Patapsco Hike - Details in the Description (Possible Date Change to Sun Jan 18)

Important!!! Possible date change from Sun Jan 11 to Sunday Jan 18. We will make a final decision by Thur Jan 8.

Our group hiked the entire NCR in 2025, so I have created a new goal for us to accomplish! We are going to hike the entire (as much of it as we can) Patapsco River from Jan 2026 - (approx.) Dec 2027. Patapsco is much more spread out than the NCR, so I have about 18 - 19 possible hikes in mind. Some of these hikes are new to me & I need to scout them before I lead them to make sure we can accomplish our goal safely & successfully! On that note; let's begin!

Our first hike will be: Halethorpe Ponds Trail Loop:
a. 2.9 miles, 43 ft. elev. gain, 1–1.5 hours
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-halethorpe-ponds-trail-471049d
b. 3.2 miles, 46 ft. elev. gain, 1–1.5 hours
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-halethorpe-ponds-loop-2-7debd0f
There is one small variation (choice b) that we can add depending on the popular consensus. Adam & I also have to confirm that there is a safe & relatively easy way to cross over a small section of a branch off from the main pond, because if we can't then we'll have to make the hike an out & back instead of a loop. If that ends up being the case, then we would have to use the AllTrails original map (option c):
c. 4.4 miles, 49 ft. elev. gain, 1.5–2 hours
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/halethorpe-ponds-loop
Whichever variation we do, I would say this trail would be considered easy as it's relatively flat & under 5 miles.

Please, as always come prepared for the weather. Since it might be a few degrees warmer the next couple of Sundays, I recommend layering. Please come with at least 16 oz of water (two 8 oz bottles) & an open mind for a new adventure!