Christmas at Brookside Gardens; hike at Wheaton Regional State Park-MD

Join us as we explore Brookside Gardens in the winter and enjoy the special holiday displays. We will visit the Gardens then hike in the neighboring Wheaton Regional Park. The pace will be slower(2mph) going through the Gardens and Conservatory. Once we pass the gate and hike in Wheaton Regional Park, the pace will pick up(2.5mph).

HISTORY: Opened on July 13, 1969, Brookside Gardens encompasses 54 acres with 32 acres of cultivated gardens. It displays the beautiful original landscape architect design of Hans Hanses who used many European concepts he gleaned while training in Germany and Switzerland. He focused more on aesthetics than formula and displayed plants that were readily attainable and suitable for the region. He designed different “rooms” into the gardens and separated them by shrubs, walls, or trees. The Conservatory includes a sub-tropical display house showcasing a variety of beautiful plants and flowers throughout the year. Brookside Gardens went through several phases with the eventual addition of the Fragrance Garden, Gude Garden, Japanese Tea House, Rose Garden, Azalea Walk, and Aquatic Garden, to name a few.

TRAILS: paved walkways and natural trails; occasional rocks, roots, packed dirt w/ possible mud at places. Easy-Light Moderate. Pace: 2mph in Gardens, 2.5mph in the woods/Wheaton Regional Park. Approx. 5mi, 280ft. elev.

BRING: lunch/snacks; fluids/electrolytes (1Liter per 5mi.); dress appropriately for the weather; sturdy closed toed sneakers or hiking shoes/boots; hiking poles, if you use them; sunscreen; hat. ***We cannot eat on the grounds of the Gardens. We will eat once we are in Wheaton Regional Park.

COST: Free. Sierra Club requests for $2 donation from each participant to help with volunteer activities and leader training.

SIGN UP INSTRUCTIONS: Please sign up only if you plan to attend and change your RSVP early, if your plans change. Adults only; park does not allow pets. RSVP closes 12/16/25, 9PM.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Temps less than 30 degrees; sleet or steady rain cancels. Please check COMMENTS by 7AM the morning of the hike for the latest update, if there is inclement weather in the forecast.