NW Branch & Sligo Creek Trails, MD (strenuous) (ODH Training 10)
Details
We’ll do a circuit hike of 15.5 or 21.7 miles (you choose) along two of the prettiest Maryland suburban-DC stream valleys—Northwest Branch and Sligo Creek. The short version of the hike is difficult and the long version is difficult-er. We will proceed as a group for the first seven miles of both hikes, after which, you may hike at your own pace.
This unusual, suburban wilderness hike will take you over natural-surface and paved trails, as well as a few stretches of sidewalk. The hike even includes some rock scrambling and sandy beaches, all with gentle elevation changes. Mud and/or ice on the trails have been known to occur.
Photo albums of previous versions of this hike.
MAPS & ROUTE NOTES:
See this folder for hike handouts that include directions, route notes & maps, GPX files, and area information. You should download or print these, especially if you are unfamiliar with the routes. There are also Google Maps for the short and the long hikes, to follow along on your phone's Google Maps app as you're walking.
WHEN & WHERE:
We’ll meet 8:30 AM at Wheaton Regional Park, in the parking lot in the lobby of the Ice Arena. Note that the park entrance for this location is at Orebaugh Avenue, off Arcola Avenue. Contact Mike (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) for a pick-up at a nearby Metro station.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring food and drink (short hike, 2 qts; long hike, 3 qts); short hikers may also buy food along the way. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike.
LEADERS:
Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) &
Sean McCartney (SeanEMcCartney@Gmail.com)
SIERRA CLUB
You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s website. Membership is not required for participation.
ONE DAY HIKE
Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the One Day Hike (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s Meetup page for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see volunteering opportunities and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io