Name: Blockhouse Point Loop Trail - A Moderate 8 Mile Hike
Start: 2024-05-04T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-05-04T17:00:00.000Z
Location: 14750 MD-190

Hike in Saint Mary’s River State Park: Hidden Gem! Moderate 8 Miles

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Mid Atlantic Hiking Group does not require proof of vaccination. Not all hikers may be vaccinated. Carpools only with masks.

If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 5 days, then please do not sign up. Also inform the hike leader if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 5 days from the hike.

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

NOTE 1: Do NOT GOOGLE St. Mary's River State Park. Use the link below, or enter the address. Otherwise, you may be more than half an hour away from the trailhead.

NOTE 2: There is an electronic gate. Unless you have a Swipe Card Pass be prepared to use a credit card to open it. You cannot open the gate with a paper pass or cash. Even that Swipe Card Pass may not let you in.

"Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. With such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species." From the park's home page

Boasting more than 8 miles of pristine trails, St. Mary's Lake is a fantastic destination. Southern Maryland does not usually conjure up images of great hiking destinations. However, near Lexington Park, north of St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, is a small treasure not too many hikers know about. - The park is located on the headwaters of the St. Mary's River, and is divided into two sites. This 8-mile trail encircles the 250 acre St. Mary's Lake.

Prior to the landing of England's colonists and as far back as 3,000 years ago, several Indian tribes, including the Piscataway-Conoy, Algonquins, and Susquehanocks, called this area home. Evidence of their existence can still be found along the banks of the river in the form of arrowheads, pottery, and ax heads.

**Trail Information**
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Lexington Park
Length: 8 total miles
Natural Features: Beautiful scenery around the lake. Variety of habitats, ranging from wooded acres and grassy fields, to swamps and streams.
Elevation Gain: 380 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy to moderate with flat, winding trails.
Season: Open sunrise to sunset daily
Topo Map: Saint Mary's River State Park Topographic Map

**Park Fee**
The day use service charge is $3/vehicle year-round. Out-of-state residents add $2.

**Directions to the Trailhead**
[Click Here](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/saint-marys-river-state-park.html) for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.

Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 12:45-12:50 p.m.

Hike is at 1:00 p.m.

Please remember we are a volunteer supported organization that values:

1\. Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette \- [http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/hike-and-trail-etiquette.html](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/hike-and-trail-etiquette.html)

2\. Leave No Trace principles \- [http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/leave-no-trace.html](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/leave-no-trace.html)

Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team - [http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/pages/9595722/How_To_Join_Our_Leadership_Team!/](http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/pages/9595722/How_To_Join_Our_Leadership_Team!/)

Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible - [http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html)

Tax ID: 47-5141831

A Leashed FIDO is Welcome On This Hike!

Christa: 410.610.6254

• Click Here (http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/about/) to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Christa Conant

Saint Mary’s River State Park: A Hidden Gem! A Moderate 8-Mile Hike

St. Mary’s River State Park with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group! A Moderate 7.5 Miles

**Bacon Ridge Natural area, a 7 Mile Moderate Hike**
The 900+ acre Bacon Ridge Natural Area is a true natural treasure with expansive marshes, mature forests, and at the center, its namesake creek Bacon Ridge Branch. Positioned in Crownsville and in the headwaters of the South River, Bacon Ridge Natural Area is owned by Anne Arundel County and managed by the County’s Department of Recreation and Parks.
The Bacon Ridge Natural Area is both ecologically and historically significant. Local folklore claims that the creek that runs through the heart of the natural area is named Bacon Ridge Branch because there was a hog farm in the center of the natural area over a century ago.
Portions of the Bacon Ridge Natural Area were once part of the Crownsville Hospital property. The Crownsville Hospital opened in 1911 to serve African American patients needing psychiatric care. Today there remains a hospital cemetery on the grounds of the natural area with over 1,800 patient’s graves, marked only by numbers.
Additionally, Bacon Ridge includes the remains of the Charles S. Waters Mill. The mill race and many foundations are still visible. The County’s Cultural Resources Division has documented 16 discrete archaeological sites with intact evidence of prehistoric or Native American campsites, 18th, 19th and 20th century structural foundations, and artifact scatters within Bacon Ridge.
Our hike will cover much of Bacon Ridge. It is a 7.1 mile double loop trek with about 600 feet of elevation. Areas may be muddy, especially after a rain, so wear appropriate boots.
Toilets are available at the trailhead.

**Trail Information**
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Washington, DC
Length: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Trail Type: Double Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Facilities: Toilets are available at the trailhead.

**Park Entry Fee:**
There is no park entrance fee.

**Gear Suggestions:**
[Click Here](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/gear-information.html) for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.

**Weather Information:**
We hike rain or shine. [Click Here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/cd465d1563cbc4580dff4c837d25370cde03bc9c85e24d04e04ae4f6c5f4ce20) to view the forecast for the area we will be hiking.

**Directions to the Trailhead**
The trailhead is in Crownsville, MD, but if search using the address, 1700 Hawkins Road, Annapolis, MD.
GPS Coordinates are: 39.006337, -76.608182

**Time**
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 10:00 a.m. Sharp

Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing [good hike etiquette](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/hike-and-trail-etiquette.html).
[Leave No Trace principles](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/leave-no-trace.html).

Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group volunteer leadership team. [Click Here](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/volunteer.html) to become a part of the team! MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive and encouraging, focusing on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of daily life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an integral part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to conserving our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer-supported, [tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html) and donations ARE tax-deductible. Tax ID: 47-5141831.

A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let's have great times, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Some hikers may have fragrance sensitivities, so please make the hike fragrance-free.

**Hike Leader** is Tim: 202-744-0289. Call or text if problems arise

• [Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group ](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/donate.html)are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charitable organization.

• [Click here](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/index.html) to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group's Mission.

Tim M

Ray 

Bacon Ridge Natural area, a 7 Mile Moderate Hike

1700 Hawkins Rd

Blockhouse Point Loop Trail - A Moderate 8 Mile Hike

This hike tours part of the Civil War complex for which the park is named. The area was once used as a wartime transportation system for supplies, but never saw action. The park boasts views of the Potomac Valley, mature upland forests, and historic Civil War ruins. Our hike will take us through the park down to the C&O canal where we will pass Violet’s and Pennyfield Locks. We will then head back into the hills for a grand view of the Potomac River at the Blockhouse overlook. Bring a snack or lunch to eat at one of the views.

**Trail Information**
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Potomac, MD
Length: 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain 600 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Facilities: Portable bathrooms about two miles into the hike

**Park Fee**
There is no park fee for this hike.

**Gear Suggestions**
[Click Here](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/gear-information.html) for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.

**Directions to the Trailhead**
[Click Here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vpPDA2KBscUbcYMw7) for directions to the trailhead.

Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.

The Hike is at 9:00 a.m. sharp

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

1. [Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/hike-and-trail-etiquette.html).
2. [Leave No Trace principles](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/leave-no-trace.html).

Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, and encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a [volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization](http://midatlantichikinggroup.org/mahg-charity.html) and donations ARE tax deductible.

Tax ID: 47-5141831

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

Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!

Hike Leader: Tim, 202.744.0289 Call or text if problems

• [Donations](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/donate.html ) to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• [Click Here](https://midatlantichikinggroup.org/index.html) to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.

Robin

Blockhouse Point Loop Trail - A Moderate 8 Mile Hike

14750 MD-190

Search {networkName}

Groups

{PRO_NETWORK_NAME} is on Meetup Pro with more than {PRO_MEMBER_COUNT} members across {PRO_GROUP_COUNT} Meetups worldwide. Meetup Pro is the professional tool for organizing and communicating a network of users, partners, contributors and members.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Who we are

Search Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Upcoming events

Groups