Calvert Cliffs with Hike to the Beach: Easy 4.8 w/ Opt for Up to 9 Mod Total Mi

Hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park! Mountain Laurel and Waterlilies in Bloom! A Newbie-Friendly/Easy 4.8-Mile Hike with Options for up to 9 Moderate Total Miles

The temperature is great for a hike to the beach! The park's main feature is the vast Miocene cliffs that dominate the waterfront. These cliffs rise over the Bay over 100 feet and are slowly eroding at the rate of almost 3 feet per year. The spectacular sites were created over 10 million years ago. The cliffs are the most extensive assemblage of Miocene underwater fossils in the eastern United States.

Over 1,000 acres of this park are designated as wildlands, allowing the landscape to return to its more natural state. The walk to the beach is a bit longer than most visitors will do—4.8 miles round trip—but it is well worth it. After following and observing a creek develop into the wetland, the path suddenly opens to the Bay. The beach has many fossils that have fallen from the cliffs and washed ashore. The trails are mostly dirt, with some boardwalks (very sturdy).

NOTES:

• Estimate Hike End Times
  The 4.8-mile hike will end around 1:00.
  The end time for the additional mileage will depend upon the length.
  A 9-mile hike will end around 3:00.
• Lunch or Snack On the Trail
  Please Bring a snack or lunch, especially if you are hiking beyond the 4.8-mile mark.

Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Solomon's Island
Length: ~4.8 Miles with Options for up to 9 Total Miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal for the 4.8 miles and 600 Ft. for the 9-mile option.
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Easy for the ~ 4.8 miles and Moderate for more extended options
Local Contacts: Calvert Cliffs State Park
Local Maps: USGS Cove Point, Maryland
Topo Map: Calvert Cliffs State Park Topographic Map
Bathrooms: There are bathrooms at the trailhead and Portable bathrooms close to the beach.

Park Entry Fee
There is an entrance fee of $5 per car, $7 out of state. Free with State Pass. Credit cards are accepted.

Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. **Click Here **to view the forecast for the area we will be hiking in.

Our RSVP and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.

Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for this Hike

Hike Meetup and Start Time
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:15-9:30 a.m.
Hike Time is at 9:30 a.m.

Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:

1. Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette.
2. Leave No Trace principles.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer-supported, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible. The tax ID is 47-5141831.

A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!

Hike Leaders:
Christa: 410.610.6254

Let’s enjoy all the health benefits of getting out and connecting with nature!

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization. • Click Here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.