Hiking Around Baltimore (HAB)

Visit the U.S. National Arboretum consisting of a 4 - 5 miles. Botanically diverse scenery with a wide variety of different trees, bushes, etc. The terrain is mostly flat with paved trails and easy to hike. This hike is very scenic and is located only 40 minutes from Rt 295 and Baltimore's Beltway (I695). There is also a bonsai and rock garden near the parking lot that you can tour after the hike.

We'll meet at the large parking lot just off Rt-50/New York Ave. It can only be accessed from the outbound lane, so if you're coming into the city, stay in the left lane and make a hard u-turn just before Bladensburg Rd. Then stay in the far right lane, exit onto the frontage road, and the parking lot is through the gates on the right. We'll meet near the handicap parking spaces. Please give yourself some extra time to get there in case you miss the turn or your GPS leads you astray.

This moderate hike will allow us to see scenic trails along with getting the benefits of fresh air and exercise. We will start @ 5:30 pm with a medium pace, which will our team to stay together and have ample time to appreciate beautiful natural surroundings. Definitely bring a great attitude and come with water. This hike is cross posted with other meetup groups.

PLEASE READ detailed information below (Thanks!).

NOTE: There are a few hills (Estimated - Elevation Gain @ 400 feet), and some stream crossings. Terrain is mostly hard packed trail with some grounds encompassing tree roots and rocks. This is a hike for those who hike or walk at least 10 miles per week - and please RSVP only if you can maintain a medium pace and navigate through stream crossings & up and down hills - THANKS.

SUGGESTED HIKING MATERIALS:

• Long hiking pants, hiking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. However, trail running shoes or sneakers with treads can work.
• Hiking/trekking poles (optional).
• 2 liters of water
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen.

DRIVING, PARKING & WHERE TO MEET :

Enjoy a nice hike in Patapsco State Park with streams and scenic valleys.

Directions from 95 East or West: Take the I 195 exit toward BWI Airport, then take Rt 1 South (1st exit). Take the 1st Right on South St and in two blocks make a left into the park. Go through the entrance ($3 charge) and follow the road to a T. Make a left at the T and go about 2 blocks to the parking lot. Make the first right into the parking lot.

Daniels Restaurant: Exit Park and Make a Right on South Street. Make a Right at Rt 1 South. In about 0.5 to 1 mile make a Right into Daniels Parking Lot.

Dogs Allowed.

Cell: 443-794-0683

Bring plenty of Water.

Let's hike the Billy Goat A Trail along the Potomac River. If you have never been on this hike, it is both challenging and rewarding. It is one of my favorite hikes in the local area.

Optional: Fish Taco Restaurant after the hike.

DIRECTIONS: Directions from Baltimore: I95 South to I495 (Silver Spring). Go around the beltway to Exit 41 West (R @ Clara Barton Pkwy); Left at MacArthur Blvd (@T); Park on the lot across from Angler's Inn or by the roadside. DO NOT PARK IN OLD ANGLERS INN LOT, you will most probably get towed. (The address below is for Old Anglers Inn (across the street-again do not park at Anglers).

Parking can be a problem. So you can ride past the Angler Inn and make your first right at Stable Lane. Plenty of parking on the side of the street. You will see me parking there. Next street on Right Hand side is Whiterim Drive. Both streets are less than a 5 minute walk to the meetup site.

I will do my best to to clarify the hike difficulty. If you are an experienced hiker this may be considered a moderate hike. If you are a novice/beginner hiker this will be considered difficult due to the rock scrambling. So do not make this your first or second hike.

**You MUST be able to hike a difficult rock scramble. If you are not able to, please DO NOT sign up for this hike. **

We will meet at the parking lot across from the Old Anglers Inn. From there we will hike to one of the overlooks (which is amazing) and see the waterfalls of the Potomac River, then on to Billy Goat A. The hike to the overlook trails is easy-to-moderate, but Billy Goat A is rated DIFFICULT due to the rock scramble. Upper body strength is also required to navigate the rocks. According to the National Park Service, Billy Goat Trail A is by far the most technical and difficult section of the Billy Goat Trails with spectacular views of the Potomac River.

PETS: NO PETS/DOGS ALLOWED

BRING: Water (2+ liters), and food/snacks. If you don't bring water and snacks you will not be able to join us on the hike. We will stop for approx 20 minutes a little more than half way through at an area with amazing views to rest and eat lunch or snacks you bring.

WEAR: It is important to wear HIKING BOOTS for this hike. Sneakers will NOT suffice.

Rest Room Facilities: There are facilities at the beginning and at the end of the hike. There are none along the trail once we start.

*** IMPORTANT ***