Important!!!
Due to the continued dangerously cold temperatures as well as remaining snow and ice, we are going to make the call early to postpone the hike again. We'll aim for the 22nd of February this time.
After today's weather, and seeing some of the responses to our earlier comment, we have decided to postpone the hike until at least next Sunday. As Angela noted, some weather forecasts are calling for snow next week, and we aren't those crazies who like to do snow hikes, so if that weather forecast comes true, we will push the hike back further. However, we also don't want anyone sinking to their neck in the mud, so it's probably better for us to wait out the weather. We hope to see everyone next Sunday at 2!
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, 56 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. 4.8 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!
