Beginner friendly 5 mile Hike - Gunpowder Wildlands Loop plus options

I want to start doing more like this so beginners can still enjoy our local trails and more advanced hikers can still get in their miles. We'll do the 5 mile Wildlands loop starting with the tallest hill then working our way through the rest of the trail. If we finish early and there is a desire to add miles we can hike out to pot rocks on the South side of Belair road.

We will step off at 9:00AM.

We will be hiking along areas that are some of my favorite trails. Pretty views, varied terrain, even some ruins to explore.

This trail will wind its way up and down mild hills, eventually returning to the river and back to the parking lot. The first hill is the worst at about 150 feet of climb.

Total distance is about 5-7 miles depending on the optional extra part. Much of the trail is sand/mud along the river but the recent dry weather should minimize the mud. The tallest hills are about 150 feet.

Terrain is rocks and roots. Hiking boots are recommended but as long as you are comfortable hiking in them sneakers are probably fine.

Bring at least 1 liter of water.

We'll maintain a pace around 2.5 to 3mph for a total hiking time around 2 hours.

Dogs are welcome but they must remain on lead and be well behaved.

There will likely be a group lunch afterward at a local restaurant. The last mile of the hike is generally filled with talk of lunch and we decide where to go then.

Simple disclaimer - you're responsible for yourself so if you show up and participate you are agreeing to not sue anybody. Hopefully that's better than the old 800 word disclaimer everyone TLDR'd.