Mountain Club of Maryland

• NOTE THAT WE'RE MEETING ON M*O*N*D*A*Y

We'll leave from The Historic Ellicott City Courthouse parking lot (lots of free parking, no entrance fee) and venture toward the US-40 entrance in the Hollofield area of the park. We'll include the newly completed trail on this 2-loop, figure-8 hike.

Please don't sign up for this hike unless you've completed a hike of similar distance/climb recently.

We'll aim for a walking speed of about 2 1/4 MPH. There are no stream crossings or heavy vegetation but be prepared for copious mud and some rocky sections. About 1.5 miles will be walking on a lightly-traveled, paved road.

This hike (6-ish miles with 700' of elevation gain) will go to the campgrounds and loop back to the parking. There may be (no promises) an addditional optional loop of about 0.6 mile with about 100' of climb to/from the lookout point.

Here's where we'll step off: 3701 Courthouse Drive, 39.26993, -76.79811 in the parking lot on Courthouse Drive behind the old (now closed) courthouse. Step-off will be toward the west end of the lot. Look for the two small brown signs for trailhead parking by the large, yellow front-loader. Note that we do not wait for late comers.

We'll have an optional trailside lunch after the hike. Bring something to sit on if you like. There are also restaurant options in historic Ellicott City if anyone is interested.

Here's some info on nearby Mt. Ida: https://bookmtida.com/about-the-inn.

Here's info on the Patapsco Female Institute: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patapsco_Female_Institute

Please note the following waiver of liability for all Mountain Club of Maryland Meetup hikes.

By registering for this hike, you agree to the following waiver of liability:
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“I am aware of the risks inherent in outdoor activities. Therefore, I will be responsible for my own well-being while participating in the activities of the Mountain Club of Maryland, and while traveling to and from these activities. I agree that the Mountain Club of Maryland Meetup Group, its officers, representatives, other hikers and trip leaders are not liable individually or collectively for any injury, loss, or damage to my person or property, direct or consequential, arising out of the activities of the Group.”
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Come hike with us - it's good for your heart and good for your soul.

We continue our section series on the Seneca Greenway Trail in Montgomery County where we stopped last time for approximately 8-8.5 miles total out and back. We will start south due to parking lot availability, hike north and then return the same way.

This section of the natural surface trail offers views of the Great Seneca Creek, traverses beautiful upland woodlands, provides a spectacular overlook of the stream valley and includes a natural rock bridge near Watkins Mill Road. Historic points of interest include the former sites of Middlebrook Mills and the Watkins Mill. The mill race associated with Watkins Mill can still be seen.

Pace will be 2.5-3.0 miles per hour. Trail is mostly flat with minimal elevation. There can be some mud and a few small crossings here and there. There are no restrooms at the parking lot. Dress warmly as weather will be cold and windy. Bring water and snacks and lunch.

Coordinates for the parking lot: 39.16748, -77.22919
Address is 18931 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. The name is Route 355 parking lot. It is easy to miss. From the county's website: Large parking lot with trail information at Route 355 entrance. If traveling south along Md 355 to get to Rt. 355 entrance, there is a median preventing direct left-hand turn into parking lot. Proceed to Game Preserve Road and turn at median break.