Oella - Five-ish miles with 600' feet of gain and trail clearing

We'll have a short-ish, easy-side of moderate hike in the Oella area. Our speed will be about 2 1/4 mph for 5-ish miles (including an optional out-and-back loop to the Breadery toward the end of the hike) with about 600' of elevation gain. There are no stream crossings and the hills are typically modest but there's one steep, relatively short hill that we'll get behind us early on. We'll have a snack break at the Banneker park.

Please do not sign up for this hike if you haven't completed a similar hike recently. The Mountain Club of Maryland (see MCOMD.org) offers alternate hikes of varying difficulty - easy through very strenuous - throughout the week.

We'll be looking for a tree across the Red Trail we noted on a previous hike. I'll bring a pruning saw and we'll remove what branches we can. We'll make a determination as to whether we can remove the trunk with a bow saw on a later trip. If not, we'll take some photos and get the GPS coordinates to alert the park so they can remove it.

We will be walking on some grassy sections so long trousers and tick spray are highly recommended. There is no water on the trail.

We can have an optional river-side brown bag lunch or, if there's interest, lunch at the Trolley Stop, famous for the loaded (I mean really loaded!) BLTs after the hike.

Here's where we'll meet: 6 Oella Avenue, Catonsville, MD 39.2682, -76.7933

Note that we do not wait for late-comers so please plan ahead.

Expect mud, rocks and roots on the trails. We will try to maintain appropriate distances from each other.

By registering for this hike, you agree to the following waiver of liability:

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“I am aware of the risks inherent in outdoor activities. Therefore, I will be responsible for my own well-being while participating in the activities of the Mountain Club of Maryland, and while traveling to and from these activities. I agree that the Mountian Club of Meetup Group, its officers, representatives, and trip leaders are not liable individually or collectively for any injury, disease, sickness, loss, or damage to my person or property, direct or consequential, arising out of the activities of the Group. Neither I nor anyone in my household is currently in quarantine, is awaiting the results of a corona-virus test, or has a fever, or any flu-like symptoms.”

Come hike with us! It's good for your heart and good for your soul.