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- Reconnecting People with the Natural World - just for the Health of It -
Founded in 2007, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG), aka Outdoors for Health, was inspired by a passion for promoting and providing low-cost opportunities for people to get up and outside to connect with the natural world and enjoy the multiple health benefits it provides. Today, the organization has grown to become a very active 23,000+ member strong 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to serving our **mission **of providing education, awareness, and opportunities for people to experience the variety of health benefits provided by connecting with the outdoors, “just for the health of it!” Our organization has hosted over ~7000 events ranging from 2-mile newbie sneaker social hikes all the way up to 50+ mile one day fully supported hikes, educational/awareness offerings, paddle trips, and more. So no matter your preference, we should have something for you. We are a diverse organization, providing a wide variety of outdoor activities including - but not limited to hiking and educational opportunities related to the natural world. MAHG also promotes the importance of being good outdoor stewards through environmental awareness activities.
We enjoy exploring an incredible variety of locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG) appreciates Mother Nature’s diversity and the diversity of people. Whether you are a newbie or a very seasoned outdoor enthusiast, ALL are welcome and we are sure to have an event for you on our very active and varied calendar.
Our focus is on safety, camaraderie, and having a ton of fun while connecting with the natural world. So a sense of humor is a must with us!
*** WARNING! — Our Calendar is VERY Active ALL Four Seasons and Can be Beneficial to Your Health ***
Today’s fast-paced and technologically dominated society can take a toll on a person’s psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. Many people are trapped within an indoor and plugged-in lifestyle that can be overwhelming and very stressful. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group promotes reconnecting people with nature by providing plentiful and varied opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s activities are a healthy way to relieve stress and “unplug” while enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer. Register today to help decrease stress - get fitter - get healthier, and get nature empowered, all while knowing you are supporting an important cause with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group.
Click Here for information about our current charitable initiatives and programs/studies serving our mission.
• Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers many opportunities to give back by helping with maintaining trails throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and hosting in addition to participating in other environmental stewardship and community building events and workshops. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers educational classes and certifications in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and our own highly regarded Outdoor Leadership Certification program. Additionally, MAHG has an active outreach program to help with educating others regarding the many health benefits of hiking and the importance of taking care of our trails and our overall environment.
• Youth Education and Re-Connecting with the Natural World - We are currently preparing to expand our program that benefits under-represented and inner-city youth by combining connection with nature and education. Our solutions-based approach begins with a full immersion experience of hiking and other fun, unplugged, and screen-less outdoor activities. We combine the activities while educating tomorrow's workers regarding the abundant employment opportunities the natural world offers in the booming field of green-collar jobs. "For references and more, please visit our main website. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides opportunities for increased confidence, self-esteem, and hope for a better tomorrow. Today's youth will be the earth's stewards of tomorrow, so it is imperative that they become familiar with the world outside of their screens."
Why Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? — As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization, when you hike with MAHG, you are also helping us with serving our mission to benefit the health of others! Every step you take with MAHG is also a step for recipients of our initiatives and programs. We bring people together to have fun and make friends while enjoying the many health benefits of the great outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment. Hiking not only connects people with the natural world but also fosters an appreciation and respect for the environment and an overall sense of community. Whether you are looking to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or are looking to rise to the challenge of hiking 30+ miles in one day, we have a hike for you, all seasons. Remember, we were all newbies once, and we enjoy introducing others to hiking and other outdoor pursuits - in fact, it is a core part of our mission to reconnect people with the natural world.
Who Can Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? — Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, single, in a committed relationship, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy, recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive hiker, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is for you. We do more than just embrace our diversity — we thrive on it!
When We Hike? — We do it in the morning, afternoon, after work, evening, darkest of night, every weekend day, and all year round and average 10 times a week. Get your mind out of the gutter ‘cause we are talking about hiking, stewardship, and outdoor education here. Seasonally, we offer weekday day hikes in addition to our variety of after-work hikes.
Where We Hike? — We hike throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond! We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend day. MAHG hosts cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, hikes to view frozen waterfalls, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes.
How We Hike — Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a **mission-driven nonprofit charitable organization. Click Here to learn about our mission, programs and initiatives, and accomplishments! We are committed to connecting people with the natural world, community building, giving back/stewardship, and providing educational opportunities. MAHG is a well-established and highly regarded organization well known for its excellent camaraderie — all with safety in mind while emphasizing having fun out on the trails! We limit our hikes to small groups for the comfort and consideration of others and to better enjoy and respect the environment.We have many partnerships. A sample of a few and how we work with them - as a partner with Leave No Trace (LNT), we practice, encourage, and educate others about the importance of practicing proper outdoor ethics and teach LNT certification courses several times every year. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is also proud to be a Gold level Alliance Member of the American Hiking Society. MAHG participates in the "Adopt an Acre" program by adopting land in the Appalachian Mountains to support The Nature Conservancy. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities and other community-building events throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. Contact our office at 410.480.5000 or see our main website for more information regarding our cause and our accomplishments, initiatives, partnerships, and programs.
Our leadership team consists of qualified, dedicated, and very appreciated volunteers who are some of the best in the region!
We hope to see you on the trail soon for great times while enjoying all the health benefits of connecting with the natural world - remember to bring your sense of humor (a must with us) and be prepared to have a ton of fun!
Kellie Carlisle - Founder, MAHGs Board of Directors, and the MAHG Volunteer Leadership Team
Sponsors
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Leki USATHERE'S NO COMPARISON
MAHG Adopts Acres in the Appalachians!MAHG Participates in The Nature Conservancy Adopt an Acre Program
A GuideStar Gold Rated Charitable Org!MAHG is Proud to Have Received a GOLD Rating from GuideStar!
Please Volunteer! We Need Your Help!Click Here Now & Learn How to Volunteer Today! All Training Provided!!
Every Kid in a ParkMAHG Participates in the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative!
Click to Support Our Veterans ProgramHelp defray the cost of our Veterans Hiking Initiative and its Programs
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group Supports AHSMAHG is a Gold Level Alliance Member of the American Hiking Society
MAHG is an Official Partner with LNTWe Are a Partner with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
Amazon Gives 0.5% of Purchases to MAHGSetup AmazonSmile - Amazon Will Donate 0.5% of your Purchases to MAHG!- Leki USATHERE'S NO COMPARISON
- MAHG Adopts Acres in the Appalachians!MAHG Participates in The Nature Conservancy Adopt an Acre Program
- A GuideStar Gold Rated Charitable Org!MAHG is Proud to Have Received a GOLD Rating from GuideStar!
- Please Volunteer! We Need Your Help!Click Here Now & Learn How to Volunteer Today! All Training Provided!!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- American Chestnut Land Trust - South Tract! A Moderate 6.5 MilesACLT South, Prince Frederick, MDUSD 5.00
Beautiful American Chestnut Land Trust — South Tract Area Trails! A Moderate 6.5 Miles
The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) is a local land trust located in Calvert County, Maryland, an hour’s drive from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
We will hike in the South, mainly in the Governors Run watershed. The South Tract area encompasses old family farms, cemeteries, and a burgeoning beaver community and has a character that is different than the North tract. There are the remains of an ancient huge American Chestnut tree (it succumbed to the chestnut blight that affects American Chestnut trees; there is still a smaller tree standing). We also pass by hybrids which have been planted a few years ago. The area is comprised of a rare mix of various hardwoods, bottomland swamp, and creeks, all making their way to the Chesapeake Bay.
The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) is, as its name suggests, named for a tree. Unfortunately, the American Chestnut tree succumbed to the “Chestnut Blight”, a disease introduced in 1900. Within a span of only 40 years, the blight proceeded down the Appalachian Mountains, destroying a forest that had stood for thousands of years!
ACLT, in its own words is a member-supported nature conservancy working to protect the natural lands, waterways, cultural landmarks, & wildlife habitats of the Parkers Creek & Governors Run watershed & to encourage conservation & preservation throughout Southern Maryland.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Port Republic, MD
Length: About 6.5 total miles
Elevation Gain: 550 ft.
Trail Type: Two loops
Skill Level: Moderate due to a few short steep hills.
Trail Surface: Old dirt farm roads converted into nice hiking trails
Local Contacts: American Chestnut Land Trust
Local Maps: USGS Prince FrederickPark Entry Fee
There is no park entrance fee.Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for this HikeMeet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group hikes are led by qualified, generous, dedicated people who have volunteered to be part of the group's leadership team and are certified hike leaders. Click Here to see how to join the team!
MAHG is very supportive and encouraging. We focus on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie. Come out and enjoy the many health benefits provided by 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 MAHG's core values, in addition to our commitment to the organization's mission.
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!
Christa: 410.610.6254
Tim: 202.744.0289• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission. - 11/21 Thur Hike! Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 MiMiddle Patuxent Environmental Area, Clarksville, MDUSD 5.00
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile Hike
The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is dedicated as a “forever protected” natural environmental area. At 1,021 acres, it is the largest parkland in Howard County’s system of parks, open space and natural resource areas.
The MPEA is home to a diversity of wildlife, including about 150 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, plants and other wildlife. This parkland is comprised largely of mature, second-growth upland forest and floodplain forest. The Middle Patuxent River runs north to south through the property, with 17 tributary streams found within the boundary.
Our hike will take us through woodland, open pasture and trails bordering the Middle Patuxent River. It has only modest elevation gains (417 feet). It is considered an easy side of moderate hike.
Trail Information:
Activity: Hiking
Nearby City: Clarksville, Howard County, MD
Trail Surface: mostly dirt, some gravel, wooden boardwalks
Scenery: River overlooks, woodland, stream valleys, meadows
Length of hike: 5.75 miles
Elevation: 420 ft
Trail type: Modifies loop
Skill Level: easy side of moderate
Facilities: Bathroom at trailhead.Park Fee
There is No Park Entry FeeGear Information
Click Here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for hiking.Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click Here for up-to-the-minute weather information for the area where we will be hiking.Directions to the Trailhead
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD
GPS Coordinates will give you the most precise location: 39.212379, -76.917819
We meet at the parking lot.Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 10:00 a.m.Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group hikes are led by qualified, generous, dedicated certified hike leaders who have volunteered to be part of the group's leadership team. Click Here to see how to join the team!
MAHG is very supportive and encouraging. We focus on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie. We also benefit from the many health benefits provided by 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 MAHG's core values, in addition to our commitment to the organization's mission.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times and owners are asked to clean-up after pets
Please take the hike leader's number with you. Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!
Tim: 202-744-0289
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible. Tax ID: 47-5141831
Click Here to learn more about the group's mission.
- Gambrill State Park: High Knob Vista! A Moderate 8-Mile HikeGambrill State Park, Frederick, MDUSD 5.00
Gambrill State Park: High Knob Vista! A Moderate 7.4-Mile Hike
This hike is at Gambrill State Park, located 45 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
"Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County. Its most attractive feature is the 16 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park is separated into two areas, the Rock Run area and the High Knob area. From the 1600-foot High Knob, three stone overlooks offer breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys, then continue to the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains.”
This particular hike takes us along and beside the ridge of Catoctin Mountain through mature hardwood forest, offering east and west views. Additionally, it provides plentiful, sweeping views north and west of South Mountain, home of the Appalachian Trail. On the circuit hike's return route on the east side of the ridge are beautiful scenes of the Monocacy River watershed." Portions of the above description are credited to Copyright David Edwin Lillard Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
On a clear day, looking north, visitors can see the rugged tree-covered mountains of the Frederick City Municipal Forest, one of the State's best-managed watersheds. Looking south, one can see Crampton's Gap, a Civil War Landmark and the site of Gathland State Park, and the Middletown and Monocacy Valleys. South Mountain, where many engagements between Confederate and Union troops took place during the Civil War, can be seen to the West.
Trail Information
Nearby City: Frederick, MD
Length: 8 Miles
Elev. Gain: 1200 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Season: Year-round
Local Contacts: Gambrill State Park
Facilities: Portable Bathroom at trailheadPark Entry Fee
$3 for Maryland registered vehicles, $5 for out of state. The Maryland State Park Pass is accepted.Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area we will be hiking in.Directions to the Trailhead
Parking at High Knob Nature Center
8346 High Knob Rd
Frederick, MD 21702
just inside the gate
39.461927, -77.495353Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 10:00 a.m.Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette and Leave No Trace principles.
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified people who volunteer as leaders for the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group volunteer leadership team. MAHG volunteers are very supportive and encouraging, focusing on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie and benefiting from 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 and donations ARE tax deductible.
A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Let’s have fun out on the trails, and see you there.
Christa: 410.610.6254
• Click here to donate to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group.
• Click Here to Learn more about the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.
