4th of July - Old-Growth Forest Hike in Hemlock Gorge – 7 miles - Moderate

Join 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, -76.673183

For 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, -76.78128

Dogs: 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.