- Off- Trail Hike (series): the TUNNEL trek @Woodley Gardens (Rockville)Woodley Gardens Park, Rockville, MD
This 3mi easy hike begins flat & paved, but has several stony stream crossings. Pace: 2.5mph. The trek oscillates between suburbia & woodland amongst the Woodley Gardens neighborhood. Latter of the circuit spurs off- trail traversing a TUNNEL/ drain pipe (pictured), then criss- crosses Watts branch. Highlights include a colossal Champion tree, a cute cascade, & a bouncy bridge. An epic expedition!
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= Boots advised. Trek pole(s) helpful. Varying terrain; 1 SHORT but steep descent.
2. Post- social @Z&Z Manouse (MidEast flatbreads). If dining, consider parking here instead.
3. This event is cross- listed, RSVP w/ only 1 Meetup.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Pre-Thanksgiving Hike: Wincopin Green, Red and Yellow Trail LoopJessup, Jessup, MD
Let's tackle this relatively easy (rated moderate) hike near Savage, MD. The 3.5-4 miles trail offers a mix of wooded areas, a scenic creek, and some gentle hills (with an elevation gain of about 300 feet). It’s typically not too crowded, but the parking lot is small'ish —only about 12 spaces. I've seen people park along the roadside, but that’s also limited, so carpooling is a good idea. I will also limit this hike to 10 people for that reason.
Hiking boots are strongly recommended due to rocky and root-covered sections. In addition, it somewhat slippery thanks to the fallen leaves and not much rain. Hiking pols are optional, but water is essential.
I will be there at 8.45 with my dog (mid size, black/brown goofy head ). If you are late, please msg me here.
We can decide if we want to get coffee/breakfast after the hike. There is a Savage Mill near by, for example.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Neighborhood Hike: GreenbeltGreenbelt Branch Library, Greenbelt, MD
This 6.5mi moderate hike is half paved & has subtle elevation changes, albeit 1 hill. Pace: 3mph. The trek traverses the town of Greenbelt, first encircling Buddy Attick Lake then wandering through woodland, featuring a placid path paralleling the cataclysmic Canyon Creek which involves hopping over twice. After viewing an ominous observatory the circuit passes community gardens before returning to suburbia, concluding through the historic 'Roosevelt Center' plaza. Highlights include the 60 stairs of Insanity, a tasteless tunnel, & symbolizing sculptures (pictured). An authentic amble!
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= Town MAP; Trails MAP | Boots advised. 1 MAJOR MUD meander.
2. Post-social @New Deal Cafe
3. Interested in listening to an Orchestral show in town in the PM? See the Greenbelt Concert Band here.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the group's Liability Wavier hyperlinked here: Mosaic Activity Sign In sheet.pdf - Google Drive
- Off- Trail Hike (series): the CAVE & 'Ole' Asphalt' [double-header] (Rockville)Aspen Hill Park, Rockville, MD
This 3.8mi hard hike is mostly paved, but has STEEP inclines. Pace: 2.5mph. The trek first spurs off- trail, visiting a recessed overhang in the landscape currently interpreted as a CAVE. After traversing an optional log bridge the circuit steps up stony stairs, eventually connecting with the RCT. Latter of the hike snakes through suburbia before ascending 'ole asphalt', a hidden yet halcyon path. Highlights include an Osage tree- lined ascent, a bountiful boardwalk, & a mysterious meadow. An epic Expedition!
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= MAP | Boots advised. Some crouching/ crawling required. NO dogs.
2. Can't attend in the AM? Seek the PM alt. double- header here.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Off- Trail Hike (series): the 'Lit Pit' [double-header] (Rockville)Aspen Hill Park, Rockville, MD
This 2mi moderate hike has varying terrain & a puny, but precarious descent. Pace: 2.5mph. The trek bridges Veirs Mill Rd. then skirts along the Parklawn Cemetery. Latter of the circuit briefly DISAPPEARS off- trail into the woodland passing a detritus pit, before returning to the trailhead. Highlights include a flooded footbridge & an overwhelming underpass.
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= Boots advised. Some minor head- ducking required; may want a hat. NO dogs. Possible Deer observation.
2. Can't attend in the PM? Seek the AM alt. double- header here.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- NYE Hike: Watkins Reg'l park feat. Wiz of Oz & animals (Upr Marlboro)Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro, MD
Celebrate the end of 2024 on this 5mi easy hike that is relatively flat & sometimes paved. Pace: 3mph. The trek unfortunately doesn't follow a yellow brick road, but nonetheless traverses a playground & mini golf course with scenery & motifs from the "Wizard of Oz". Latter of the circuit visits the Old Maryland Farm. Latter of the circuit explores woodland before returning to the nature center. Highlights include an animal obelisk, a transient track trek, & the Watkins Downs horse playgrounds feat. "Mt. Horse-more". An all day animal affair!
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= MAP | Trail shoes ok.
2. This event is cross- listed, RSVP w/ only 1 Meetup.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Nat'l Take the Stairs day Assemblage @ Washington Monument s.p. (Boonsboro)Washington Monument State Park Trailhead Parking, Boonsboro, MD
Celebrate 'Nat'l Take the Stairs day' exploring Washington Monument state park, home to the "first monument to our nations first president"; admission $2 (honor system). A brief, slightly uphill .25mi o/w walk leads to the monument. Take the stairs inside, that upon topping offer panoramic views to the East & West.
Afterwards, socialize over comestibles and/or libations @The Main Cup (Middletown) | menuNOTES:
1. Supplemental Links: Youtube Video
2. This event is cross- listed, RSVP w/ only 1 Meetup.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Off- Trail Hike (series): Camp Seneca [AM edition] (Boyds)Camp Seneca Park, Boyds, MD
This 2mi moderate hike has uneven terrain. Pace: 2.5mph. The trek STEEPLY ascends a hill, disappearing off-trail, into the wilderness. After following a small stream the hike junctions with Little Seneca Creek. Highlights include lean- mean- green trees.
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= AllTrails | Boots advised. Possible Deer observation.
2. Post- social @Tortacos | menu
3. Can't attend in the AM? Seek PM hike here.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Off- Trail Hike (series): Camp Seneca [PM edition] (Boyds)Camp Seneca Park, Boyds, MD
This 2mi moderate hike has uneven terrain. Pace: 2.5mph. The trek STEEPLY ascends a hill, disappearing off-trail, into the wilderness. After following a small stream the hike junctions with Little Seneca Creek. Highlights include lean- mean- green trees.
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= AllTrails | Boots advised. Possible Deer observation.
2. Can't attend in the PM? Seek AM hike here.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
- Off- Trail Hike (series): Lake Frank (Rockville)Lake Frank, Rockville, MD
This 4.5mi hard hike has hills & uneven terrain. Pace: 2mph. The trek first descends Off- Trail to 'fern springs/ cabbage run', then circumnavigates the lustrous lake, with a peninsula path following which leads to the mucky, yet photogenic "point". Latter of the circuit hops a major stream crossing (see additional photo) then bushwhacks to a hidden stone foundation, then again bushwhacks back to the trail, eventually returning to the pavement. Highlights include a beguiling boulder, MD's 8th biggest tree, & corroded car. Trek trajectory subject to change. | MAP
NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= MAP | Boots, longer wear advised. Bushwhacking may be required.
2. Post- social @Hangry Joe's hot chicken
3. Want the full hike experience? seek hike here.A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.
![Off- Trail Hike (series): the CAVE & 'Ole' Asphalt' [double-header] (Rockville) cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/6/9/c/event_524525788.webp "Off- Trail Hike (series): the CAVE & 'Ole' Asphalt' [double-header] (Rockville)")
![Off- Trail Hike (series): the 'Lit Pit' [double-header] (Rockville) cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/d/8/a/event_524504426.webp "Off- Trail Hike (series): the 'Lit Pit' [double-header] (Rockville)")
![Off- Trail Hike (series): Camp Seneca [AM edition] (Boyds) cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/4/a/9/event_524597577.webp "Off- Trail Hike (series): Camp Seneca [AM edition] (Boyds)")
![Off- Trail Hike (series): Camp Seneca [PM edition] (Boyds) cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/4/a/f/event_524597583.webp "Off- Trail Hike (series): Camp Seneca [PM edition] (Boyds)")
