Second Annual PHG Nike Site Open House

This, obviously, is not a hike but something you might enjoy and learn from. If there's interest, maybe we can arrange a bit of local walking ad hoc.

During the Cold War, there was a national feeling of crisis and doom as the bad guys (Russkies) had atomic weapons and the capability to deliver them to the US. In response, the US formed a network of massive missile sites, one (of seven in the Baltimore/DC area) that was built in Herndon, near some of our Woodstock hikes.

These underground missile sites were developed at enormous expense covering the entire US to shoot down Russian planes and missles, should they attack us. They didn't attack us and we didn't attack them so one could argue the millions upon millions were well-spent.

I remember as a school boy in rural Iowa (the powers-that-be at the time assumed there was a significant risk of nuclear bombs being sent thousands of miles at great risk and expense to obliterate cornfields) having school drills, hiding under our desks - just in case.

But technological advances made the sites irrevelant and all the sites were closed toward the end of the 20th century. The site is now the headquarters of the Maryland Civil Air Patrol.

The site will be open from noon to 4:00 PM in Sunday, June 22. Here's a link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/second-annual-phg-nike-missile-site-open-house-tickets-1371686072969?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

Here's the location: 3085 Hernwood Rd, Woodstock, MD 39.3547, -76.8520

Here's some backgroud info: https://midatlanticdaytrips.com/2024/09/explore-nike-missile-site-ba-79-a-cold-war-relic-in-our-backyard/

Underground tours are offered but you must reserve a slot. It's free. Above-ground tours are also possible. I've reserved a slot from 2:00 to 2:45. Feel free to join me or visit on your own.