New 6-7 mile trail between historic Ellicott City and Hollifield. F*R*I*D*A*Y

• NOTE THAT WE'RE MEETING ON F*R*I*D*A*Y

The predicted chance of rain on Friday has increased considerably since yesterday (Saturday). WATCH your email and this website for possible concellation.

We'll leave from the former Historic Ellicott City Courthouse parking lot (lots of free parking, no entrance fee) and venture toward the US-40 entrance in the Hollofield area of the park. We'll include the newly completed trail on this modified figure-8 hike. We'll try some new trails to lessen walking on roads.

Please don't sign up for this hike unless you've completed a hike of similar distance/climb recently.

We'll aim for a walking speed of about 2 1/4 MPH. There are no stream crossings or heavy vegetation (tick season has started!!) but be prepared for copious mud and some rocky sections. We'll be walking on a lightly-traveled, paved road for about 3/4 mile.

This hike (6-ish miles with 700' of elevation gain) will go to the Hollifield campgrounds and loop back to the parking. There may be (no promises) an additional optional loop of about 0.6 mile with about 100' of climb to/from the lookout point.

• Here's where we'll step off: 3701 Courthouse Drive, 39.26993, -76.79811 in the parking lot on Courthouse Drive. Step-off will be toward the east end of the lot near the charging stations. Note that we do not wait for late comers.

If there's any interest, we can lunch at the Trolley Stop (https://newtrolleystop.com/ Try their BLT. It has more B than anywhere else in town; other choices are equally generous and beer is cheap.) or the Old Mill Cafe (shaded outdoor seating, https://oldmill-cafe.square.site/) after the hike. The Trolley Stop dates from colonial days and shows water stains reaching almost to the ceiling from the 1972 flood.

Here's some info on nearby Mt. Ida (recently purchased by Howard County): https://bookmtida.com/about-the-inn.

Here's info on the Patapsco Female Institute: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patapsco_Female_Institute

Please note the following waiver of liability for all Mountain Club of Maryland Meetup hikes.

By registering for this hike, you agree to the following waiver of liability:
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“I am aware of the risks inherent in outdoor activities. Therefore, I will be responsible for my own well-being while participating in the activities of the Mountain Club of Maryland, and while traveling to and from these activities. I agree that the Mountain Club of Maryland Meetup Group, its officers, representatives, other hikers and trip leaders are not liable individually or collectively for any injury, loss, or damage to my person or property, direct or consequential, arising out of the activities of the Group.”
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Come hike with us - it's good for your heart and good for your soul.