About us
We're a friendly, inclusive hiking group. Most of our hikes are in Central Maryland, within 20 minutes of I-695. We have hikes for beginners, which are around 4 miles, and easy terrain. We also have weekly hikes that are moderate or strenuous for more experienced hikers. The hikes will be labeled as "easy" (mainly flat, walking), "moderate" (a mix of some hills and flat trail) or "strenuous/difficult" (steep hills or rock scrambling).
Other activities might be camping, kayaking, sailing, climbing, and winter activities like bowling, dancing...any suggestions??
To request membership, in your primary Meetup profile you will need to use your actual name including last name or initial, and post a recognizable headshot photo. Please make needed changes to your Meetup profile before applying! Thanks, Tim
Upcoming events
5
Easy Pace 5 Miler Hike - NCR Wooded Trails, Cockeysville MD
Ashland Trail, 7 Stone Row Ct, Cockeysville, MD, USDuring this hike we will see scenic wooded and dirt packed trails along with getting the benefits of fresh air and exercise. We will start @ 6:00 pm with an easy pace, which allows our team to stay together and have ample time to appreciate beautiful natural surroundings. Definitely bring a great attitude and come with water. This hike is cross posted with other meetup groups.
PLEASE READ detailed information below such as NOTE, etc. (Thanks!).
NOTE: There are a few hills (Estimated - Elevation Gain @ 300 - 400 feet). Terrain is mostly hard packed trail with some grounds encompassing tree roots and rocks. This is a hike for those who hike or walk at least 8 miles per week - and please RSVP only if you can maintain an easy pace and navigate through stream crossings, up and down hills & hike 6 miles - THANKS.
SUGGESTED HIKING MATERIALS:
- Long hiking pants, long sleeve shirt, light hiking boots/shoes. Sneakers with treads can work.
- Hiking/trekking poles (optional).
- 2 liters of water
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen.
WHERE TO MEET:
- MEET: Ashland Trail head.
PARKING: Park in lot. Address is 7 Stone Row Ct, Cockeysville, MD 21030. You can also park on Ashland road near the trail head. - Use coordinates 39.49562439655195, -76.63767353865171 or or click here .
RSVP GUIDELINE: Only RSVP if you intend to make the hike a priority, not just an option. Specifically, it is Not fair to take a confirmed spot, then cancel less than 48 hours in advance, limiting your Maryland Hiking and Adventuring members' in “waitlist” status the potential to participate! We assess late cancellations and no shows in determining participation for future events.
WHY WE VOLUNTEER: Your organizers are volunteers and we are sharing our passion for the outdoors. We organize events for fun, to socialize, get exercise, experience nature and meet cool new people. No bad attitudes please. :)
DISCLAIMERS: At all our events, please remember you are responsible for your own safety. We cannot eliminate all risk for those who attend this event and you must take responsibility for yourself. Our organizers will do their best to use common sense to minimize our risks.
Most of all, I look forward to our hike.
For any last minute concerns, call (240) 745-5093.
6 attendees
4th of July - Old-Growth Forest Hike in Hemlock Gorge – 7 miles - Moderate
Middletown Park & Ride, 18601 Middletown Rd, Parkton, MD, USJoin me for a fun and gorge-ous 😉 hike in Hemlock Gorge at Prettyboy Reservoir! Optional drinks/lunch and live music at Big Truck Farm Brewery (ticketed - more info below).
Hemlock Gorge is part of the mere 1% of Eastern old-growth forests still standing. The mile-long stretch along Gunpowder Falls, with large boulders and rock formations, lush and varied vegetation, and champion trees, is truly magical - a hidden gem. According to the Old-Growth Forest Network, there are at least 5 state champions in this gorge - most are visible from the trail. We'll also pass the Hoffman cemetery, dating back to the 1700s. (And we can take a detour to see Betty's Run waterfall and a cave.)
ALL THE DETAILS (please read carefully):
We’ll do a figure-8 loop of about 7 miles and 940 feet of elevation gain. Most of the hike is shaded under the forest canopy. Expect a few decent hills throughout, plus a bit of light scrambling over boulders and lots of tree roots for the last half mile or so. Very rewarding!
Note: This is not a beginner hike due to elevation gain, terrain, and pace. We’ll hike at a brisk pace of about 3 mph on the flatter stretches and 2.5 mph on the uphills. Quite a bit slower over the boulders. Will take a few short breaks along the way, plus a longer stop near the end beside the river.
Please wear hiking shoes with good traction, bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters), and tick repellent. Ticks are aplenty this year!
Meeting place:
Parking is limited at the trailhead, so we’ll meet at the P&R just off 83 and carpool to the trailhead. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the P&R to the trailhead. Please arrive by 9 am so we can leave for the trail by 9:10 am and start hiking by 9:30 am.📍 Carpool location:
18601 Middletown Rd, Parkton, MD 21120
39.633179, -76.673183For anyone driving from the P&R or meeting us at the trail at 9:30 am:
📍 Trailhead parking:
20620 Gunpowder Rd, Freeland, MD 21053
39.69003, -76.78128Dogs: If you’d like to bring a dog, please mention it in the comments. Only one dog/dog family per hike, please. Please note that dogs are not allowed at the Big Truck event.
Restrooms: There are no restrooms available at the trailhead.
USA DAY at BIG TRUCK FARM BREWERY (ticketed):
Join us after the hike for food, drinks, and live music at Big Truck Farm Brewery for their USA Day celebration! Big Truck will have live bands, food trucks, and fireworks (if we're still there at dusk).
In addition to beer, they also brew their own seltzer and have several other non-alcoholic options. We are welcome to bring our own pop-up tents, chairs, blankets, etc.
Note: Entry to Big Truck is ticketed on July 4, so if you'd like to come, please get your tickets ($15) ahead of time at this link. (The event is 12 - 10 pm, rain or shine.)
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please remember that you are responsible for your own safety. Hiking is an inherently risky outdoor activity, and while every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, each participant is ultimately responsible for their own well-being.
Please come prepared with adequate water, appropriate footwear, and any necessary medications. If you have any questions or concerns about whether this outing is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out beforehand. Please note that your hike leaders are volunteers and are not professionally trained guides.
21 attendees
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