Rd exit. Stay left at the fork and follow signs for Tower Oak Blvd, then turn left onto Tower Oaks Blvd and drive 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Wootton Pkwy and drive for 2.8 miles. (Wooton Pkwy becomes First St as it crosses Rockville Pike, then becomes Norbeck Rd as it crosses Viers Mill Rd.) Turn left onto Avery Rd and drive 1.9 miles, then turn onto Needwood Lake Drive. Take the first left onto Beach Drive. Follow Beach Drive as it turns left and becomes Needwood Lake Circle. The parking area will be on your right. See https://goo.gl/maps/8TictAuBFz22

• What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (short leashes, please). Bring a mask in case Karen invades your space.

• Weather: The forecast is cloudy and 80s with a slight chance of showers. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/r5zfqvs

• Advisories:

• Watch out for bicyclists along Rock Creek Trail!

• As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

• Administrative stuff: There is a porta-john at the trailhead, and restrooms at Picnic Area 1, just north of the meetup point. (They aren't in sight; the picnic area is across the street in the woods.)

• Notes:

• Lake Needwood Trail Map (pdf): https://tinyurl.com/ybt6rvjw