Hike - Preview #2 of AMC 150 Relay Segment on WB&A Trail
Details
This is the second hike of a preparation/progression series that builds up to the AMC 150 Relay segment scheduled for 3/29/26. That relay segment will be 8.3 miles. This second hike in our preparation series is five miles in length (out and back). It’s a flat rail trail on a section of the WB&A Trail, so it is rated as easy. If you are recuperating from injury, got busy with work and family, or otherwise feel the need to get in hiking readiness for the year ahead, this hike will work great for you. Feel free to join with no commitment to doing the relay segment or any other hike in this series.
All participants must register individually for the hike at https://activities.outdoors.org so that the waiver is signed and an emergency contact is provided. No dogs.
The WB&A Trail is a converted rail-trail, converted from an electric commuter railway that served Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. The trail winds its way between Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County, offering a mix of woods, water, and residential communities along the asphalt path. A bridge across the Patuxent River was completed in Spring 2025, now linking Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County. (We will not see the bridge on this 5-mile hike.)
The trail offers a peek behind the curtain of suburbia, with marshy wetlands, woods, bridges and tunnels, along with some trail sections that pass through residential neighborhoods and some road crossings.
Participants should expect a mostly relaxed walk with little elevation. Note: As of December 2025, no bathroom facilities are available for the 5-mile hike, so careful with that coffee consumption in the morning! The meeting point is off of main roads, so stop at a gas station or fast food restaurant on your way in to take care of your bio break.
A bit about the AMC 150 Relay: we’re celebrating AMC’s 150th Birthday! From March to October, volunteers from AMC are offering events galore—a succession of hikes and other outdoor activities from Virginia to Maine, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 1876. Though historically rooted in New England, over time AMC has expanded and established regional chapters through the Mid-Atlantic, including today’s host, the Potomac Chapter.
We will meet at the parking lot [location available upon registration]. Severe weather such as heavy rain or poor winter conditions will cancel. If in doubt, or have any questions, contact leader by 7:30 AM day of hike. Leader Desiree Smith/ 410.934.9470 (phone or text).