
What we’re about
The Patapsco Hikers has moderate hikes most Thursdays centered in Howard, Baltimore, and Carroll counties. Most hikes are 7-10 miles in length and involve 500 – 1500 feet of climb at a pace of 2.5 – 3 mph. We also have occasional, easier (five miles or so, less than 800 feet of climb) hikes on Mondays.
Upcoming hikes are posted on the internet on Sunday or Monday for the following Thursday, weather permitting. We typically start at 9:30 sharp and end around 1 PM or so with an optional lunch at a modest nearby venue or trailside.
Note that the hike description gives the estimated length and cumulative climb of the hike along with some descriptive elements (rocky, rooty, muddy, etc). Please judge carefully if this hike will be a pleasant experience for you (we want to come back) or an unpleasant struggle that will kill your enthusiasm for hiking.
Hikes are limited to 10 attendees. “Yes” RSVP’s are required for each hike. We ask you to donate $1 per hike to pay Meetup fees but no one will be turned away if they choose not to donate.
Well-mannered dogs are permitted but only with prior approval from the group organizer.
Please note that I do not answer my phone unless I know who's calling. You can send me a message through the Meetup website.
WARNING Patapsco Hikers (PH) takes a common-sense approach to hiking/walking. We encourage participants use their best judgement and err on the side of caution when participating with the group. This is an outdoor activity and mishaps do occur.
By registering for any 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 Patapsco Hikers, and while traveling to and from these activities. I agree that the Patapsco Hikers Meetup Group, its officers, representatives, other participants and trip leaders are not liable individually or collectively for any injury, disease, sickness, loss, or damage to my person or property, direct or consequential, arising out of the activities of the Group. Neither I nor anyone in my household is currently in quarantine, is awaiting the results of a corona-virus test, or has a fever, or any flu-like symptoms.”
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Hike with us; it’s good for your heart and good for your soul. Hike more and you'll worry less.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Two Hikes in One Day: Hike #1 Jessie's TrailJessie's Trail, Kingsville, MD
Two hikes (and a brewery) in one day, are you up for the challenge?
Hike #1
Let's check out Jessie's Trail...the quarry...and a couple more miles....roughly 60 min hike each way...parking can be limited...views are endless...come join us.....it's Little Gunpowder Trail....off Bel Air Road....
Jessie's Trail
Discover this 3.8-mile loop trail near Kingsville, Maryland. Generally considered an easy-moderate route, it takes an average of 1 h 45 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
In the central area of Gunpowder Falls State Park are some very easy trails to be found. You have the Big and the Little Gunpowder Streams that are both accessible from Belair or Jerusalem Road. Parking lots are located directly at the Trailheads. The Trail that follows the Stream is considered the Thru-Trail and is well-marked in WHITE. The Old Quarry Trail (AKA: Jesse’s) is marked in ORANGE and is a very easy trail to hike. It features a small incline with many switchbacks as you travel deep into the forest. Most of the trail is flat dirt with only a few sections that get a bit rocky. The trail is wide enough that ticks may not be too much of a problem in the summer months. Both hikers and bikers share the trails in this location, and local cyclists do a great job maintaining them. Trekking poles are not required in these areas because of the easy flat trails and there is really no steep grade. - Two Hikes in One Day- Hike #2 Jerusalem Mills TrailLittle Gunpowder - Jerusalem Mills Location, Kingsville, MD
Two hikes (and a brewery) in one day, are you up for the challenge?
Hike #2Let's do a scenic hike along the Gunpowder River to Bel Air Road and back at lovely Jerusalem Mills. This will be a moderate 5 mile hike with some elevation change and one rocky river crossing.
The Meetup directions are sometimes off...type Jerusalem Mills Historic Village into your GPS...additional parking is across the street.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/kingsville-park-to-jerusalem-mill - Rare Rafting Trip- Cheat River Canyon ( 10am start)Cheat River Outfitters , Albright, WV
This is a rare chance to run one of the best rivers on the East Coast. I do multiple trips a year, but this is the first time I have offered this trip in 9 years. Anyone who went last time had one of the best rafting trips of their life, it was truly epic. My usual outfitter no longer runs this river, so they recommended Cheat River Outfitters.
https://www.cheatriveroutfitters.com/
There will be a carpool option meeting st 6:15 at the I-70 and I-695 Park and ride, you can drive separately, , or you can go up in advance and spend the night Saturday.This event WILL sell out!!
Cost will be $107Pay Here: https://fareharbor.com/cheatriveroutfitters/items/600795/availability/1710959144/book/
No experience is necessary!!
Please email me with any questions!This is a fully guided trip on Class III-V whitewater. Cheat River Outfitters will provide everything you need for the trip, including lunch- just show up ready to get wet! Bring dry clothes for after the trip.
Conveniently located just 12 miles south of I-68 in north central West Virginia lies the Cheat River Canyon. The Cheat Canyon is a special and unique whitewater run. It is amazing rafting in a breathtaking environment. Not everyone can see this section of West Virginia...The Canyon can really only be experienced from a boat. This is a secluded wilderness run that will get your adrenaline pumping and leave your heart full of the extreme beauty of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. Cheat River Outfitters is one of only a couple of companies that have braved the world of a natural flow river to continue showing off this natural wonder.Come see for yourself- the Cheat is amazing! We will see you on the river.
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” -John Muir